Heath Funeral Home Pets: A Compassionate and Professional Pet Loss Service

Located at 321 W. Garland St., Paragould, AR, 72450, Heath Funeral Home Pets is a unique and specialized funeral home that understands the profound bond between humans and their beloved pets. As pet owners ourselves, we know that saying goodbye to our furry friends can be one of the most difficult experiences we face. That's why Heath Funeral Home Pets is dedicated to providing a compassionate and professional pet loss service that honors the life and memory of your cherished companion.

A Personalized Approach to Pet Loss

At Heath Funeral Home Pets, we believe that every pet is a member of the family, and their passing deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated with dignity and respect. Our experienced and caring staff takes the time to understand your pet's unique personality, habits, and quirks, allowing us to create a personalized farewell that reflects their individual spirit. From cremation services to memorialization options, we offer a range of choices to help you say goodbye in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

Funeral Obiturary Search

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Mario Davis - February 01, 2018 - March 24, 2024

Departed: 03/24/2024 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Feb 2018-March 24th, 2024

Mario was a big loveable boy who loved his belly rubbed. He would bump you with his head to show he wanted to be loved on up to the day he went over the rainbow bridge. He met Octavia & Hemi on the bridge.

His humans were Jack, Kimberly, Jax & Paiscyn. He does leave behind a brother from the same litter, Luigi, and another brother, Yoshi.

We miss him dearly already.

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Max Bridges - May 10, 2010 - March 22, 2024

Departed: 03/22/2024 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Max Bridges crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 22, 2024. Max always loved his belly rubs and treats. He has been by his mom's side since he was nine weeks old, and he could not have been a better companion. Max leaves behind his loving mom, Dana Bridges, and his fur sister, Princess.

Mom and Princess already miss Max so much. RIP Max. Mama will meet you at Rainbow Bridge one day.

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Hemi Cuda Davis - October 29, 2013 - February 17, 2024

Departed: 02/17/2024 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Hemi Cuda Davis crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 17, 2024, with his parents by his side. He was born on October 29, 2013. He quickly captured the hearts of his parents, Jack and Kimberly Davis. Hemi was known for his love of giving "five". He enjoyed playing with bubbles and tennis balls, and he was always entertained when chasing laser lights. Hemi Cuda is reunited with his "sister", Octavia Blue Davis, who awaited him on the rainbow bridge.

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Jonah Ellis - January 01, 2008 - December 09, 2023

Departed: 12/09/2023 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Jonah Ellis crossed over the rainbow bridge while resting in the arms of his mommy on December 9, 2023. Jonah was the bestest boy. He loved his mommy and daddy, food and treats, and he tolerated his four fur brothers and sisters. Jonah started a trend in the Cooper family. Everyone fell in love with him and then had to have their own dog!

A rare, white mini schnauzer, Jonah was the patriarch of his pack and had no issues letting everyone know it. Though we were blessed with his presence for 15 years, it just wasn't long enough. Jonah is now in heaven with his Papo Grady, and fur cousins, Nosey, Sophie, Bella, and Molly. Sweet Jonah, if our love could have kept you alive, you would have lived forever. We love and miss you, precious baby.

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Goldy Cupp - January 01, 2000 - October 07, 2023

Departed: 10/07/2023 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Goldy came into the Cupp’s lives on July 25th 2022. His mother Midnight is a solid black momma and she had three of the most perfect kittens. Goldy loved to be mischievous and getting into everything within reach! He loved to hang with his daddy “Eric” in his shop! Goldy also loved to play chase with his brother Yadi. He left this world suddenly on October 7th and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge! He was preceded in death by his Aunt Missy Cupp and his Uncle Louie Cupp. He is survived by his mother Midnight Cupp, brother Yadi Cupp, sister Abby Cupp, his Auntie Fancy Cupp, and his caregivers Jennifer and Eric Cupp. He has left a hole in our hearts that will be tough to be filled! Lots of Love, Goodbye my little Goldy!!!

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Cooper Brown - June 01, 2014 - October 01, 2023

Departed: 10/01/2023 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Mr.Cooper Brown made his trip over the rainbow bridge Sunday, October 1, 2023. He was loved by so many and pulled at so many heart strings. Cooper was a loving happy little boy. He loved to run around and play. He loved doing laps around the house.

Even with him being tiny, he was mighty. He always chased his other fur brothers around the house. Any time his humans were vacuuming, he tried his hardest to stop it by biting at the vacuum and trying to drag it out of their hands. He loved holidays. Christmas was his favorite. He loved opening his presents with the help of his fur brother. His favorite place to go was sonic to get his pup cups with some bacon added. He was always so happy and full of joy. At 9yrs old he started to put up a fight to be be with us, but lost his fight and crossed over the rainbow bridge to be with his brother. He had such a big heart for a tiny boy and so much love. He will be truly missed by his human brother and sister. May you find so much peace and joy until we meet again. RIP, my sweet boy...I will meet you at the rainbow bridge!

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Bobo Rodriguez - July 15, 2009 - February 14, 2023

Departed: 02/14/2023 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Bobo ( Bo- Little) was 13 1/2 years of loyalty, friendship, happiness, but most of all, love. Bo loved going on rides, pupcups, playing "where's the mouse" game , and escaping the yard to chase the neighbor's cats, but he was most passionate about his family. If Bo wasn't cuddled up with his wife, Mille  or bossing Klaws (brother) and Shelby (niece) around, you would find him in the arms of his humans. Although Bo didn't care much for the attention from his raccoon brother, Oliver will still miss petting Bo through the kennel.

Bo-Little was a rescue, but we were the ones blessed to have gotten to love and be loved by such a precious boy who will be missed daily.

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Jonesy Boy Williams - February 01, 2023 - February 06, 2023

Departed: 02/06/2023 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Jonesy Boy took his walk over the rainbow bridge on February 6, 2023. He was just the best dog ever and was the coolest lil feller with his red mohawk. He loved all our other cats and dogs but always had to be the center of attention. He loved chasing his own tail lol. He was the first to let you know if someone was here for sure and he had a loud bark for such a little boy. Jonesy Boy was spoiled rotten and lived his best life ever with us. He loved going for rides and would always try to sneak out the door to go with us. That lil 6 lb feller thought he was the biggest dog of the pack and was totally fearless. He loved us so much and we loved him so dearly as well. I'm glad to have had the time we had with him. And I'm thankful he was a part of our lives. He brought so much joy and happiness to us every single day and he will be truly missed forever. He was loved by Spud Tater, (male dog) who has passed on. Him and Rebel Yell (male dog)didn't always see eye to eye but they still loved one another. And Sasha Lynn (female dog) misses him everyday now as well as us. He never bothered our cats, Princess the kitty kitty, Goldie Girl or Loki Love. But he always wanted to play with him they just didn't want much to do with him LOL. He loved getting treats and he loved it when his groomer got him all dolled up! He was a fancy lil feller and knew he was just the cutest ever. We will miss throwing toys for him, feeding him treats, we will miss him just being in our laps and in our lives. He truly was one of the very best dogs ever. We loved him so very much

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Octavia Blue Davis - November 12, 2008 - January 24, 2023

Departed: 01/24/2023 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Octavia Blue Davis made her well earned trip over the rainbow bridge on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Loved so very much by her owners, Jack, Kimberly & Jax, Octavia always followed her human kid, Jax, around from the time of his birth in April 2012 until her very last breath. She was his protector and always will be.

Octavia loved egg rolls, Twinkies, & dog biscuits. She was the BEST best friend to each of her humans. Anyone who had a chance to meet her knew that she was the absolute sweetest dog ever. She will be greatly missed. Go over the rainbow, Baby Girl...Jack, Kimberly, and Jax will see you later!

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Libby Clark - January 01, 2008 - October 07, 2022

Departed: 10/07/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Libby Clark became the oldest fur daughter of Lori and Brandon Clark. She loved car rides and going to the river. If anyone ever had food in their hands, you could be certain that Libby was near. She considered everyone her best friend while they were eating. Libby could often be found in the backyard soaking in the sun. Although she was small, the love she showed her family will be felt for many years.

Libby crossed the rainbow bridge and joined her fur sister, Izzy, on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the age of 14. She leaves behind her loving parents and her sister, Brynlee. Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

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Boo Radley - January 01, 2000 - August 22, 2022

Departed: 08/22/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Boo Radley crossed the rainbow bridge August 22, 2022. Boo has been my best friend since day one. When we brought him home we fully intended him to be a family dog but he very quickly became by baby. As a puppy his favorite toys were my dads socks but soon he had torn holes in almost all of them and we transitioned him to chew toys and tennis balls. My dad used to have a old gas heater in his house that made a loud click when you went to start it. We have no clue why but he could not stand it. He latched onto the command “fire bad” and would go to attack anything he decided was fire, lighters, remotes, pens. We were never able to break him from it and it quickly became his most loved trick. There honestly wasn’t much he did like outside of his ball and his family but he was a smart, loving boy right up to the very end.

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Wainwright-Molina Stephens - January 01, 2012 - August 16, 2022

Departed: 08/16/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Wainwright-Molina crossed over the rainbow bridge on August 16, 2022. Wainwright was born in 2012. He leaves behind his two dads, Jason and Scott Stephens of Paragould; his brother, Holliday Matt Stephens, aka "bubby"; and his mamaw, Henrietta Stephens of Mountain Home. He had many Facebook friends that saw him grow up on Facebook.

Wainwright and his brother had the honor of being Pet of the Month of September at the Veterinary Healthcare Clinic, and then in September of 2021, they were Pets of the Month for Paragould Premier Magazine.

Wainwright loved going for rides every day, and when his dad drove through a drive-thru, he especially liked receiving a treat. Wainwright loved being outside with Holliday and his dads. He loved keeping us safe from those pesky squirrels. He sure loved his treats and hotdogs, aka "dogdogs". He loved having a spa day with Ms. Summer and Ms. Stacee.

Wainwright was loved dearly, and he will be missed tremendously.

The family would like to thank Dr. Miller, Natalie, and staff from Veterinary Healthcare Clinic for the wonderful care Wainwright received.

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Cocoa Grimsley - December 22, 2015 - May 31, 2022

Departed: 05/31/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Cocoa was a certified service animal, but beyond that, she was my best friend in my heart. When Buddy and I first met Cocoa as a puppy, she fit in the palm of our hands. She had a sassy attitude that would rival anyone that claims to be a diva. Cocoa traveled all over the country with us. When we opened up our tanning salon in Pocahontas, she became a mascot that everyone loved to visit. Cocoa was not like any other Pomeranian anyone has ever met. She never met a stranger in her life and loved babies. She would let you know anytime her food and water bowl was empty or if she needed a treat. She would walk into any place and instantly steal your heart. She was a diva that never needed to be on a leash, and she behaved better than anyone could ever imagine. Cocoa was a living teddy bear that could erase anyone's sadness. She will hold a special place in the countless hearts she touched. I will miss my little girl. RIP Cocoa.

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Sophie Cooper - May 10, 2010 - May 24, 2022

Departed: 05/24/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Sophie Cooper crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, just two months after her Papo, Grady Cooper, and one month after her fur brother, Nosey. Sophie spent twelve years of her life as a Cooper "kid". She was the most gentle, lovable companion and snugglebug, often times making her self comfortable on her Nana's lap during the evening hours before bedtime.

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Nosey Cooper - January 01, 2014 - April 17, 2022

Departed: 04/17/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Nosey Cooper crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Nosey came to be part of our family in 2014. We soon found out that he had been named appropriately as his curious nature provoked him to explore and, often times, get himself caught up in mischievous adventures. His fur, like his precious soul, was snow white. He loved to snuggle, sleep, and spend time outdoors. He loved his fur sister, Sophie, and would often be caught cuddled up to her even though he had three other beds to sleep in. He loved his humans and boy did we adore him! He was the sweetest boy and our home and our hearts feel the pain of his absence. Nosey passed away just 32 days after his favorite human, Grady Cooper, went to be with our Lord. We believe he is no longer grieving, but resting peacefully in his Papo's lap as he enjoys views in Heaven. Sweet boy, we miss and love you so much.

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Charlie Pierce - August 01, 2007 - April 14, 2022

Departed: 04/14/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Charlie was rescued in Pocahontas by his mom fourteen years ago. Laya, who would become Charlie's fur sister, had already found her forever home with the Pierce family. They began looking for a companion for Laya when they found Charlie. When he was brought into the Pierce home, the first thing he did was shred a roll of toilet paper and then flop onto his back on a pillow...in the toilet paper pile! Charlie absolutely loved playing in the water. He was certain he could eventually catch it. His other love was tug-of-war. He loved his ropes! The first thing he would do when a visitor came to the house was grab his rope and wait at the door for them to come inside to play! He was certain every visitor was there to see him! He would drag his human cousin around when she was younger. She would sit on the floor with her legs crossed, hang onto the rope, and be pulled by Charlie.

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Gypsy Rose Smith - August 01, 2006 - April 05, 2022

Departed: 04/05/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Gypsy Rose was born in August 2006 and passed away April 5, 2022. We have lost our most precious and oldest girl. While we’d all like to claim her, she really belonged to James. At 16, Gypsy lived a long life. Even though she lost her vision a few years ago, her nose worked just fine, and she always figured out where she was… most of the time. She was a true daddy’s girl, and he enjoyed toting her around as she was the center of his attention. She begged for belly rubs and to be held. She also enjoyed Cheerios every morning and bread snacks each night after supper. Gypsy will always hold a special place in our hearts and life will not be the same without her in it.

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Milo "Mr. Meow Meow" Gross-Dodd - March 01, 2015 - March 07, 2022

Departed: 03/07/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Milo made his trip to the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, March 7, 2022. He was rescued by his parents, Devin Dodd and Cheyanne Gross, and brought into their home. It was in their home where he met his dog brother, Cash. Although he was fond of Cash, Cash wasn't always fond of Milo.

Milo loved to talk. In fact, he did it so much he was given the nickname "Mr. Meow Meow". He also loved to be outdoors. He would always try to spend as much time as possible outside. He knew how to live on the streets, so he earned the name "Street Kitty".

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Izzy Clark - October 08, 2011 - February 26, 2022

Departed: 02/26/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Izzy Clark was born on October 8, 2011, and became the fur daughter of Lori and Brandon Clark. She loved being outside, and she could never get enough treats. Once her sister, Brynlee, was born, Izzy grew her love to a new family member. Only weighing five pounds, Izzy found herself being carried by Brynlee like a baby doll and pushed in a stroller.

Izzy journeyed to rainbow bridge on Saturday, February 26, 2022, with her family by her side. Although she will be missed daily, her love will continue in the hearts of her parents, sister, and those closest to her. Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

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Marlee Cunningham - January 01, 2010 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Marlee Cunningham journeyed to the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. She leaves behind her loving parents, Vince and Stacy Cunningham; her human brother, Mason; and her fur siblings, Bailey (boxer mix), Libby, and Lela (lab mix).

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Ginger Williams - December 15, 2007 - December 18, 2021

Departed: 12/18/2021 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Ginger Williams crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, December 18, 2021. She was the loving daughter of Caleb and Mallory Williams and spent fourteen years bringing joy to their house. Please remember the Williams family in your prayers during this time.

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Bella Blue Burns - April 15, 2021 - April 15, 2021

Departed: 04/15/2021 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Bella Blue Burns, 11, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021.

Bella is survived by her owners, Joan and Curtis Burns, and her brother Buster.

Bella was as sweet as she could be. She loved to follow Joan and Curtis all around the house. You could find her sleeping on the couch, laying on the front porch, playing around outside, or chasing rabbits.

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Tippy Roe - January 24, 2021 - January 24, 2021

Departed: 01/24/2021 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Tippy was the beloved border collie of the Roe family for 19 years. She was the loving companion of the late Mr and Mrs Charles and Violet Roe.

Born on St.Patrick’s Day she was our lucky girl.

Tippy was the “mom dog” to their grandchildren, always closely watching them and staying right by their side. She had the most human looking eyes and was so carrying and loving. Her favorite time was family time and always made friends will all visitors.

Tippy loved being out side and moles and rabbits were her favorite things to look for . Her favorite human food was potatoes, any way you cooked them and peanut butter dog treats.

She was the Alfa female to her dog family she raised as her own from pups over the years and was proceeded in death by Chico,Angus and Cotton and is survived by Boomer and “that cat” Onyx .

All that knew her loved her.

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Anubis Barringer - January 07, 2020 - December 09, 2020

Departed: 12/09/2020 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Anubis Barringer passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2020. She was born on January 7, 2020. Anubis is survived by her owner Wes and fur brother, Spike. She was very playful, energetic and loved kids. Her family will miss her very much.

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Conner's Precious Princess Gahr - May 06, 2006 - July 16, 2020

Departed: 07/16/2020 (Paragould)

Obituary Preview: Conner's Precious Princess Gahr (AKC Name) "Precious"

We were so very blessed to of had the opportunity to love and be loved by our Precious. Our beloved fur baby was the most beautiful Bichon Frise born on May 6, 2006 in Indiana and came to her forever home six weeks after that. Conner fell madly in love with her feisty, playful, spunky self and her absolutely one of a kind beautiful pink nose. He knew immediately she was "the one" but I think she chose him as she kept playing with him and wouldn't leave his side when we went to get our puppy. It was obvious, we couldn't take any other puppy but her.

There was never a day that went by that we were not greeted with her wagging tail and unconditional love. She enjoyed so much when Conner or Dad would come in and play with her by kicking around her toys or barking in the air and getting her to bark. Her little "Bichon Blitz" that she would do was the cutest thing we had ever seen. She never left Mom's side and was always said she was my shadow.

Precious loved being our guard dog and never letting anyone come around that she didn't know. She would always make sure we knew someone was near. She mostly loved and protected our grands, Emily and Dylan, along with the infants that I watched, Master Graham and Miss Perry. Precious loved riding with her head out the window of the vehicle, riding on the pontoon, swimming in the lake with us and sleeping with and cuddling with Mom and Dad, She was the best cuddler in the world.

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Comprehensive Cremation Services

Heath Funeral Home Pets offers a variety of cremation options to suit your needs and preferences. Our state-of-the-art crematory ensures that your pet is treated with the utmost care and respect throughout the entire process. We provide private cremations, where your pet is cremated individually, as well as semi-private cremations, where multiple pets are cremated together. Additionally, we offer witnessed cremations, allowing you to be present during the process if you so choose.

Memorialization Options

At Heath Funeral Home Pets, we understand that grieving is a process that continues long after the initial loss. That's why we offer a range of memorialization options to help you cherish the memories of your beloved pet. From beautifully crafted urns and jewelry to personalized garden stones and photo albums, our memorial products allow you to keep your pet's memory close to your heart. We also provide scattering gardens and memorial walls for those who wish to return their pet's ashes to nature or create a lasting tribute.

Pet Loss Support and Resources

Losing a pet can be a devastating experience, but you don't have to go through it alone. Heath Funeral Home Pets offers a range of support services and resources to help you navigate the grieving process. Our staff is trained to provide emotional support and guidance, and we can connect you with local pet loss support groups and counseling services. We also offer online resources, including grief support articles, videos, and forums, to help you cope with your loss.

Pre-Planning and Pre-Payment Options

While it may seem difficult to think about, pre-planning and pre-paying for your pet's funeral can provide peace of mind and financial security during an already emotional time. At Heath Funeral Home Pets, we offer pre-planning consultations to discuss your wishes and options, as well as pre-payment plans that allow you to lock in costs at today's rates. By taking care of these details ahead of time, you can focus on what really matters – celebrating the life of your beloved pet.

A Commitment to Quality and Excellence

At Heath Funeral Home Pets, we're committed to providing exceptional service and exceeding your expectations in every way. Our staff is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry developments and best practices, ensuring that you receive the highest level of care and compassion. We're proud members of the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) and adhere to their strict standards for animal hospice and palliative care.

A Message from Our Family to Yours

We understand that losing a pet is never easy, but we want you to know that you're not alone. At Heath Funeral Home Pets, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our family has experienced the pain of pet loss ourselves, which is why we're dedicated to providing a compassionate and professional service that honors the life of your beloved companion. Let us help you celebrate their life and create a lasting tribute that will bring comfort and solace in the days ahead.

Contact Us

If you're facing the loss of a pet or would like more information about our services, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at [phone number], email at [email address], or by visiting our website at [website URL]. Our staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have. At Heath Funeral Home Pets, we're here for you – before, during, and after the loss of your cherished companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their surviving family members, funeral or memorial services, and any charitable donations in their memory.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and can be a meaningful way to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, the deceased may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, burial arrangements, and any charitable donations in their memory.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the wishes of the family. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the notice and help readers remember the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and any specific requirements they may have. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling their office.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life is celebrated in the way you want it to be.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed notice that provides more information about the person's life.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include humorous anecdotes or quotes in an obituary to reflect the personality of the deceased.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and the length of the notice. Some newspapers offer free or low-cost options for simple notices, while others may charge several hundred dollars for longer or more elaborate notices.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, many online platforms and social media sites allow you to publish an obituary. This can be a convenient way to share the news with a wider audience.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time it takes for an obituary to be published can vary depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Typically, it takes 1-5 business days for an obituary to appear in print or online.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it has been published?

In most cases, changes cannot be made to an obituary once it has been published. It's essential to review the notice carefully before submitting it to ensure accuracy and completeness.

What if I need to correct an error in an obituary?

If you need to correct an error in an already-published obituary, contact the publication's corrections department as soon as possible. They will work with you to issue a correction or reprint the notice with the corrected information.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include quotes, lyrics, or poems that were meaningful to the deceased in their obituary.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there is sensitive information about the deceased that you do not wish to share publicly (e.g., cause of death), it's best to consult with family members and/or a funeral home director for guidance on how to handle this information discreetly.

Can I include charitable donation information in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations in memory of the deceased. This can be a meaningful way to honor their legacy and support a good cause.

How do I write an obituary for someone who was cremated?

The process is similar to writing an obituary for someone who was buried. Be sure to include information about any memorial services or scattering ceremonies that will take place.

Can I write an obituary for someone who died at a young age?

Yes, even if someone died at a young age, it's still possible to write a meaningful and celebratory obituary that honors their life and accomplishments.

How do I handle multiple marriages or relationships in an obituary?

This can be a sensitive topic. Consult with family members and/or a funeral home director for guidance on how to handle this information respectfully and accurately.

Can I include pets in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include pets as part of the surviving family members listed in an obituary. This can be a comforting way to acknowledge their importance in the deceased person's life.

How do I write an obituary for someone who was estranged from their family?

This can be a difficult situation. Consult with other family members and/or a funeral home director for guidance on how to handle this situation sensitively and respectfully.

Can I use humor or irony in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to use humor or irony in an obituary as a way to celebrate the deceased person's personality and spirit.

How do I ensure that my loved one's legacy lives on through their obituary?