http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.foreverfriends.co.nz en-us Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:06:57 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/171306/best-dogs-walks-in-the-eastern-bay-of-plenty/ Looking for the best dog-friendly spots to stretch four legs across Whakatāne, Kawerau, and Ōpōtiki? Whether you want an uphill bush workout, a coast stroll, or a quick off-leash run at a local park, here is a roundup of top local spots across the Eastern Bay.🌲 Scenic Hikes & Coastal Trails1. Latham’s Track (Awakeri)The Vibe: A solid uphill hike through bush and farmland with views across the plains.Rules: Dogs allowed on-leash.Why go: Located out near Awakeri, this track offers a pr... Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:30:27 +1300 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post171306 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/168722/why-standards-matter-in-pet-end-of-life-care/ When a human family member passes away, we place our trust in licensed funeral directors who adhere to strict codes of ethics, gentle care, and professional standards.So why should our pets receive anything less?At Forever Friends Pet Cremations & Farewells, we were founded on a simple belief: every pet deserves a respectful end, and every grieving family deserves complete peace of mind.What Does "our Standard" Mean for Your Pet?Reverent Handling from Start to Finish: From the moment we pick... Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1200 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post168722 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/168719/he-was-just-a-cat/ "You can always get another one."If you have recently lost a pet, comments like these - even when well-intentioned - can feel like a punch to the chest. The reality is that losing a companion who shared your daily routines, greeted you at the door, and loved you unconditionally is a profound and valid loss.At Forever Friends, we speak with grieving pet parents every day across Whakatāne, Ōhope, and the wider Eastern Bay. Here is what we want you to know about navigating pet grief.1. Validate Y... Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post168719 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/168723/how-to-choose-the-perfect-pet-memorial/ Bringing your pet’s ashes home is an important milestone in the grieving process. It brings them back to the place where they were safest and most loved. To help you honor their unique personality, Forever Friends offers a range of bespoke memorial tributes and keepsakes.Here is a guide to choosing the right memorial for your cherished companion.1. Traditional Wooden & Ceramic UrnsIf you want a timeless display for your home, our collection of polished wooden boxes and ceramic urns provide... Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post168723 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/168718/pet-cremation-vs-home-burial-in-new-zealand/ When a cherished pet passes away, one of the first decisions a family faces is how to handle their physical resting place. While home burial was once the standard choice across rural and suburban New Zealand, more and more pet parents in Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty are choosing individual pet cremation.Here is a helpful comparison of home burial versus pet cremation to help you choose what is best for your family.1. Local Council & Property ConsiderationsHome Burial: In New Zeal... Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post168718 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/168717/what-to-do-when-your-pet-passes-away-at-home/ Losing a beloved pet at home - whether expectedly after a long illness or suddenly - is an emotional and overwhelming moment. In those quiet hours of grief, knowing what steps to take next can bring much-needed clarity and peace of mind.At Forever Friends, our experienced team is here to guide you through this difficult process with warmth, dignity, and local care right here in Whakatāne.Here is a simple, practical guide on what to do when your pet passes away at home.1. Take a Moment to Pause... Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:01:50 +1200 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post168717 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/158709/who-is-forever-friends/ For many of us, pets are family. Saying goodbye to a cherished animal companion is a deeply personal and painful experience. Now, the Eastern Bay community has a new local business dedicated to navigating this difficult time with dignity and compassion: Forever Friends Pet Cremations.Located in Whakatāne, Forever Friends was founded by a team who understands the depth of owning a pet: Bradley Shaw, Garry and Donna Shaw, and Cherie Stevenson. Identifying a gap in the local market for dedicated, ... Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:51:29 +1300 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post158709 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/158538/loving-porsche/ From the Taylor family. (Adorable Porsche)The seven stages of grief do not come in order. They do not line up neatly or wait their turn. They circle. They overlap. They return quietly when you think they’ve already passed. Some days, they all arrive at once, and I carry them together.I look for you in everything I do. Not deliberately, it just happens. In the way my body still expects yours to be nearby. In the spaces you used to fill so completely, without ever trying. Every small adjustment ... Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:05:56 +1300 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post158538 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/155609/fireworks-and-pets/ Fireworks are stressful and dangerous for pets due to loud noises, bright flashes, and hazardous chemicals if ingested. To protect them, keep pets indoors, provide a secure and comfortable space, use distractions like TV or music, and ensure they have up-to-date identification or are microchipped. If you must take a pet outside, use a leash, and if you think your pet has ingested any part of a firework, seek immediate veterinary care. During fireworks:Keep pets indoors: This will help ... Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:14:01 +1300 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post155609 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/post/147446/cautious-cats/ Caring for your feline friend in Whakatāne means creating a safe, stimulating, and loving environment. Here's a condensed guide to what you should never do, ensuring your cat thrives and you avoid the heartbreak of needing pet cremation, dog cremation, or cat cremation services too soon.Avoid teasing or roughhousing. Cats are sensitive creatures, and actions like blowing in their face or inappropriate grabbing can cause stress and fear. Respect their boundaries; a happy cat is less likely to bi... Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:53:01 +1200 http://www.foreverfriends.co.nz/blog/#post147446