Food For Thought

After work one day this month, I went to the pub across from my office to unwind before going home. I picked up a copy of July Architectural Digest for some non-business reading. The very first article was "Dog Heaven on Earth" about Vermont artist Stephen Huneck. Mr. Huneck has developed the idea of a chapel to celebrate the tie between humans and their dog companions. His chapel, located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, has many works of art by Mr. Huneck, a special doorway for dogs, a memorial wall for dogs that have passed on, and other celebratory items.

Among the things Mr. Huneck is doing at Dog Mountain are:

• Dog Fests
• Dog Picnics
• Selling his sculptures and prints
• Writing children's books about dogs
• Sponsoring talks of general interest to dog owners
• Offering special discounts to veterinarians because of the work they do
• Offering places on the Remembrance Wall at the Dog Chapel
  

For more information regarding Mr. Huneck and his work, you can visit http://www.dogmt.com/. Mr. Huneck's work suggests to me that many of us in the businesses involving pet cremations are lacking in imagination, regarding the service to clients and their desire to celebrate their pets. What I suggest to readers is that we should think more broadly, like Mr. Huneck, about how we can help our clients memorialize their past companions and celebrate the living loved ones. What are your thoughts on this subject?