Pet crematorium apologizes following 'mistreatment' of Christian Bables' dog
A pet crematorium in Antipolo has issued an apology after actor Christian Bables demanded accountability for the alleged mistreatment of his dog, Hope, who passed away on June 15.
On June 17, Bables, along with his legal counsel, demanded an apology from the crematorium for mishandling arrangements for Hope.
The actor told ABS-CBN News that he asked for the immediate processing of the remains but the service picked the dog up four hours later as the driver went to the wrong address and was caught in traffic.
In addition to the delay, the viewing arrangements were not up to Bables' expectations. He said that Hope was carelessly displayed, comparing the look to a “pig in the market.”
“Nakita ko si Hope, nakabalandara lang ‘dun. Para siyang baboy sa palengke. Hindi man lang inayos. Ang panget sa pakiramdam kasi ‘yun na ‘yung last time makikita ‘yung someone I dearly love,” he told ABS-CBN News.
“I am sure hindi lahat maintindihan ang bigat na nararamdaman ko. Pero pamilya ko ‘yun. Malaki siyang part ng support system ko,” he lamented.
Following the actor's statement, the Haven of Angels Memorial Chapels and Crematorium shared their side of the story and extended their apology, admitting that they failed to meet Bables’ expectations regarding pet viewing.
"As far as our viewing process is concerned, we placed Hope inside the chapel and on the table with flower arrangements. However, Mr. Bables had more expectations to give Hope a memorable send-off, which unfortunately, we were not able to meet,” they wrote in the statement.
“We understand the importance of this process and the emotional significance it holds to him as a pet owner and fur parent. On this matter, we apologize," it added.
They added that they are currently reviewing the incident and have sought an explanation from the employees involved.
“We nevertheless reminded our staff to extend best service to our clients knowing the pain that comes with the demise of our beloved pets. We understand that they are regarded as extensions or family to many of us,” the crematorium added.
They also assured that the incident would not happen again.
“We are committed [to] providing the utmost care and attention to every pet entrusted to us, and we will implement measures to better our services with the hope of meeting the expectations of our valued clients. We extend our condolences,” the statement read.
“May Hope rest easy and run free over the rainbow bridge,” they concluded.
For his part, Bables has accepted the apology.
“I believe accepting your apology and accountability is a step towards brighter days for me and my beloved dog at the Rainbow Bridge, Hope,” he wrote.
He added, “I hope and pray we all learn from this experience and ensure that the future of all living and breathing animals is filled with the love and care they deserve.”