Mount Pleasant Magazine 6.4

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All Dogs (and Cats)
Go to Heaven
McAlister-Smith Pet Loss Services
From the moment we get them
as puppies or kittens, pets add joy to our
lives. Whether they are waking us in the
morning for a walk or snuggling up at the
foot of the bed, canines and cats bring
undeniable warmth to our households.
They transcend their animal status and truly become
an integral member of the family. One business in Mount
Pleasant is making sure their lives
are granted meaning in a way
that honors their memory
to the fullest. For 130 years,
McAlister-Smith has been a
trusted name in funeral service.
Bringing the same level of
professionalism and dedication
to their pet cremation services,
they continue to exceed
expectations as they provide
final care for these special
members of our families as well.
“Since we were the only
funeral home in the area to
offer pet loss services, we didn’t
know what to expect,” said Elayne Smith, reflecting on their
beginning stages in 2008. “What we found was a significant
unmet need which has led us on an incredibly meaningful
and gratifying journey over the past eight years.”
Getting to help families cope with the loss of their
pets, big or small, is something Smith feels honored
to do. As an animal lover herself, she understands the
heartache people experience.
“One of my favorite parts of my job is when people
share pictures of their pets with me and tell me stories
about their unique personalities,” said Smith. “The love
you can see in their eyes and hear in their words touches
me deeply. It is a gift for me to be able to experience that.”
McAlister-Smith doesn’t stop at the memorial but
offers pet owners grief counseling to help them cope
with the loss of their best friend. Understanding the
sorrow can be overwhelming; McAlister-Smith’s staff is
always available to lend an attentive ear and plenty of
comforting words.
“Our goal is to help pet parents understand their
options, whether that’s a paw impression made of clay, a
man-made diamond created from a portion of cremated
remains, a memorial service, a memorial blanket or pillow,
a piece of jewelry created with a pet’s unique paw or nose
imprint, a lock of fur, a unique urn engraved with a pet’s
name, earth-friendly options,
art glass with remains blown
in, memorial jewelry, wind
chimes, outdoor markers, grief
support groups or individual
counseling,” Smith said.
McAlister-Smith has
helped thousands of families
lay to rest their furry friends.
Highly recommended by
veterinarians and animal rescue
groups, McAlister-Smith is
truly a leader of the pack.
Loyal and always quick to
problem-solve, their reputation is one of pure excellence.
“We currently serve about 1,500 pet parents a year, a
number that has been growing each year,” said Smith. “We
have locations in Mount Pleasant, James Island, Goose
Creek and West Ashley, and are available 24/7. We work
with all veterinarians, so please request us by name.”
After that final game of fetch, you can count on
McAlister-Smith to be there.
“It is truly an honor to walk with people through some
of the most difficult of their days and to have the privilege
of caring for those they loved most in this world. We take
that very seriously,” Smith concluded.
To learn more, visit or call 843-
722-8371.
By KaLene MccOrt
AskThe Experts
Photo courtesy of Andrea Canberg.