Claudia Newcorn: They’re working for the love of animals

My 20-year-old stray cat died quietly. TLC (The Little Cat) had adopted our family and happily hung around our house for two decades, earning her keep by keeping mice away. After she missed several meals, I knew something was wrong. I found her “asleep” under our deck. With Modesto’s ordinance precluding the burial of pets in the backyard, I was faced with how to properly take care of her body.

Some veterinarians offer cremation services, ideal for people who would like to keep their pet’s ashes or bury them at a pet cemetery. These services can be expensive, or may not be the route a pet guardian is able to take. And “tossing the body in the trash,” as one individual suggested, certainly wasn’t an option for me.

At my husband’s recommendation, I contacted the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency (formally known as the Thomas W. Mayfield Regional Animal Services Center, after the former county supervisor). From the first phone call, they were kind, sympathizing with my loss, and explained the options. For a $10 fee, they offer a pet cremation service. While they cannot return the ashes, because multiple bodies are taken to the crematorium, they assured me that pets’ ashes are disposed of respectfully, and not dumped in the trash.

I wrapped TLC in tissue paper, placed her in a box with a rose and took her down. Despite being very busy, the front desk staff took the time to verify their process, and I was impressed by their compassion. They weren’t impatient with my tears or questions. These were people who genuinely loved animals, apparent in their conversations with people who were seeking to adopt pets, asking spay/neuter questions, etc.

The staff directed me to another entrance, and there a young woman met me to take TLC. She asked if there was anything other than my pet’s body in the box and explained that blankets, pet toys, etc., have to be removed because they cannot be burned. She, too, expressed her condolences. And then I got back into my car and bawled my eyes out.

There’s a tendency to make negative assumptions about animal service agencies. You’ve heard them: dumpy, dirty, neglected facilities, people just “doing a job.” Our agency couldn’t be further from that stereotypical image. They’re here to do the best they can for animals.

Their new facility on Cornucopia Way presents a professional setting. They offer a host of services: animal rescue, investigation of animal cruelty, low-cost vaccination clinics, spay-and-neuter vouchers to help manage pet populations, licensing, pet care tips and more. They’re always looking for foster homes for pets so that they can have more time to find a permanent home rather than euthanize. And volunteers and donations are always appreciated.

Stanislaus County denizens are fortunate to have access to a resource like this. I encourage you to learn more about them at www.StanislausAnimalServices.com or call at (209) 558-7387.

Because sometimes, when it comes to our four-footed friends, we all need a little help.

This story was originally published June 8, 2015 at 2:27 PM with the headline "Claudia Newcorn: They’re working for the love of animals."