Rockdale Citizen

Faith Ford, left, former owner of Faithful Friends Pet Cremation Center in Covington, shown with dog Molly, recently sold the business to Christine Hunsaker, right, owner of the Decatur-based Paws, Whiskers and Wags. The new pet cremation business will be called Paws, Whiskers and Wags, the Faithful Friends Campus and will be located at 1591 Access Road in Covington and managed by Ford.

In 2008, Faith Ford decided she wanted to start a pet crematory business in the east metro area. She admired the business operations of the Decatur-based pet cremation service Paws, Whiskers and Wags, and strived to provide a similar service in Conyers and Covington.

"There was no one here good who was affordable," Ford said. "I said, 'We deserve, outside of the Perimeter, a good company to take care of our beloved pets,' and so I opened up Faithful Friends cremation."

In order to reassure customers that the pet they brought in for cremation was, in fact, the one whose ashes they were bringing home, she installed a window for viewing the cremations.

"The first question is, 'How do I know that's my baby sitting in there?,'" Ford said. "We wanted to take the mystery out of pet cremation."

Ford's business thrived and its success did not go unnoticed by Christine Hunsaker, owner of Paws, Whiskers and Wags, which had more business than it could handle. Established in 2005, Paws, Whiskers and Wags, has served over 30,000 pet owners.

"We've been growing so rapidly, we're busting at the seams," Hunsaker said.

A year ago, Hunsaker approached Ford about buying her business and after a few meetings, the two came to an agreement whereby Paws, Whiskers and Wags would purchase Faithful Friends Pet Cremation Center.

"We were on the same wavelength. We believe in full disclosure, letting people see (the process), and doing everything we can to give the comfort to the pet parents," Ford said.

"We didn't have to talk a lot about business models because we both believe that you should treat the pet with dignity and the customer with dignity."

Ford and her brother Dennis Ford will continue to manage the business, now called Paws, Whiskers and Wags, the Faithful Friends Campus.

As part of the transition, Faithful Friends will change its location to 1591 Access Road in Covington on Feb. 1. (Paws, Whiskers and Wags will also continue to maintain its Decatur facility).

The new location on the Access Road will be more visible than the current one that is situated behind an industrial area. Customers will be able to see the new business while traveling eastbound on Interstate 20 between the Almond Road and Covington exits.

Ford said the prices will remain the same, as will the service and products available, and she invites those interested to tour the facility.

The business offers single pet cremation, along with a memory basket, complimentary urn, paw print and lock of hair, starting at $169 and prices increase depending on the weight of the animal. Customers may also opt for community cremation, which is less expensive.

Paws, Whiskers and Wags, the Faithful Friends Campus also offers a pick-up and drop-off service.

Ford said one reason for the rise in the demand of pet cremation services is because people are much more mobile today than in the past. If they bury their pet on their land, there's a good chance they could move one day and leave the pet behind.

People have also become much more comfortable in expressing their love for their pets, said Ford.

"Pets have become extremely important to us," she said.

A retired business planner for General Motors, Ford said she estimates she's served about 1,200 families over her time in the pet cremation business.

"I'm 55 years old and this has been the most rewarding job I've ever had in my life. I cry every day but I meet some of the most beautiful people you'd ever want to meet," she said.

To learn more, visit www.faithfulfriendspcc.com or call 770-385-0222.