Companions Forever helps Tulsa families deal with the loss of their pets

Investigators say an electrical problem sparked a fire at a home in the 100 block of North Yale in Tulsa Tuesday morning. The family wasn't there, but sadly, some of their beloved pets didn't

Tuesday, December 13th 2005, 6:42 pm

By: News On 6

Investigators say an electrical problem sparked a fire at a home in the 100 block of North Yale in Tulsa Tuesday morning. The family wasn't there, but sadly, some of their beloved pets didn't survive.

We know the Red Cross is there for people in times of need, but what happens when animals are affected? News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin has more on a group dedicated to the furry members of the family.

Anita Dotson: â€œMy cousin called and told me my house was on fire and all my animals were inside." Fire crews responded ready for a rescue, while no people were in danger, there were still some patients who needed emergency care.

Crews saved those they could, but despite firefighters' best efforts, of the nine animals at the home, three cats didn't make it.Their owner is heartbroken. "I lost everything I had."

Losing your home in the blink of an eye is devastating. Also dealing with the loss of your beloved pets just adds to that pain.

It's a small part of that hurt that one group is trying to take away.Wendy Barnett: "We step in at a traumatic time when you've lost your furry companion." Welcome to Companions Forever, where workers help find a final resting place for your pet, at a time when many people don't know what to do, but don't want their pet simply thrown away.

â€œPets are family, sometimes they're children, they're our sole companion, but they're very a part of the family and sometimes we don't realize that until we've lost one." In business about 10 years, Companions Forever will come and pick up deceased pets, cremate them and if you wish, scatter their ashes at a memorial wall.

And in cases like the Dotsons, where a family has lost everything and may not have the means to provide for the pet, they will do it for free. â€œGreat rewards, I mean we just can't, yes this is a business, but it's our passion. We treat every client, every pet like it was our own."

Companions Forever serves hundreds of clients who purchase special remembrances of their pets and works with the Tulsa Fire Department to identify families who need help.

They also take care of the city's K9 units, service animals and rescue dogs free of charge.