BALTIMORE, Md. — A candlelight vigil took place Saturday at Charm City Pet Crematorium, honoring pet owners who say they were scammed by the Loving Care Pet Crematorium in Catonsville.
Multiple complaints against Loving Care Pet Crematorium arose after customers claimed they received sand or concrete instead of their deceased pets’ ashes. Baltimore County investigators reported finding the bodies of 38 cats and dogs packed into a hearse at the owner’s property. In addition, seven other pets were discovered abandoned on the roadside.
“This is terrible to put people through this level of trauma,” said Lindsay Taylor, a grieving pet owner. Juanita Logan, another affected pet owner, expressed her anguish, saying, “I don’t know where the ashes are, don’t know where he is.”
Zoey Robinson-Budreski, owner of Charm City Pet Crematorium, organized the vigil to support those impacted. “Closure is needed, and they need to be properly memorialized,” Robinson-Budreski stated. During the event, she shared her commitment to help the grieving pet owners, noting, “I couldn’t do it for them in the beginning. So by doing this, it’s the right thing to do.”
Logan appreciated the support, saying, “This was a blessing. I can be around other people who went through the same thing as I did.” Robinson-Budreski has also cremated the bodies of identified pets found at the scene and returned the ashes to their rightful owners at no cost.
According to Robinson-Budreski, many pets remain unclaimed, adding, “Most of them, except for I think about 10, are still without family members.” She emphasized that additional resources will be available for all pet owners still mourning.
“We’re going to continue having support groups for all of them and make sure that we are here to support them,” she said. “I really think this is going to be a nice feeling that they don’t feel alone for being conned.” The vigil also aimed to raise awareness about ethical cremation standards, with Robinson-Budreski stating, “It is going to be very hard for people to trust again after such a wrenching betrayal.”
Robinson-Budreski hopes the event helps pet owners begin their healing process. “It is our hope that we can offer visitors some comfort, and that healing can begin,” she expressed.
