Wanda Woodlee stacked the box among the others inside the moving truck and took another long glance at the backyard. Her heart ached. Her chin wobbled. Although she was excited to move and begin a new chapter in her life, she was also torn. The possibilities in her new home were endless, but so was her pain. How could she leave behind the beloved pets buried in her yard? Would the new owners respect their graves? Would her pets even matter to them?
From her little cocker spaniel, Duchess, to her horse, which she had named Cindy, each of their faces drifted into her memory. She remembered the good times and the terrible days when she said goodbye to them as they crossed the “Rainbow Bridge.” Her throat burned. If only she could physically take them with her. Of course, she would always carry the good times they shared in her memory, but somehow, that wasn’t enough. Was she betraying their loyalty by leaving them behind? There had to be a better way.
When she was growing up, Woodlee’s parents were entrepreneurs. They owned several restaurants in Shelbyville before the first national chain ever opened for business. Animals had always been dear to her heart. Could she combine her love of animals into a business? And could this business help alleviate the pain others felt about leaving their pets behind?
The answer came when Woodlee discovered a cremation unit that would allow her to provide a much-needed service to Bedford County and the surrounding areas. Stepping out in faith, she purchased the unit and had it moved to her property at 306 E. Lane St. She applied for permits, had the unit inspected, and had it recalibrated after the move. Today, she operates All Seasons Monuments and All Seasons Pet Crematory.
“Times have changed. Generations don’t live on the same land. We have become a mobile society. Pet cremation is a way to keep them with you and helps you preserve those memories. I knew what it meant to have my babies returned. I started this business so that our beloved pets won’t be left behind. I knew there wasn’t a pet crematory in Shelbyville because I had to drive to LaVergne the last time I lost a dog,” Woodlee said.
Woodlee understands what it’s like to say goodbye to your best friend, but because of All Seasons Pet Crematory, you don’t have to say goodbye twice — once when they die and then again when you move later on.
“This is a way to keep them with you and to preserve those memories,” Woodlee said. “Your memories are something you and your pet shared. So, after the initial pain of loss, you will be able to remember the fun times and the quirky things they did that made you smile.”
When you lose a pet, you can arrange for Woodlee to pick them up from your home or from the veterinarian’s office. You can also bring them to her convenient in-town location.
“Most people are surprised that it doesn’t take weeks to get their pet back,” Woodlee said.
Woodlee offers many options, such as Christmas ornaments with your pet’s paw print, photo frames that include a photo of your pet with a place for its cremains, and wooden boxes ranging from simple to ornate. Each of these choices is completely portable and moves with you. No more leaving beloved pets behind.
“Every pet lover who walks through my door is grateful when they return and see how their pet has been packaged. Occasionally, we look at pictures of their pets. I listen to their stories, and I hand them a box of Kleenex. This business makes me thankful for each day that I have with my ‘guys.’ It’s a constant reminder that we may not have tomorrow. If you love animals, you are connected to them,” Woodlee said.
When Woodlee describes her “guys,” she is talking about her beloved shar-pei. This breed originated about 2,000 years ago in Guangdong Province in southern China, but before the 1970s, it was pushed to the brink of extinction. In 1973, a breeder in Hong Kong wrote a letter in support of the breed, which was published in Time and Life magazines. The Guinness Book of World Records listed them as the rarest breed in 1978.
Fortunately, the breed, which is known for its very wrinkled skin, fun-loving personality, and a blue-black tongue similar to a chow chow’s, has made a comeback thanks to reputable American breeders like Woodlee.
“When Duchess died, I wanted another dog, but something different. The shar-pei filled that desire. I have loved, bred, trained, shown, and been loved by many Chinese shar-pei for over 35 years,” Woodlee said.
When it comes to the future of pet cremation, Woodlee said, “I have always been an advocate for education. In the future, I also hope to help pet owners navigate the care of their senior animals as they enter the end-of-life stages. It’s important for owners to know what to expect so they can help their animals during that time.” GN
