A Legacy of Memorial Craftsmanship, Born from Love
My Journey to Furever Memorials
I'm Jean Cote, founder of Furever Memorials, and my story combines a lifetime of pet love with a family heritage in memorial craftsmanship dating back to 1965.
A Tale of Two Dogs
My journey began with two incredible companions: Onyx, a black & white Siberian Husky, and Chase, a red & white Border Collie. They weren't just pets—they were family. Together, we shared adventures that defined over a decade of my life.
“They weren't just pets—they were family. Every memorial I create carries that same understanding of the bond between pet and parent.”
From completing all four grades of dog training school to competing in agility trials (winning my first competition with Onyx in 2006), our bond grew stronger each day. We explored nature on leash-free hikes, and in winter, they introduced me to the thrill of skijoring—a winter sport where they pulled me on cross-country skis through snowy trails. The excitement of gliding through winter landscapes at their running speed created memories I'll cherish forever.
Onyx even became locally famous for her chess "playing" abilities—picking up pawns from the board in a way that delighted audiences.
Senior Years and Unconditional Love
As my dogs entered their senior years, our adventures changed but our bond grew even stronger. When Onyx developed mobility issues, I got her a wheelchair that allowed her to continue enjoying outdoor activities. Seeing her enthusiasm and resilience—still eager to explore despite her limitations—taught me powerful lessons about adaptation and joy in the face of challenges.
Chase faced her own challenges with remarkable grace. Despite developing multiple health issues over the years, including arthritis and a growing abdominal mass that would eventually affect her mobility, she maintained her Border Collie spirit. Even when her body began to fail her, her eyes still lit up at the sight of her favorite ball, and her tail would wag enthusiastically whenever I entered the room. Her determination to enjoy life, despite her physical limitations, was truly inspiring.
“The love we share with our pets only grows stronger through the challenges. They teach us about resilience and unconditional love.”
These moments of caring for them in their golden years deepened our connection in ways I hadn't imagined possible. While our activities became gentler, the love and devotion we shared only grew stronger.
The Hardest Goodbye
When Chase developed health issues at 12½ years old, a spinal condition eventually left her unable to walk. The decision to let her go was heart-wrenching. Six months later, Onyx passed naturally at 15½, spending her final night by my side as I slept next to her dog bed, providing comfort until the end.
“During our last night together, my intuition told me it would be our last. So, I dragged my mattress next to her dog bed and gently petted and comforted her all night until she passed away naturally next to me.”
Creating Their Memorial
In my grief, I knew I needed to create something as special as they were—a tribute that would capture both their spirit and our journey together. Drawing from my memorial craftsmanship experience, I chose a Pet Rustic memorial, whose unique design perfectly symbolized our life together: a beautifully polished, slanted front for their portrait, complemented by a naturally rock-pitched (BRP) back that creates stunning texture in any garden setting.
“This memorial became more than a tribute—it became the inspiration for helping other pet parents preserve their own precious memories in stone.”
The contrast between the smooth, polished front and the natural rock-pitched back creates a striking memorial that commands attention while maintaining natural beauty.
I placed it in my garden where I plant flowers every spring, creating a peaceful spot to remember our adventures together. When I tend to the flowers, I'm reminded of Chase's endless energy playing Frisbee at the park, and how Onyx would perform her favorite tricks—like "shy," where she'd sweetly touch her nose with her paw—for a treat.
As the sun moves across the sky, it catches both the polished and textured surfaces differently throughout the day, creating an ever-changing tribute as beautiful as my memories of Onyx and Chase.
A Family Legacy in Memorial Craftsmanship
While processing my grief, I found myself drawing on a different part of my life story—my family's legacy in memorial craftsmanship. Since 1965, when my father began his career as a memorial engraver, our family has been dedicated to preserving memories in stone.
As a nine-year-old boy, I spent summers in cemeteries watching my father work, mesmerized by the magnificent monuments he created. He taught me why quality matters—how premium granite, properly engraved, can preserve memories for generations. Before retiring in 2008, he passed down all the specialized techniques and knowledge from his 43 years of experience.
The Birth of Furever Memorials
When I searched for a memorial worthy of my own pets, I found only mass-produced options that wouldn't survive a Canadian winter. That's when my worlds merged—my love for pets and my expertise in memorial craftsmanship.
Using the same premium granite memorials and diamond-impact engraving techniques reserved for cemetery monuments, I created a lasting tribute to Onyx and Chase. When friends and family saw the quality—the deep, permanent engraving, the premium granite, the professional craftsmanship—requests started flowing in for their own pet memorials.
What began as a personal tribute to my beloved companions evolved into something more meaningful: helping other pet parents create lasting memorials for their own cherished pets. I realized that every family deserves the opportunity to honour their pet's memory with the same quality and care I wanted for Onyx and Chase.
Our Promise to You
Today, every memorial we create carries forward both my family's legacy of craftsmanship and my personal understanding of pet loss. We use only cemetery-grade granite, not the thin plates or laser engravings commonly found online. Our diamond-impact engraving technique, the same used in prestigious cemeteries, ensures your pet's portrait will remain clear and detailed for generations.
Each memorial receives the same care and attention I gave to my own pets' memorial. Whether you choose our classic Pet Wave design or any of our premium monuments, you're getting more than a memorial—you're getting a piece of art crafted by someone who understands both the technical precision required and the emotional significance of your loss.
Would You Like to Create a Lasting Tribute?
I would be honored to help you create a beautiful memorial for your cherished companion. Together, we can create a tribute that preserves their memory with the dignity and permanence they deserve.
✓ Family craftsmanship since 1965
✓ Free memorial layout & revisions
✓ Premium granite & lifetime warranty
✓ Trusted by pet families across North America
✓ Made in Canada 🇨🇦
✓ Secure payment processing