SPOKANE, Wash. — Some people are so close to their pets, that they don't want to be without them, even in death.
Now, they don't have to, thanks to a first-of-its-kind cemetery opening in Eastern Washington, where people can be buried with their pets.
Fairmount Memorial Association is opening the first-ever memorial garden in Eastern Washington where people and their pets can be cremated and laid to rest together.
Fairmount Memorial Association owns seven cemetery properties and five funeral homes in the Greater Spokane area. The new pet memorial will be its 13th property.
The garden, named the Timber Run Reserve, will offer memorial services ranging from $1,000 - $25,000.
Dave Ittner, CEO of the Fairmount Memorial Association, said the idea came from a designer out in Littleton, Colorado, and he saw the potential to offer this unique service in Spokane.
“I think more and more people do consider their pets as children," Ittner said. "We have one family that purchased here that I think has eight German Shepherds that want to be placed.”
People will be able to place their ashes along with their beloved pets in a variety of ways in the garden, like memorial niche walls or in the ground with engraved granite.
“Nitches are the place for cremated remains," Ittner said. "As we spoke about, we will be able to put cremated pet and human remains in these niche walls.”
Ittner also said this project has been long awaited.
“We get the question almost daily from people; Can we have our pets placed with us?” Ittner said.
Staff also said the amenities are meant to bring loved ones together.
“There [are] places to sit, the water feature, and the fire pits where people can sit around the fire and share memories with loved ones,” Sandra Walker, COO of the Fairmount Memorial Association, said.
Timber Run Reserve has already received over $100,000 in pre-need inquiries.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, October 24. Timber Run Reserve is now welcoming inquiring customers.