AFTER three decades of compassionate service, a pet crematorium in Winchfield is marking a significant milestone with the opening of its new 'homecoming' building.
Dignity Pet Crematorium, in Odiham Road, is opening the 'first-of-its-kind' space to provide a serene and uplifting environment where families can collect the ashes of their beloved pets, ensuring that the final moments of parting are filled with peace and comfort.
The Homecoming Building represents a deeply personal project for Kevin Spurgeon, who has been at the helm of Dignity since the early 2000s, continuing the legacy of his parents, who founded the crematorium around 32 years ago.
Kevin’s deep connection to the site is evident - not only does he live on the grounds of Dignity, but his parents’ ashes, along with those of their cherished pets, are also interred beneath their favourite tree on the property.
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"This was the last project my father and I discussed before he passed away," Kevin said, as he spoke about the inspiration behind the Homecoming Building.
"We wanted to create a space that truly honours the memories of the pets we care for, making the experience more comforting for their families.”
Unlike the traditional farewell rooms where ashes were previously collected, the new building is designed to offer a more uplifting experience.
It features warm colors, honey from the onsite gardens, and a selection of keepsake items such as jewellery made from ashes.
The building has already had a soft opening to serve the community, with the feedback from families being overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve had people travel from far distances to use our services, and they’ve been blown away by the attention to detail and the care we put into making this experience as comforting as possible,” Kevin said.
The facility also includes a welcoming area where visitors can sit, have a drink, and spend time reflecting, making it a space not just for closure but for celebration of the life that was.
In addition to the Homecoming Building, the site features a pair of bespoke metal trees crafted by a blacksmith from Parmenter Forge in Rotherwick.
These trees, adorned with leaves that can be engraved with the names and dates of pets, create a living sculpture that moves gently with the wind.
Funds raised from the sale of these engraved leaves will support the maintenance of Dignity’s historic Victorian brick kiln, which is a Grade II listed building.
Kevin said Dignity's approach to pet cremation is markedly different from that of corporate-owned veterinary services.
He said Dignity offers a more personal and involved process that supports families through their grief.
“We believe in helping families through the entire journey of loss, from the moment they bring their pet to us until they take the ashes home,” Kevin said.
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Looking to the future, Kevin is hopeful that Dignity’s service will continue to be recognised, as the crematorium has once again been named a finalist in the Good Funeral Awards.
“Fingers crossed that we can bring it home this year,” Kevin said.
Dignity Pet Crematorium will officially open the Homecoming Building on Sunday, September 1, and the community is invited to celebrate this new chapter with an afternoon of refreshments, a tour of the new facility, and a chance to meet the team behind the service.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by August 27.
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