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Prairie Wind Pet Cremation helps when man's best friend dies

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By
Mavis Fodness

For the Casey and Lee Westphal family of rural Hills, their dog named Red was a faithful companion.
She was an eager greeter and was dubbed “the best farm hand” by daughter McKenna in a social media post Aug. 21
about the 12-year-old Red Heeler’s death.
A rescue dog, Red was 2 years old when she came to the Westphal farm and proved to be an eager helper to the family.
“She helped with so many things on the farm,” said Casey. “She would let us know when anyone drove in the yard. She protected the garden from rabbits and squirrels. She helped to bring the horses in from the back pasture. She was a great friend to have around.”
The family said goodbye to Red last month, but instead of burying her on their family farm, they chose cremation. Her ashes are back at the farm she so faithfully served.
“Her ashes will be spread on her favorite hunting spot on our farm,” Casey said. “Supporting local small businesses is important to us.”
The Westphals chose Prairie Wind Pet Cremation, a business started by Bethany and Cory Tilstra of rural Luverne in August 2020.
The Tilstras understand the heartbreak that comes at the death of a furry companion.
Each recalls as a child losing a family pet, and each felt no emotional closure.
Now, as adults, they know there is a better way to honor a departed pet, and they want to be a part of the grieving process.
“We are doing our part in helping someone during a hard time,” Bethany said.
The cremation service’s focus is on honoring and never forgetting a beloved pet.
“After the cremation process, I get everything packaged and presentable, and even though the owners are sad about the loss of their pets, you can sense peace of mind knowing their pet is peacefully at rest in a very respectable way,” Bethany said. “Every pet is treated as if it is one of our own.”
Since the business started, the couple has assisted 50 families in the aftercare of their late pets, which have included dogs, cats and a chicken. They’ve had inquiries about a pet parakeet and hamster.
Services range from picking the departed pet up from the veterinarian or another location, providing a private cremation, and either spreading the ashes in the memorial garden on the Tilstra farm or returning them to the family.
If disposal on the Tilstra farm is chosen, the Tilstras provide the pet’s family with a framed print of the memorial garden where the ashes are spread.
Cost is based on the pet’s size and which cremation package is selected. Prices range from $50 to $160, depending if an urn is desired. The Tilstras complete the cremation package in a matter of days.
Cory said the incinerator is one recommended from Bethany’s uncle, who is a veterinarian. He influenced the couple to start the personalized cremation service for pet owners.
The incinerator operates by diesel fuel, and the burning process takes a couple of hours at 1,400 degrees to complete. Only one pet is cremated at a time.
The metal, brick-lined, tube-like incinerator is located outside on their rural Luverne farm. The brick lining allows ashes to be easily scooped into a plastic bag after the burning process is complete.
Each customer receives a white cardboard box, and if they desire, they can get a framed print of the pet’s paw completed by Bethany and a short condolence message from the Tilstra family.
 A pressed paper heart containing flower seeds is included and is meant to be planted in the pet’s honor.
The Tilstras also deliver the completed order. “Our goal is to offer the ultimate care for your pet while making our services very affordable,” Bethany said.
Prairie Wind Pet Cremation is located at the Tilstra home, 583 110th Ave., Luverne. Their service is open 24 hours. Call 507-227-5216.

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