From heartbreak to hope: local family supporting others through pet loss 

A Glossop family is working to transform the way people say goodbye to their pets, offering a more personal, transparent and compassionate alternative to traditional cremation services and end of life services. 

Cherished Companion, founded by Paul, Ruth, Abigail and Madison, is more than just a business – it is a reflection of a family’s deep-rooted love for animals and their determination to ensure no pet owner feels alone during one of life’s most difficult moments. 

At the heart of everything they do is a simple belief: pets are family. 

Cherished Companion has been shaped by grief, loss and, ultimately, a desire to do better for others facing the same pain. It was this combination of personal experience and compassion that led to the creation of Cherished Companion – a service designed to prioritise dignity, care and understanding at every step. 

“After we experienced the loss of our own beloved pet, Milo, we didn’t realise we had options or that there were more personal, dignified ways for him to be cared for, we simply weren’t given that choice. It was very sudden and very distressing,” Ruth said. “We had him cremated, and that experience really opened our eyes to how important it is for people to have that option. 

Years ago, the family also lost their beloved Cocker Spaniels, Toby and Jack. At the time, pet cremation was not widely discussed or understood, and the dogs were buried at their home. 

“When we moved house, we had to leave them behind,” Ruth recalled. “That was heartbreaking. It’s something that’s stayed with us ever since.”

"These experiences stayed with us. It’s why we now support other families, helping them understand that there are gentler, more considered ways to say goodbye - including options that can make those final moments feel more peaceful, such as home euthanasia.”  

“Most people don’t realise they have a choice,” Ruth explained. “When you’re at the vet and you’ve just lost your pet, you’re emotional, you’re overwhelmed, and you tend to just go along with what’s offered. We were the same.” 

Ruth says one of the most common things she hears from families is that they didn’t realise they had a choice, or that alternative, more personal options even existed.  

“Unless someone chooses an independent cremation company such as Cherished Companion, and you go with the service provided by the vet, pets are stored until transport which can take place once a week in most cases, then taken with others to large facilities for processing,” she said. “Owners might not know where their pet is, how long they’ll be there, or when they’ll be returned. It can take weeks.” 

“In that moment, people aren’t thinking about asking questions,” she said. “They’re grieving. That’s why it’s so important to have that knowledge beforehand. And plan ahead where possible” 

Cherished Companion aims to offer a clear and reassuring alternative. 

Cherished Companion is reaching out to residents across Tameside and Glossop so that they are aware of alternative cremation plans.

All services are carried out on-site at their family smallholding in Glossop, so pets go home with them and stay in their care, not transported to a large industrial facility. From the moment a pet is collected, they are placed in a dedicated basket where they will remain until the cremation process and treated with the utmost respect. 

“We look after them as if they were our own, they stay with us, and we make sure they’re cared for every step of the way.” 

Unlike some services that may take weeks, ashes are typically returned within days, helping families begin the grieving process with a sense of closeness and continuity. 

“It makes a difference,” Ruth explained. “When you get them back, it’s like having a part of them home again.” 

Cherished Companion also focuses heavily on the experience for owners. Personal touches such as fur clippings and paw prints are included at no extra cost, and the return of ashes is handled with sensitivity and care. Rather than a simple collection over a counter, families are welcomed into a quiet, dedicated space where they can take a moment to reflect. 

“We set up a little area with a candle, and everything presented nicely. 

“It’s about creating a peaceful moment, not just handing something over.” 

For some people, the idea of their pet’s final moments being on a vet’s table is really difficult. Paul and Ruth also offer families more choice around their pet’s final moments, beyond a traditional veterinary setting.  

“We can help arrange end-of-life care at home through our trusted veterinary partners, allowing pets to remain at home, in familiar surroundings, with their family close by, something many find brings a greater sense of peace and comfort. 

For those who would prefer not to say goodbye at home or in a clinical environment, we have also created a private farewell room. Overlooking open fields, it provides a calm, natural setting where families can spend meaningful time together and say goodbye in their own way. 

Here, they can be somewhere more peaceful, and they can stay with them afterwards for as long as they need.” 

Beyond the practical side, Ruth and Paul are passionate about supporting the emotional wellbeing of pet owners. 

The company is developing bereavement support services and has introduced tools to help people assess their pet’s quality of life – something many struggle with. 

Cherished Companion offer an alternative option for those who don't want their pets to stay at the vets after they say goodbye.

“That decision is one of the hardest,” she said. “People often know, deep down, but they need reassurance. We want to help guide them through that.” 

Ruth added that grief following the loss of a pet is often underestimated. 

“People can feel silly for being so upset, but it’s a real loss. For some, that pet is their main companion. We want them to feel heard and supported.” 

“Our animals are such a huge part of our lives,” said co-owner Ruth. “They’re there for everything, the good days and the bad and when they go, it leaves a massive hole. We understand that bond because we live it every day.” 

Their home is a testament to that love. Alongside Fudge the playful Cockerpoo and Bear, their towering Irish Draught horse, are Kevin and Tabby, affectionately described as “toe-biting kittens”, and Eddie, a talkative African Grey parrot. Rescue cats Midnight, Harley and Socks who once lived feral lives, have also found comfort with the family, while Shetland ponies Harry and Robyn complete their lively household. 

Looking ahead, the family hopes to continue raising awareness across Tameside, Glossop and beyond – not just about their own service, but about the choices available to all pet owners. 

“This isn’t about criticising vets,” Ruth emphasised. “It’s about making sure people know they have options. It’s their pet, and they have the right to decide what happens.” 

Through social media, community outreach and features like this, Cherished Companion is working to start those conversations early, before families find themselves in the midst of grief. 

“You might not need us right now,” Ruth said, “but when the time comes, having that knowledge can make all the difference.” 

More information on Cherished Companion can be found at: www.cherishedcompanion.co.uk   

Cherished Companions weekly round-up from chief office dog Fudge.