About Precious Memories Pet Cemetery and Crematory, Inc. of Fort Collins, Colorado
Initially the inspiration for Precious Memories was to honor the passing of Lisa's beloved pet Darth, a brindle American Staffordshire Terrier, who was Lisa's constant companion from the moment he joined her family. With limited options, Lisa inquired about burial in a local cemetery. Upon learning that pet burial was not allowed in cemeteries dedicated for people, she decided on cremation. Disappointed with the service that was offered, Lisa and her father Harold came to the conclusion that there needed to be a place in Northern Colorado that catered to the needs of people once their pets had passed.
The next step was getting what used to be a seven acre farm, re-zoned to become a pet cemetery. After many months of soil testing and endless paperwork, along with air pollution studies for the crematory, Precious Memories was given the green light to open. Darth is now buried beneath the statue of Saint Francis just outside the office.
Our History
In October 1989, the facility opened. For the first few years, Harold shouldered the lion's share of the responsibility while Lisa worked at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After retiring from the university, Lisa worked full-time at Precious Memories with her father. In 1998, the business was more than two people could handle and the staff had to be expanded.
In 1995, the second cremation unit was added and a new building was constructed to house them. Since then, two more units have been added. The original unit did not comply with Larimer County's strict air pollution laws any longer and was donated to an animal shelter in Summit County. Since 1989, Precious Memories Pet Cemetery and Crematory has played an important role in Northern Colorado, providing the first pet cemetery and cremation facility in the area. We strive to set the highest standards of service and compassion in the pet loss industry.
Our full service cemetery, which is located just east of Fort Collins, has a breathtaking view of Colorado's beautiful scenic mountains. We have three crematories on site that are manufactured with the highest ratings for safety and efficiency. They include the newest technology to ensure that emission standards are exceeded.
As an added convenience for our client, we can work directly with their veterinarian or can refer an in-home veterinary service if preferred. Our main goal during the passing of a pet is to make the experience as stress free as possible. There are no additional charges to pick up and return pets to veterinary clinics and hospitals in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and the surrounding area. We also offer an in-home pick up service for a reasonable fee.
We want you to feel comfortable with the care your pet receives; therefore, we encourage you to ask questions and openly discuss any concerns you may have with our knowledgeable staff.
In 2009 we celebrated our 20th anniversary of providing for the care needs of pets in Northern Colorado and the surrounding areas. Our qualified staff is committed to delivering the highest quality of care in a gentle and compassionate environment. Precious Memories has continued to grow and strengthen our commitment to helping Front Range's families with the final wishes of their animal companions and family members.
After 36 years of service, Precious Memories has welcomed Lisa's daughter Samantha as our Director of Operations, continuing into our 3rd generation of family owned and operated business.
Meet Our Staff
Lisa Kuemmerlin Staggs - Owner
A native of Fort Collins, Colorado, Lisa has resided in Fort Collins all of her life. She is a graduate of Fort Collins High School and attended University of Wyoming majoring in Agriculture and Horticulture.
She worked as the Supervisor of Animal Care, Custodial Services and the Volunteer Coordinator at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for 18 years.
In 1987 after the passing of Darth her beloved companion she started Precious Memories Pet Cemetery and Crematory Inc. with help and support of her family and turned it into a premier model of excellence. Darth is the contributing factor of why Precious Memories is here today. She passionately shares her vision for the love of all animals and their final provisions for the end of life.
In her free time she enjoys billiards, gardening especially working on her amazing indoor fairy garden and creating crafts from botanicals grown in her indoor and outdoor gardens. She also enjoys football (Go Broncos) and hockey.
She shares her home with many adopted children that found her in their time of need. “Kiki” a Pekinese Pomeranian mix, “Sam” a double yellow headed Amazon Parrot, “Panther” Domestic shorthair feline, “Jake” a male Eclectus Parrot, “Angelica Noel” a Ragdoll, “Cocoa” a cockatiel, “Molly” a Chihuahua, “Alice” a Domestic Long haired feline, “Elvis” a Maltese and her group of outdoor “Hobos” (Squirrels, Blue Jays, Rabbits, Foxes and Raccoons).
Recently Lisa has taken a step back from the office to enjoy time with her grandsons and granddogs.
Samantha Staggs - Director of Operations
Samantha is happy to become the third generation of the family to join Precious Memories in their third decade of service to the Front Range community. Samantha is a passionate animal lover, who has been involved with animals from volunteering at Colorado State University teaching hospital to participating in 4-H during her formative years. Recently Samantha came on board as the Director of Operations, helping facilitate the loss of loved ones with care and compassion for each client who steps through our doors.
Samantha has many passions in life including food, wine, opera, and the performing arts. Samantha is a graduate of DePaul School of Music with a Master of Music Opera Performance and Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Music and Post Masters Performance Certificate in Classical Voice Performance as well as an unaccredited minor in Business from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. Samantha is proud to be a Mighty Lambkin, just like Lisa and Harold.
Samantha has two little boys in Elementary who keep her busy as well as eight fur-babies, who you may see in the office from time to time. Mina, the leader of the pack is an 9-year-old French Bulldog who is a retired breeding mama, is our official office greeter. Rusty Buckets(pictured with Samantha), is an Olde English Bulldogge who loves everyone he has ever met. Gypsy, also a retired breeding mama is our second office greeter, who enjoys comforting people as they come into the office. Our newest member of the family is Gabi, a one eyed Frenchie from Greeley. Gabi is learning the ropes and excited to be a part of the family. Lenny, the littlest love of Samantha’s life, a French Bulldog Chihuahua mix is buried in the family plot, near the garden and the roses that he loved to stop and smell every time he walked by.
Cindy B.
Bio Coming Soon
Nick S.
A native of Fort Collins, Nick has had a life long passion for innovation and helping people, including a past profession as a bartender & hospitality specialist. He has used these skills to assist Precious Memories customers in making lasting memories for our clients. With care and kindness he helps preserve the memories of pet's for their families.
Mina
Mina is our resident greeter and also works as a therapy dog and grief counselor for clients who are grieving the loss of their beloved pets. Mina is a 8 year old French Bulldog who is a retired breeding mamma. You may also see Mina in the office with Gypsy, and training some of the new members of the crew.
