May 29th, 2016
Dear Francine and Maria,
Words cannot express how much we appreciate how much easier you made a very difficult time for me and my husband. From the moment I contacted you until the day we returned to get our wee girls remains. You were there for us the day we brought our wee Indy to in-trust you with her care after she crossed the rainbow bridge, then once again when we returned to bring her home. We were so touched as we entered your quiet space to see the special picture of Indy, her paw print, the flowering plant and the special blanket with her name for us to bring home. Being able to place her name on the memory wall in the beautiful, serene space you have provide for our beloved furry family members helped us with closure saying goodbye to our wee girl. I will tell all I know with confidence, that when they have to say goodbye to their cherished pet Paws at Rest is the place to contact.
With Much Appreciation,
Diane and George Maroosis
May 11th, 2016
Francine and Maria – Thank you so much for all your assistance with our dog, Rummy. It was such a relief to have him in such good hands after we said goodbye to him. The care that you showed was so appreciated and made us feel so much more at ease with the whole process. When we picked up his ashes, we were so surprised to see how much effort you had put into the display for him, it was such a special touch. It really shows how much you care about the animals, and, even though we are sure it isn’t the easiest job in the world, we are so thankful that your service exists.
Emily and Steve
January 30th, 2016
For the past 10+ years we have been taking our dogs to Francine & Maria place. Our first dog, Mouche, passed away when she was 15 and when she was visiting the “The Country Spaw” they took excellent care of her. Maria event slept with Mouche when there was thunder and that is love and dedication above and beyond for what you would expect from a kennel.
Our second dog Zoe, unfortunately was diagnosed with stroke disorder at 1 ½ years and medication did not work and we had to euthanize her. Francine informed us that all can be arranged with her: euthanasia, veterinarian, cremation and cemetery. All that in a safe and calm place at her premises. So Francine booked Sherri Dennett (the vet), and I brought Zoe to Paws at Rest. Francine and Sherri were so nice, caring and all was done with so much dignity, compassion and love for Zoe.
Francine and Maria both made me feel at home and at peace with the whole process of having to let go of Zoe. Later on they visited us and Maria had made a beautiful canvas with a picture of Zoe that with we put on our corner coffee table and we put Mouche ashes beside Zoe’s on the same table so they can both rest at peace. Our children were so pleased and touched with Maria and Francine’s canvas, that we kept it on our table so we can see daily.
Once again thank you so much to Francine and Maria.
From The Chamberlains
November 6th, 2015
Dear Francine and Maria:
Thank you so much for accommodating our short notice request for service this week. Your home service made the loss of our family member “Brie” much more comfortable and memorable than it would have been otherwise. I also truly believe that if Brie could have verbally expressed her wishes, that she would have chosen to be euthanized at home exactly how we proceeded, in comfort of her own home with her family at her side. I also want to express to you that your personal guidance and information brochure that was provided became extremely useful to all of our family members especially for our children.
Serge Besner
August 31st, 2015
It was with mixed blessings that I was led to discover Paws at Rest and had the privilege of meeting Francine and Maria. In all honesty, I would have given every limb I have and everything and anything I possess not to have necessitated the introductions but unfortunately that was not to be.
I first made contact with Francine in May 2015 when I emailed looking for general answers to some heartbreaking questions I would have much rather avoided. I was impressed by the concern and sincerity in her responses as well as her unwavering and unlimited offer of support and assistance as my heart was burdened with sorrow and doubt. On August 18, 2015, I regrettably welcomed Francine into my home to make the final arrangements and let her carry my baby boy away.
There was nothing about Francine that I didn’t like. She was stoic and professional, yet her sense of compassion and empathy was almost palpable. I had no qualms in relinquishing my beloved Bud to her care and I trusted her explicitly to treat my “Special Needs Child” with the utmost of care and respect. One of the things I most appreciated was the fact that she kept me “in the loop” during the process between picking him up and returning his ashes home to me where he belonged with phone calls, as well as emails to “check-up” on me with yet again offers to assist in whatever I needed to help me through my heartbreak. Unfortunately, I am a “survivor” and quite accustomed to being my own rock as well as being adept at hiding emotions and saving my tears and breakdowns for quiet moments alone. Her sincerity and offers did not go unnoticed, however, and very much appreciated.
On Sunday, August 30, 2015, Francine and Maria brought my baby boy home. And what they presented floored me! As per my request, Francine had taken the ashes of Bud’s sister, Pince, who passed in August 2013, and combined both sets of ashes into one urn. Along with the urn, Maria had prepared a few special touches including a framed poem and picture of Bud and Pince that included the certification tags of each cremation. Even though Pince was gone two years before our paths crossed, they went out of their way to acquire her tag and incorporate her into the framed memorial with Bud. I’m sure I didn’t show it, but my heart almost broke – with sadness, with appreciation and absolute amazement that they went above and beyond to honor both of my babes.
I am so glad I met Francine and I was so happy that she brought Maria with her for the final offering. Both of these ladies are absolutely amazing! To say that they go above and beyond is an understatement. To say that this is their business is an injustice. It isn’t hard to see that they both love what they do and take great pride in it. They have as much compassion and unwavering dedication for the departed family member as they have for the family member left behind.
Unfortunately, they may never have me as a client again because my little heart can’t take this again. But they have a fan for life and I will speak their praises to anyone I know who finds themselves at the crossroads. Rock on ladies! You have both earned your wings. You are both freaking awesome and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thank you for honoring Bud and Pince in the way that you did and in the way that they deserve.
Time for another private moment…
Brenda Delorme
August 1st, 2015
Dear Francine and Maria,
There are not enough words to describe what you have done for me. After losing John my husband of 24 years May 17/2015 I was devastated. Montana, as you know, my beautiful 14 year old Golden Retriever, was starting to show many signs of aging. You came into my house with such compassion and just made me feel that in your heart you also knew what a difficult time I was having. You both gave me the strenghth to do what I had to do. The hug’s from both of you and just your gentle understanding was the most unbelievable experience I have ever encountered. When you brought Montana home to me…..I could not believe what I was seeing, not only did I have my boy back, it was the way you both thought of ways to make it so beautiful. Francine and Maria, you are two of the most compassionate people I have ever met in my life! I have set up everything you gave me up in John’s room where he was ill. I have a small little urn that I have of John and now they are both together and I am at peace and it’s all because of the both of you!
Thank-you doesn’t and isn’t enough. You brought me strength which I didn’t even know I had left. I eventually will be getting another dog down the road. I will never ever forget what you have done for me. I love you both. I will stay in touch and would love to come and visit you both when I eventually get my next dog.
Thank-you from the bottom of my heart, much love,
Kim McConnery
Ottawa
July 9th, 2015
I cannot say enough about “Paws at Rest”, Francine and Maria are two very AWESOME ladies. When I finally had to make the hard decision to let my Daphne go I was totally devastated and heartbroken. I brought her to Francine and as soon as I stepped out of my car I broke down in tears and Francine was there to give me a big hug. I was brought into the most beautiful room. I had Daphne wrapped in her special blanket and gently placed in a basket. Francine was so comforting and I knew that I was the best mom I could be. Francine arranged for the private cremation that day which was very important to me. I left with such love in my heart. When I returned to bring my Daphne home I was so touched by the lovely memorabilia that Maria had made for me. Francine and Maria are so caring, comforting and compassionate. You can really tell that they love our Furbabies like they were their own. Thank you Francine and Maria for helping me through a tough time. Everything you’ve done has certainly eased my pain and showed me all lovely memories to last a lifetime. You truly are amazing and wonderful and I’m so happy to have met you.Thank you both from the bottom of my heart.
Maureen, Ottawa.
July 11th, 2015
Dear Maria and Francine,
We already sent you a thank you note when you took our Simba for his happy journey last week. But words cannot express the emotions we went through yesterday as you showed us around and told us about the work you do. The way you had kept our little boy in that beautiful room surrounded by other beautiful souls, the memorial board with his name, the beautiful and peaceful memorial area that you have built, the amazing drawing done by Maria, the OM on the rainbow bridge quote card, all these just show what kind and compassionate souls you both are. We are at even more peace knowing that Simba’s last few days on Earth were with you on your property. There is so much love and peace around you and your home. He would have loved to meet you two and I can bet you both would have fallen in love with our sweet boy. Here is a photo of our little one for you. Again, thank you so much for everything you have done for us and everything you are doing for these amazing friends. God bless you both!Lots of love,
Lakshmi & Rajesh
July 4th, 2015
Dear Francine and Maria,
We would like to thank you for helping our Simba begin his happy journey. We are at peace knowing that he is being taken care of by pet lovers like yourself. When you described to us how difficult it was to let go of your older labs, it made us feel relieved knowing that Simba is with people who care as much as we do. Although he is physically not with us, we know his spirits will always be right beside us. Thank you for your service to all pets!Wishing you well!
Lakshmi & Rajesh
Forever Simba’s parents
May 5th , 2015
Words cannot explain the level of caring and patience that I experienced from the two ladies of this company. They made me feel important. This wasn’t business…this was people who care and I will never forget them.
Stephanie, Ottawa, On
February 2015
I unexpectedly lost my Bandit, a beautiful long haired cat, on Jan 24 and was caught so off guard I didn’t have time to think about final resting place or cremation. Only nine days later I had to make that hard decision for my Mulder, I needed something more personal. I found Paws at Rest and once I spoke to Francine I knew she was a true animal lover and would treat my beloved Mulder with the utmost respect. Not only was she concerned about Mulder and my grief, she was also concerned about my remaining animals and had great advice to make the transition easier for them as well. Francine went above and beyond the call of duty making sure I was ok having even driven me to and from the vet for the final procedure because I didn’t have a car and it was crazy cold outside. And finally when my Mulder’s remains were returned to me I was presented with a beautiful display that words just can’t tell how touched I was.
My therapist was so profoundly impressed with the service that I described she took contact info for Paws at Rest to pass onto other clients in similar situations. Francine and Maria, through Paws at Rest made a terrible situation so much easier. I will, without a doubt, be using their services again when my other two have to move on. Thank you so much for being such amazing people!
Michelle Mclean
Ottawa, Ontario
