Pet Loss Services

Mission Is To Conduct Memorial Ceremonies For Pets, And Encourage Mortuaries And Cemeteries To Offer Pet Services

Fred Bergendorff, host of The Pet Place TV Show, has recently become the Reverend Fred Bergendorff for pet owners who need his comforting words and presence as they grieve for their dying or recently departed pets.

Over the years Fred has received thousands of cards and letters from viewers who talk about their pets in the most loving terms. "I am especially moved when a person talks about a pet who has died or is fatally ill. It really touches my heart and I can feel their deep sorrow. I know myself that when my cat Buster died a few years ago I never cried harder in my life than when I was with him as he was put to sleep."

Besides saving the lives of homeless pets through the show's very successful adoption program, Fred's recent decision to go into the Pet Ministry is a logical extension of his deep caring for pets and their owners.

"I hope to help people who want a formal, spiritual service as their pets begin their journey to heaven. Since they regard their pets as members of the family I see this as a logical need in their lives and I am glad to provide it."

His other mission will be to convince more mortuaries and cemeteries to include memorial and burial services for pets. "I am amazed that there is still resistance and even laws preventing this. I guess some officials haven't gotten the message that at least one half of all US households have at least one pet. That's about 65 million cats and 60 million dogs, not to mention rabbits, hamsters, fish, and so forth. And more and more people want a suitable something for their pets. I am going to make sure they get it!"

While realizing that there are others who offer spiritual and grief counseling for pet owners he feels that through The Pet Place he has become the one that people seem to want to help them through this difficult time.

He has already done several services, including the one for Bear, the mascot of the Long Beach Animal Shelter. Reverend Bergendorff explained that the services are fairly basic. "I try to keep the references to God, Heaven, etc. somewhat general but they can be tailored to a person's specific beliefs. Anyone interested should call the show's message line at 949 474 9510, or email to tpetplace@earthlink.net.