Yet when a beloved dog or cat passes away, families suddenly find themselves asking questions they never thought they would need to ask. What happens now? Who do I call? Can I stay with my pet? Will I get the ashes back? What are my options?
Those quiet, emotional questions are exactly what Paws of Love was created to help answer.
Founded by Merri and Trey after the unexpected loss of their own sweet pup, Nelli, Paws of Love Pet Cremation Services was built from personal experience and compassion. As lifelong animal lovers living and serving families around Chapin, Newberry, and Little Mountain, they understand something many pet owners discover firsthand: grief often comes with uncertainty.
That is why so much of their work focuses not just on cremation services themselves, but on helping families understand the process in a calm, thoughtful, and caring way.
For example, many families are unsure what happens immediately after a pet passes away. Paws of Love explains that they can arrange pickup from a home or veterinary office, or families can bring their pet directly to them. They also explain the difference between private cremation and communal cremation in simple, understandable language — helping owners choose what feels right for their family and their pet.
There are also thoughtful details that many people may not realize matter until they are faced with loss themselves.
- Can a family bring their own urn? Yes.
- Can they receive a fur clipping or paw print? Yes, upon request.
- Do they handle pets beyond dogs and cats? They do.
- Can larger pets be accommodated? Yes — up to 200 pounds.
The questions themselves reveal something deeper about the work Paws of Love does. This is not simply about logistics. It is about helping people feel grounded during one of the more emotional moments of pet ownership.
Paws of Love also offers a chapel space for private goodbyes, recognizing that some families simply need a quiet moment to pause before letting go. That level of care reflects the philosophy behind the business: pets are family, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and love through every step of the process.
For many families, having someone calmly explain the next step can be an unexpected form of comfort.
And perhaps that is what stands out most about Paws of Love. Behind every questiin, every service, and every conversation is the understanding that grief is personal, memories matter, and love for a pet does not end when their life does.
Sometimes, in difficult moments, compassion begins simply by helping people know what comes next.
