Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family. When my pet hedgehog, Oliver, passed away unexpectedly, the grief was overwhelming. Oliver wasn’t just a pet; he was my companion during a transitional phase of my life. His tiny scurrying sounds filled the silence of my first apartment, and his prickly presence offered comfort through college and the daunting leap into adulthood. So, finding him still and cold one November morning was devastating. My immediate thought, amidst the wave of sadness, was practical: “What do I do now?” Living in an apartment near 16th Street Mall in Denver, burial wasn’t an option. The question, almost whispered in my distress, was, is there even a pet cemetery near me?
It turns out, for pet owners grappling with loss, searching for a “Pet Cemetery Near Me” is a natural first step in the grieving process. And in my case, that search led me to a local gem with a rich history: the Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory.
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A quick online search for “pet cemetery near me” illuminated the existence of Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory, alongside a couple of other options in the Denver metro area. Hesitantly, I dialed the number. The voice that answered was kind and understanding, belonging to Everett Gidlund, a man whose family has become synonymous with pet aftercare in the region.
Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory isn’t a newcomer to the community. Established in 1939, it boasts over 80 years of history, providing solace to pet owners through generations. The grounds are the final resting place for many beloved animals, including notable figures like Geronimo, a war dog who served valiantly in World War II with the 507th Parachute Infantry. The cemetery’s historical significance hasn’t gone unnoticed, with organizations like the Commerce City Historical Society actively advocating for its preservation. For years, drivers along East 72nd Avenue have been familiar with the cemetery’s sign and the rows of headstones, a poignant landmark. However, the cemetery’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
In 2015, the future of Denver Pet Cemetery hung in the balance when the previous owner decided to close the business and sell the land. During the period of uncertainty, the grounds suffered from neglect, leading to community concerns about overgrown vegetation and disrepair. Pet owners with loved ones buried there faced the distressing possibility of having to exhume and relocate remains if developers acquired the property.
This is where Everett Gidlund and his father, Paul, stepped in. Driven by a desire to prevent the cemetery’s demolition, they purchased the land in 2015. The task ahead was immense – restoring and renovating a neglected property while unsure if the business itself could be viable. Initial consultations with lawyers and accountants painted a bleak financial picture, suggesting that shutting down the cemetery was the most sensible option. Continuing operations seemed economically unsustainable.
Yet, after a year of the cemetery being dormant, Everett felt a pull to revive it. Despite having no prior experience in pet afterlife care, he proposed to his father that he take over and relaunch the business. His motivation was initially pragmatic – to generate revenue to cover the property taxes.
Pet cemeteries and crematories are often not lucrative ventures. Pet afterlife care facilities, particularly those with burial grounds requiring continuous and costly maintenance, have been increasingly disappearing across the nation. Despite the odds, Everett and Paul Gidlund were resolute. They invested $10,000 into revitalizing the property, focusing on repairing the crematory and ensuring the gas lines were recertified. In 2016, Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory reopened its gates, offering renewed hope to pet owners in search of compassionate aftercare.
With guidance from cremation experts and support from friends, Everett immersed himself in learning the intricacies of pet afterlife services. Six years later, the business is not only surviving but thriving. While Everett has passed the daily operational reins to his business partner, Grant Stewart, he remains involved in the Denver Pet Cemetery. The crematory now serves approximately two families and their beloved pets each day. The headstones on the grounds stand as a testament to the enduring love for pets, some dating back to pre-World War II era. “I love meeting people from all walks of life,” Everett shares. “We’ve cared for service animals, police dogs, and countless cherished family pets. Some might perceive this as a somber profession, but I find it incredibly rewarding.”
Headstones at Denver Pet Cemetery, showcasing rows of memorials for pets.
My initial feeling that bringing Oliver, my hedgehog, to Denver Pet Cemetery was unusual quickly dissipated. I learned that they provide services for a remarkably diverse range of animals. From the smallest goldfish and tarantulas to larger companions like goats and hogs, they cater to virtually all pet owners seeking respectful farewells. “Just when we think we’ve seen every type of pet, we’re surprised by something new,” Everett chuckled. “No two days are ever the same.”
To enhance their customer service, Denver Pet Cemetery added an online tracking tool to their website. This feature allows pet owners to monitor the cremation process, providing a sense of transparency and comfort during a difficult time. Owners can track their pet’s status online, seeing updates as it moves from “Preparing” to “In Crematory” to “Ready for Pickup,” all from the solace of their homes.
For me, after Oliver’s passing, witnessing the status change from “Preparing” to “In Crematory” was a poignant moment. It was the stark realization that my little friend’s playful scurrying would never again grace my apartment floor. After the tears subsided, my mother kindly retrieved Oliver’s ashes for me. Inside the purchased urn, along with his ashes, were carefully preserved fur and quills, a thoughtful touch. That evening, I spent time reflecting on Oliver’s short but impactful life, imagining a hedgehog heaven filled with lush grass and fluffy clouds.
My experience with Everett and Grant at Denver Pet Cemetery was marked by their genuine care and respect for Oliver. They transformed a painful process into a manageable one, treating my small pet with dignity. “It’s an unconventional profession, but deeply meaningful,” Everett reflects. “We are here to support people during their most challenging moments. We all share a profound love for our animals, and we are committed to caring for them to the best of our ability, even in their final journey.”
(Read more: 8 Things You Might Not Know About Pet Ownership in Colorado)
