PETS
Physio-Corner Small Animal
The
Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy ROTHERHAM’S ONLY
large heated hydrotherapy pool and under water treadmill
• Specialists in Rehabilitation following surgery or injury, tailoring treatment specific to each pet’s individual needs
‘‘The rural setting of Old Flatts Farm is calming and comforting, with Chris’ own pets roaming around, from dogs Nala, Reuben and Poppy to donkeys and turkeys.’’
“The stories I hear are astounding and I’m never surprised by the deep-running bond we have with our animals. People come in upset and say ‘sorry for being silly, it’s only a…’ but it’s not for me to judge. Every type of pet is still a part of someone’s family.”
Having seen the unbreakable bond his daughter has with her horse, Chris has developed phase two of the site to now offer equine cremations.
Owning a horse is different from a domestic pet – for one, they can’t live in your house and so equestrian care becomes a lifestyle choice with great responsibility. This connection is often on an elevated level, a relationship which may span 20 or 30 years, and so losing a horse can feel like losing a piece of you.
Although there is extensive livery in our area, the options following the death of a horse are limited. The laws regarding burials have strict stipulations and there are of course logistical limitations due to the size and weight of a horse. At Old Flatts Farm, Chris has turned one of the old farm buildings into a stable block with its own private yard. To keep the cremation process as dignified as possible, a steel gantry has been installed to help lift the horse off the floor. Chris will still collect deceased horses where possible, but he is also working with reputable vets to euthanise on site. In one of the grazing fields, there are also plans
in place to create wooden camping pods so that owners can spend one last night caring for their horses. The rural setting of Old Flatts
Farm is calming and comforting, with Chris’ own pets roaming around, from dogs Nala, Reuben and Poppy to donkeys and turkeys. The farm has been in his wife’s family for over 200 years so the chapel of rest feels like a home-from-home and the least clinical place imaginable.
“The final image that pet owners are left with is so important, as is the experience they have. I get asked for advice from vets a lot but it’s simple. Don’t make the chapel feel like a veterinary surgery, make them a cup of tea, send them a handwritten card – these things cost us pence but go such a long way.
“I also always try and draw positives from every situation, no matter how tragic the death has been. To me it’s about how the owner wants to remember their pet and we usually get laughter amongst the tears.”
One of the main parts of the
service that pet owners take comfort from is the range of keepsakes Old Flatts Farm offers to memorialise pets.
Chris works in collaboration with local crafters, artists and makers to produce trinkets such as slate plaques embossed with paw prints, a lock of hair or fur encased in Perspex, or personalised portraits. They can also use pets’ ashes to create a plethora of mementos from rings to pens, ceramic tiles to key rings.
A bespoke silk-lined casket was even created for a family who wanted a burial rather than cremation. Whatever option you’d prefer for your pet’s end of life care, Chris says the main thing is to make people aware that, although Old Flatts Farm are there in urgent cases, it’s always better to have plans in place beforehand.
It may be a morbid job but we make funeral plans for us humans yet many don’t realise the option is there for our pets, too.
Peaceful and pain-free farewells for your pet in the comfort and familiarity of your loving family home
At-home end-of-life veterinary care and euthanasia service A dignified way to say goodbye without causing suffering or discomfort to your animal friends Minimises stress and maintains privacy You can hold their paw as they drift off to sleep
“I bring a warm and gentle approach that will give you and your family time to calmly say goodbye during this very difficult decision.”
Rob Haslegrove BVSc MRCVS | Veterinary surgeon for over 17 years
Contact Rob to discuss how we can help Evening and weekend appointments available
Tel. 07866243673 Email.
petsatrestvet@gmail.com
www.petsatrestvet.com
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 41
Almshouses, 2 Broom Road, Rotherham, S60 2TG Open Monday-Friday with late nights for convenience, by appointment only
For a personal and professional service contact Susanne on 07794 766006 @thephysiocorner
• We also offer Acupuncture and Laser Therapy
MEMBER OF THE
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