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Blair Nelsen of Nelsen Funeral Home receives prestigious “Parker Award” presented by Preferred Funeral Directors International

Blair Nelsen of Nelsen Funeral Home and Crematory received the Brent Parker Memorial Award at a recent meeting of the Preferred Funeral Directors International Organization in Lake Tahoe, CA.

The Parker award is presented to an outstanding member of the organization for their commitment and marketing expertise in the funeral service profession. The award was presented by past president Charles Ninde who stated, “Blair demonstrates a commitment to his profession, his family, his community and, certainly to PFDI which strengthens and enriches each. Likewise, each of these attributes, along with good marketing sense has served to strengthen and grow his family’s business.”

Formerly established as the Advertising Funeral Directors of America in 1937, PFDI was the first marketing-oriented professional association of its kind. For over 65 years, PDFI has been committed to stimulating and sharing marketing and management innovation in the quality of funeral service its members provide.

With four locations including Richmond, Williamsburg, Hopewell and Ashland, Nelsen Funeral Home and Crematory is committed to providing the region with quality and excellence in funeral service.

Caring for a Loved One’s Pet

Pets are part of the family. Many times when people lose a loved one or have watched their children move away, their pets become their closest friends and companions. A pet is always there, giving love and support, and offering to cuddle.  So when their owner dies, it is no surprise that the pet may show signs of sadness or confusion that their owner is no longer there.

Inviting the pet into your home can be rewarding for both you and the pet. The pet will take pleasure in getting to live with someone it recognizes. Pets go through the grieving process just as humans do. They miss the sound, the smell, and the touch of their master and, like a child, cannot understand where their master has gone. It is important to be patient with the pet and show extra love and attention during this transition time to make sure the animal, once again, feels settled and protected.

Caring for this pet can bring you great pleasure in knowing you are doing what your loved one would have wanted. It can be a wonderful way to feel connected to your loved one. Furthermore, since both you and the animal are going through the grieving process together, it can be therapeutic to know that another being is sharing your feelings, and the two of you can connect and help one another. Perhaps when you cuddle with a puppy or stroke a kitten you can think that you are really being with a part of your loved one and caring for them.

However, if bringing the pet into your home is not a possibility, then be sure to find a loving home for them. It is best if you can find a home that is close enough for you to occasionally visit, but if not, just make sure it is a place you know the pet will be safe and comfortable.

Our funeral home is always available to answer any of your questions on this matter or help you find the perfect home for your precious pet. We are here to help you in any way we can during this time. We want to be a shoulder to lean on and a friend to turn to no matter what the situation is you are facing.