Local resident Priscilla Taylor started her pet celebrant business last month.
How did you get an interest in pets? I have loved pets since I was ‘knee-height to a grasshopper’ – excuse the pun! We had pet sheep, chickens, bantams, guinea pigs and cats as kids and I was their number one feeder and protector. We were brought up on a large property in Hawkes Bay, so had plenty of space for pets.
In my adult life I have had two amazing dogs, a German shepherd called Tess and a long-haired daschund named Max. I presently have a ginger and white moggy called Darcy Dancer!
Tell us about your celebrant business
As an animal rights advocate and an animal lover, I have always acknowledged animals’ importance to us. From our very loyal guide dogs, companion animals and family pets, animals are a very big part of our lives. It is proven that people with heart conditions or post-operative from heart surgery, heal quicker when they have a pet.
As they live with us, pets are very sensitive to the ‘mood’ or energies in a household, particularly if a person is unwell, lonely or angry. They absorb so much energy from us, something we forget to acknowledge and accommodate for in their lives (sometimes they need to celebrate, have fun and de-stress too)!
This led me to thinking it was time to celebrate our ‘fur babies’ and acknowledge them while they are still with us, or when they pass away, leaving us for pet heaven.
How do you brief your clients?
When a client contacts me, we set up a meeting to discuss their needs and how they would like to celebrate their pet, also who they want to invite. We set a date, organising for them to invite family and/or friends, along with refreshments they will provide. We discuss the shape and scope of the ceremony. I can then tailor a bespoke ceremony just for their pet.
How does the ceremony work?
On the day of the ceremony, I arrive early and help my clients set up the space where the ceremony will take place. Then I present the ceremony and invite participants to do readings, eulogies or whatever we have planned. The close of proceedings is usually followed by refreshments.
My wish is for all animals on our precious planet to have peace, safety, fun, love, kindness and acknowledgement from the family/carers with whom they live.
PRISCILLA TAYLOR, M: 021 106 7541, E: petcelebrantnz@gmail.com