Co-Owner of Treasured Friends Pet Crematorium Services Mike Smith closes the door on the fire box that is used during a pet cremation.
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Company serves grieving pet owners
By: Holly Kramer, Staff Writer
The loss of their beloved golden retriever Madison led Barb and Phil Smith to start a business to help other pet owners.
The Smiths opened Treasured Friends Pet Crematorium Services Inc., 417 N. Rawhide, Olathe, five weeks ago with the help of Phil’s parents, Mike and Beth Smith.
Barb said she was alone when 110-pound Madison died and she did not know what to do.
“I had to call Mike and he helped me put her in the van,” Barb said. “It was really hard and I kept thinking there should be a place that could pick up a pet and take them to the vet or a crematorium.”
Barb said Treasured Friends offers many services to help pet owners during a difficult time.
“At that time, when it’s happening, even if you know your animal is sick, you’re not at a good place to make decisions,” Barb said.
She said when Madison died, she and her husband faced questions they did not know how to answer.
“They were asking all these different things,” Barb said. “I didn’t know what my options were.”
When a pet dies, Treasured Friends can pick the animal up at home or at the veterinary clinic, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for no extra charge.
“We want to try to make it as simple as possible,” Barb said.
The death of a pet can be traumatic.
“For a lot of people, their pets are their family,” Phil said.
The facility includes a memorial viewing area.
“Some people feel very strongly about actually seeing their animal go in (the crematorium), which is hard,” Barb said. “I could not personally do that, but there are people who feel that strongly. People want to just come in and have a little ceremony, want to see the animal one last time.”
The viewing area also has seats available for candlelight services every Wednesday night.
“It’s kind of a memorial for people who want to come and memorialize their pet,” Phil said.
Twice-monthly support group meetings are also offered for bereaved pet owners. A licensed grief counselor, Tim McHenry, is on staff to help with the grieving process.
Treasured Friends also sells pet urns and memorial products. The business is the only pet crematorium in Johnson County.
The community has supported the business, Barb said.
“The response has been very accepting; they like that there is an option in Kansas,” Barb said. “I think a lot of people feel like they want to support Johnson County businesses. They’ve been very excited about the availability.”
For details, go to www.ourtreasuredfriends.com.
Contact Holly Kramer at 385-6068 or hollykramer@
sunpublications.com.
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The Smiths opened Treasured Friends Pet Crematorium Services Inc., 417 N. Rawhide, Olathe, five weeks ago with the help of Phil’s parents, Mike and Beth Smith.
Barb said she was alone when 110-pound Madison died and she did not know what to do.
“I had to call Mike and he helped me put her in the van,” Barb said. “It was really hard and I kept thinking there should be a place that could pick up a pet and take them to the vet or a crematorium.”
Barb said Treasured Friends offers many services to help pet owners during a difficult time.
“At that time, when it’s happening, even if you know your animal is sick, you’re not at a good place to make decisions,” Barb said.
She said when Madison died, she and her husband faced questions they did not know how to answer.
“They were asking all these different things,” Barb said. “I didn’t know what my options were.”
When a pet dies, Treasured Friends can pick the animal up at home or at the veterinary clinic, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for no extra charge.
“We want to try to make it as simple as possible,” Barb said.
The death of a pet can be traumatic.
“For a lot of people, their pets are their family,” Phil said.
The facility includes a memorial viewing area.
“Some people feel very strongly about actually seeing their animal go in (the crematorium), which is hard,” Barb said. “I could not personally do that, but there are people who feel that strongly. People want to just come in and have a little ceremony, want to see the animal one last time.”
The viewing area also has seats available for candlelight services every Wednesday night.
“It’s kind of a memorial for people who want to come and memorialize their pet,” Phil said.
Twice-monthly support group meetings are also offered for bereaved pet owners. A licensed grief counselor, Tim McHenry, is on staff to help with the grieving process.
Treasured Friends also sells pet urns and memorial products. The business is the only pet crematorium in Johnson County.
The community has supported the business, Barb said.
“The response has been very accepting; they like that there is an option in Kansas,” Barb said. “I think a lot of people feel like they want to support Johnson County businesses. They’ve been very excited about the availability.”
For details, go to www.ourtreasuredfriends.com.
Contact Holly Kramer at 385-6068 or hollykramer@
sunpublications.com.