Washburn business to offer
pet cremation services
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Justin and Alisa Carney, owners of Afterlife Affections at 235 Perham Rd., know all too well what it’s like to lose a beloved pet — having lost their pet boxer, Oscar, a couple winters ago. In fact, he’s part of the inspiration behind their new business venture, a pet cremation service.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ALISA AND JUSTIN CARNEY, of Washburn, recently opened Afterlife Affections, a pet cremation facility. They will work with both veterinarians and individuals to provide convenient local service, helping to reduce the stress involved in losing a pet. 
“I’m a licensed technician and work with the Presque Isle Animal Hospital, which has always gone through a Canadian company (for pet cremation), as do most vets in The County,” said Alisa. “That’s a long ways to go and even longer to get the ashes back. We lost our own dog, Oscar, two years ago. It’s nice to be able to offer others a local service.”
Justin, a Maine forest ranger, said the idea to offer a pet cremation service really got off the ground when a friend lost a loved one and needed to have the loved one’s aging dog put to sleep.
“They wanted to bury the pet’s ashes with their loved one but found it difficult to get the cremation done in a timely manner to allow that to happen. Fortunately, North Country Animal Hospital was able to work out the details,” said Justin. “We’re hoping to alleviate the stress by offering a local service, where people can come and see the facility, meet the owners.”
“They can see for themselves that we treat their pet with care,” he said.
The couple have a system devised that prevents mix-ups from occurring.
“We have numbered metal tags that are assigned to each pet. The tag won’t melt and stays with the animal through the process, guaranteeing a pet’s ashes get back to the proper owner,” Alisa said. “We keep a record by number. The tag system ensures the right ashes get back to the proper owner.”
The business officially opened June 18.
“That’s when we got everything up and running. We really began the process in January. It’s been a lengthy process, with officials at NMDC helping us with our business plan. NMDC and NorState Federal Credit Union helped us fund the project,” said Justin.
Justin said much of the work was handled by family, with he and his brother doing a majority of the construction.
“We converted what used to be my wood shop. We had to raise it, build separate rooms for the furnace and office/waiting area,” he said. “Matthew’s Cremation, of Florida, built the unit, which weighs 18,000 pounds and can handle an animal weighing up to 300 pounds.” The structure measures 16 feet by 32 feet. “It’s not too big or too small; it’s just right.”
“The unit creates zero smoke and very little, if any, smell,” added Justin. “It operates at 1,600 degrees while cremating.”
Justin said they’re looking to have urns available on site at a later date but for now clients can select via a catalog.
Afterlife Affections is located near the couple’s home, situated on 50 acres in the country. Justin said they plan to create a flower garden, for pet owners to have a peaceful place to sit, if they decide to wait for their pet’s ashes.
The business has a Facebook page — look for Afterlife Affections — which the owners hope will serve as a place for pet owners to post photos and stories of their beloved companions.
While the Carneys encourage pet owners to work with their respective veterinarians initially when considering pet cremation as a first option, they do accept direct contact from clients.
“We work directly with vets in Houlton, Presque Isle and Fort Kent. We encourage the public to work with their vets but they can also request our services directly. We appreciate the fact local vets want to work with us and we look forward to serving them,” said Justin, noting having a local service translates to cost savings.
“It means quicker returns too,” said Alisa, with Justin stating at least one vet has had difficulty getting remains back in less than a month.
“We deal with one vet who used to be served once a month. Owners had to wait, in some cases, as long as two months to get their pet’s ashes back. Using our service offers quicker closure,” he said.
Pet owners receive customized verification when the ashes are returned.
“We provide a certificate with each animal’s name, date of cremation and our personal signature,” said Alisa.
“Not a stamp — it shows we took the time (to sign our name) and shows we care,” added Justin.
Pricing is based on how much a pet weighs, with a processing fee included.
“Private ash returns are $2 per pound and a $30 processing fee. Non-returns run $1.50 a pound,” said Alisa.
“Remains are disposed of in a respectful manner,” noted Justin.
Alisa and Justin work full-time and wanted to find something they could do on the side that would still allow time for family.
“I grew up on a farm, Alisa grew up with animals. We wanted an opportunity to have a business on the side that allowed us family time with our kids. Perhaps one day our kids will take over the business,” said Justin.
For more information, e-mail afterlifeaffections@gmail.com or call 227-5327.
“Losing a pet is never easy but we hope to make the process less stressful,” said Justin. “Whether you lose a pet in the summer or the middle of the winter, we’re here to serve you.”
