Spend the last moments with your pet in peace

Monday 18 February 2019

The GSPCA has opened a new Chapel of Rest and revamped Memorial Garden on its St Andrew's site.

The new chapel was officially opened on Friday afternoon and is a place where people who want to spend the last moments with their dying pet can do so in a quiet, private area. Just around the corner is the memorial garden, a tranquil space where people can sit with or without a pet and reflect.

The opening ceremony also marked the end of #GSPCAPurpleWeek, which celebrated 146 years since the animal charity’s formation.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said: “The number of people, businesses and groups that have helped us create what we now have for bereaved pet owners is incredible and words really do not justify the thanks we wish to convey to all that have helped in anyway.

“We help over 1,000 pet owners every year in Guernsey through the death of their pets as we provide a cremation service as well as helping over 200 road traffic accident animals every year and the team at the GSPCA strive to ensure we do our very best for each family through what is always a difficult time.”

Pictured: The chapel has seating, an altar and quiet surroundings in which an owner can spend their pet's final moments. 

One of the biggest supporters has been Le Friquet Garden Centre, which has helped with thousands of pounds worth of plants and other items to help develop the area. 

There has been work done by the Work to Benefit Team, Ann Wragg and many other volunteers and donors. 

Le Friquet Garden Centre's staff cut the ribbon on the new chapel at the ceremony. 

Pictured: A previously disused area has been converted into a beautiful memorial garden thanks to volunteers and donations.

Mr Byrne said they delighted to be in a position to make full use of the area. 

“We all know at the GSPCA how hard it is when a much loved pet is no longer with us, and we really hope these areas will help those during these difficult times. We are hugely grateful for them and to every individual who have helped this to come to fruition.

"We didn’t really utilise this area [the memorial garden] before now, it was just a bank with some trees on it and a bit of a shelter."

Pictured top: GSPCA manager Steve Byrne giving a speech at the opening of the new chapel of rest.