I’m usually pretty good with words, whether its talking or writing but for some reason this blog has taken me a while to get down on paper and, even verbally, I have only told a few people even though I knew it was my duty (sounds bit harsh) to tell you about it because if youre reading this, you are more than likely a customer of mine, whether directly or indirectly. Most of my customers know my vibe and whther its that Ive done a piece directly for you and your furry friend or you are a vet or groomer or crematorium owner who I work with to get my message out, you know how soft and sentimental (and squidgy!) I am, so this story means a lot to me and hopefully will to you guys too.
Two months ago I found myself at crossroads in life, I was splitting my time between NYC and Dublin, I had friends and family in both and loved both cities dearly. One was home and one was quickly becoming home. I have a great relationship with my mom and we love to do fun acitvities together. One of those things is the occassional trip to a fortune teller, tarot reader or some such!
So we headed up to Dundalk to a fabulous woman called Romina. I walked in the door, made myself comfortable and, as she asked me to, allowed my aura and spirit to fill the room. When she sat down she told me that although she was a card reader and not a medium, she often had spirits visit who wished to communicate with the living person who was having the reading. This was happening to me. She said there was a gentleman who wanted to communicate with me but she also told me that something else unusual was occurring and that was a noise of dogs barking and cats purring and both were trying to communicate a message. Not once did I reveal the business I was in, or even that I had a business! The man said that the animals just wanted to convey a simple message, a message of thanks to me.
Needless to say I sat there and cried. I have a pretty good relationship with anyone who has directly become a customer of mine, it goes with the nature of what I do. Most of my customers are beyond grateful that I can help provide them with some form of solace in their time of grief and this humbles me in a way I can never express. It’s a privilage to do what I do but to know that the puppies and kitties that have passed on and passed through my care were thankful too? Well that just signed my ‘calling card’ that this bsuiness and this career is the vocation for me and I am so happy to tell all of my customer of time passed that your little furry baby was more than likely a part of this gang who sent a message and just so you know, they are happy and waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge, have no doubt about that! <3
I have to say I was a lil bit anxious heading to Hartsdale - partly because it was a VERY (3 ft!!!) snowy January Morning and partly because I didn't know how upset I would be or how traumatised - lets be honest Im just like you guys - I know I might do cremation jewelery but at the end of the day Im the biggest ball of smoosh and anyone who has ever met me in life or at a show etc will completely know this!!
BUT I was overwhelmed - it was beautiful. It might have been the serene snow or the quiet calm as a result of the snow but either way - even though I couldn't initially get into hartsdale ( I went in the wrong way - which was in my opinion the front way!) I was blown away by the beauty and tranquility of it all. Honestly I might bring my blog to there - as in I might write it FROM there from now on.....its hard sometimes to find a quiet spot between NYC and Dublin!
And so began my conversation with Edward Martin Senior. A complete gentleman if ever I met one. So relaxed in my company I felt no inhibitions or eagerness to impress or interest in trying to ...well I don't know...what do people try to do?! Sell themselves or other things? I feel that is often the way in America..... :-(
I feel we fell into natural conversation with each other.
In 1896 A woman who owned some property - Emily Burset, a wealthy lady decided to allow her friends to bury their pets for a small fee. The Story goes that she contacts Dr Samuel Jackson and he referred other people to her. After 10/11 years he took it over and it became Hartsdale Canine Cemetary BUT the charter then dictated that ANY pet must be buried not just canine (thus making the name redundant).
As with ALL true historic moments there are TWO stories to every story.
Now here is STORY NUMBER 2 - A Vetinarian called Dr Samuel Johnson took care of animals when they were just used for physical labour. Unfortunately as with all living things, thy pass away and up to then most did not as “What happened to the body?” but one lady did. Never asked before – she kept enquiring and got told the truth – pets are put out with garbage can. Those who are probably reading to this point are horrifiied. Yup you and me both. My baby aint going in NO trash!!!! So in steps Dr Samuel Jackson.....
“Well I have a place in Westchester County” he said and so She buried the pet herself and then other people started asking could they do theirs. It made sense. It became a business as most opportunities do.....and so the story continues.....More next week!
Product review from Pete the Vet : looking after your pet’s remains after their death in a novel way – “cremation jewellery”
We all dread that day when we finally need to say goodbye to our pets. It’s always a difficult time, and on top of the emotional distress, there’s that difficult decision to make: what to do with your pet’s remains? It’s a difficult subject, and it probably makes sense to consider it in advance, so that when that moment comes, you have already given serious consideration to the various options. Your decision on the day will then be clearer and easier.
Generally, there are three main choices:
Burial at home - this suits some people, perhaps with smaller pets and with bigger gardens, but for many of us, it’s just not practical
Cremation – with ashes being returned. This option is the most popular for many people with a deep attachment to their pet.
Cremation – with ashes not being returned. Many people feel that they would not know what to do with their pet’s ashes, and they don’t feel the need to have them returned to them. And of course, there’s an extra cost to have pets’ ashes returned, and people may not be in a position to afford to do it.
At the time of your pet’s death, your vet will usually discuss each of these three options with you, and they will help you make the necessary arrangements in place.
If you do decide to ask for your pet’s ashes to be returned to you, what will you do with them? Some people scatter the ashes in a favourite place, while others keep the ashes at home, perhaps with a sample of their pet’s fur and some of their possessions, such as a collar or a toy.
Today’s product review is about a novel alternative for what to do with your pet’s ashes: you can have some of them incorporated into jewellery. Have you ever heard the Rainbow Bridge story? Well if you haven’t and have suffered pet loss then you should visit www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com: you’ll be able to read all about the Rainbow Bridge, as well as learning about Jennifer’s novel way of remembering your pet.
Dubliner Jennifer Muldowney created Rainbow Bridge Memorials when her pet dog of 16 years, Roxy died in 2009. A friend shared the story of Rainbow Bridge with Jennifer and it helped her to heal and continues to inspire her collection of pet memorials.
Jennifer’s collection includes a number of colourful jewellery pieces, from pendants to charms made from the cremated ashes of pets fused with glass. The fusion of ash with the glass creates a cloud like effect, ensuring that each piece is unique and individual to you and your pet. You can add different colours or charms to make it even more personal: just ask Jennifer and she’ll explain how this can be done.
When you make a purchase on the website – www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com you are sent a Rainbow Pack so that you can send Jennifer and her team a small amount of your pet’s ashes. All postage is included in the price of €160 (or €240 for 9ct gold) and each order is handmade separately.
Cremation Jewellery isn't for everyone, but if you are looking for a different way to remember your pet, it’s certainly worth considering.
Ok so we make some pretty fabulous Christmas ornaments here at Rainbow Bridge Memorials BUT they are memorial items and we want you to celebrate your babies while they are still barking and purring at your feet right now so in honor of that and the upcoming Festive season here is a cool DIY Xmas Ornament you can do at home with your furry loved one!!
Dough Ornament Ingredients:
1 cup salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
Or ratio of 1 salt to 1 flour to half water ;-)
Parchment paper or aluminium foil or just something unsticky! ;-)
A pen or pencil or general poking device for punching a hole - we're so tech here!
Mix the salt, flour, water in a bowl until it becomes firm. Knead the dough for 30 seconds and then cut individual circles with a Glass or Cup or if you're very fancy - a shape cutter!!! LOL
Now is the tricky part - hold your pet long enough to get the desired print!!!
Press your pet's paw into the dough and use the poking device to make a small hole at the top.
Bake at about 200 degrees in the oven for 2-3 hours or until completely dry and pray it doesn't crack!!
Once cool, paint the whole piece and then (suggestion!) Use a pretty (maybe red? or Green? ooh and even glitter!) to decorate the paw....
Another cool suggestion is to write the year and name with marker on the back (HINT: if you've painted a dark color, use a light sharpie like silver or white).
Annnnnd to prove you CAN be Martha Stewart - finish it off with a festive ribbon to hang on the tree! Voilà!! You ARE amazing and your furry one loves you even more ;-)
BIG COMPETITION NEWS!! Come see us at the Ireland's Family Pet Expo RDS Nov 7/8th 2015 for your chance to win. If you can't make it, share and comment on this post below and we will add your name to the draw that weekend. <3 we know not everyone can make it and it is SUCH a good prize!!!
PRIZE - “Rainbow Bridge Memorial Pack” - our Sterling Silver Paw Print Heart Locket, our Glass Photo Weight, our BRAND NEW Encased/Engraved Christmas Decoration, your choice of our original 20 inch Sterling Silver Fused Pendents and a Framed copy of the Rainbow Bridge Story.
This memorial pack totals 650 euros and will be personalized for the winner!!
This is a beautiful present for someone to use themselves or share with others.
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All shipping, delivery, postage and packaging is FREE to you wherever you are in the world regardless of the number of pieces purchased.© 2024 Rainbow Bridge Memorials
