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We understand that you may be reading this at a difficult time. Maybe you are trying to read it through tears from the recent loss of a beloved pet, or maybe you are trying to prepare for a future loss; pets never live long enough and we know how much that hurts. We understand that the loss of an animal companion can be as painful as the loss of a human one. You took care of your pet during life and now need to know your options for caring for them in death. You need assurance that the final details will be handled with care and respect by people who love animals and truly understand your grief. Let us help you.
We are Karen and Andrea Walker, the owners and operators of Buddy's Place. Karen is a retired teacher who has always referred to her pets as her "kids," and is well known for being unable to talk about any of them who have passed away without tears. Her requested wedding gift in 1968 was a puppy from a humane society, and she chose the most sickly little "mutt" there because that pup needed a really good home to survive. "Tink" lived for 16 happy years and was best buddies with Karen's "second daughter," Andrea. Andrea became a New York State Licensed Veterinary Technician and Peace Officer and has worked for over 14 years in the "trenches" of the animal welfare field. Buddy's Place is named in memory of Buddy the Basset, one of Karen's beloved dogs. Buddy passed away in 1995. He was euthanized at home, surrounded by his family, then lovingly wrapped in his special blanket and handed over to the veterinarian for cremation and return of ashes. Karen was inconsolable for the next two years, frequently saying that she felt something was terribly wrong and "Buddy was lost." In 1997, our hearts were broken once again when we learned of the arrest of a crematory operator who had contracted with local animal hospitals. He had addressed the high cost of cremator maintenance and fuel very simply: he dumped the animals in a huge ditch on a rural farm and gave people urns with wood ashes. Buddy had indeed never made it home. Since then, Andrea has insisted on handling the cremation of all family pets to insure that it is done perfectly with the utmost care and respect. With the creation of Buddy's Place, we now can insure that your pet will receive the same gentle and ethical treatment.
Buddy's Place is located on 20 acres of land in Stockport, Columbia County. Both Andrea and Karen reside there with their combined 7 dogs and 10 cats. There are woods, ponds, streams, meadows, and the most beautiful gardens. There are places to walk and sit surrounded by the peaceful comfort of nature. We would be pleased to have you come and visit us to learn more about our services and see our facility. If you wish, you are also welcome to be present at the time of your pet's cremation. We want you to be completely satisfied with the manner in which your pet's remains are handled. Your cherished family member will be treated as if it were one of our own.
Following cremation, you have several options: You may bring your pet's ashes home in a carefully chosen urn or scatter them in a special spot at Buddy's Place where you are welcome to come and visit. You may choose our "life from life" option and request the planting of a special flower or tree where your ashes are placed, and mark the spot with a small engraved stone. In our memorial shop, "Forget-Me-Nots," you may find a special book, urn, burial marker or keepsake that will help you find some peace with your loss. Our shop was named in memory of Laura, Karen's mother and Andrea's grandmother. Laura had an eye for beautiful things including her favorite flower, forget-me-nots. She had planned to manage the shop but, sadly, passed away 9 months before Buddy's place was completed. In accordance with her wishes, her ashes as well as those of Robert, her husband of 65 years, and beloved dog Rusty are intermingled and scattered on the grounds. Laura is survived by Xena, an abnormally short, pudgy Boxer who tends to wear her dinner on her nose. She resides with all of us at Buddy's Place and would love to help comfort you. Just give us a call at (518) 828-4342.
Please note: We are sad to report Xena's passing. She was aptly named and took on any adversary. Her run-in with a huge snapping turtle got her renamed "Snapping Turtle Dundee." She battled cancer valiantly but eventually lost that fight. Her ashes have joined those of Robert and Laura but her spirit remains to strengthen and comfort us.
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