Tucked away in the north-northwest corner of Washington State, located in Bellingham, Radiant Heart After-Care for Pets can seem very far away to pet parents who live outside of Whatcom County. However, we have had clients travel specifically for our services from as far away as California and Alaska, and pet parents from Seattle (specifically North Seattle) are choosing to use our services more and more.
Radiant Heart staff are so grateful for those who choose to make the journey to our facility. Knowing that your pet is in the hands of skilled, professional people who care very deeply about making sure you and your pet have the respectful experience you deserve makes the trip worth while. However, while you are here you need to take care of yourself, too.
Going the Distance with Your Emotions
We are about 90 miles north of Seattle, a straight shot up I-5, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Past the Skagit Valley, the highway winds around the north Cascades, covered in lush greens in the spring and summer, stunning yellows and oranges in the fall, and snow-covered branches in winter. The mountains open and give way to the city, sleepily nestled into the bay. With usually minimal traffic, many clients comment on how it was the perfect time to gather their thoughts in order to have to say their final goodbyes. There are also clients who feel it was a gift to be able to take their pet for one last car ride. Other families feel a sense of humble duty to stay with their pet through the end, opting to witness the cremation after arrival. We offer witness cremations for both flame cremations and water cremations, so families don’t feel like they are sacrificing their preferred choice of service if they would like to witness the start of their pet’s cremation.
The drive back south is often described as healing to us by clients. It is a time after all decisions have been made, all questions were answered, and everything is finalized. The anxiety of the ride up to our facility melts away knowing that you have chosen a cremation provider that will treat your pet with the respect, dignity, and love they deserve. If you chose same-day service, you can feel relaxed knowing you are bringing your pet home that day, and you won’t have to spend any more time away from them.
Same-Day Service Saves A Second Trip
For the convenience of our clients, we also offer same-day service with flame cremations. Often, we can complete your pet’s after-care package in just a few hours. This service is popular for those who feel they could better heal if they could take their pets home the same day. For some, it can be an extra emotional burden to have to wait, even for our timely return guarantees. Many of our Seattle clients opt for this service to save them a second trip or shipping costs, and they make a day out of the trip to Bellingham, the city of subdued excitement.
What to Do While You Wait
If you do opt for same day service, you can expect to wait 3-6 hours, depending on the size of your pet and the services requested.
Where to Eat
We are often asked for restaurant recommendations from our clients. Bellingham has many excellent options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. We happily recommend some of our favorites
For breakfast and brunch:
- Birch Door Café – located half a mile from our facility, this European-influenced breakfast spot is perfect for pancakes or a hearty brunch.
- HomeSkillet – this quintessentially Bellingham, hole-in-the-wall spot is perfect for small parties who want a quick American breakfast made with heart
- Horeshoe Café – clients have returned to pick up their after-care packages raving about their breakfast, and you’ll have the bonus of visiting the oldest operating cocktail lounge in Washington State!
For lunch:
- Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill – many of us in the PNW are familiar with the Anthony’s chain, but this restaurant offers a little bit lighter fare than the regular Anthony’s establishments with a gorgeous view of Zuanich Point Park and the bay
- Avenue Bread & Café – this bakery has baked-daily bread, which they use to craft their excellent sandwiches. They also have a selection of soups, salads, and coffees.
- La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza – in addition to some of the best pizza in Bellingham, this restaurant offers an array of Italian dishes
For dinner:
- Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor – enjoy the fresh tastes of the bay with gorgeous views
- DeAnna’s – boasts fresh-made pasta and Italian desserts
For quick bites:
- Fatpie – offers unique and tasty pizzas
- Boomer’s Drive In – a Bellingham favorite burger joint
- Naan & Brew – for fans of butter chicken, this restaurant offers North Indian food and local beers
- Pel’meni – for authentic Russian dumplings
- Brotha Dude’s – offers vegetarian options alongside omnivore dishes
- Shirlee Bird Café – owner operated, this café has a selection of fine coffees, hand-made pastries, and sandwiches
- Leaf & Ladle – excellent vegetarian and vegan options and reasonably priced
For those interested in beer and micro-brewing, Bellingham has numerous breweries right in town who also serve food. Boundary Bay, Aslan Brewing Company, Kulshan Brewing, Stone’s Throw, Twin Sisters, just to name a few. There is also the Bellingham Cider Company and Lost Giants Cider Company for fans of hard cider.
Things to Do
In addition to food, the city and the surrounding area offer many interesting things to do. For those who need quiet and space to reflect, there are many gorgeous parks within the city. For views of the bay, Zuanich Point Park and Boulevard Park are lovely. The historic Chuckanut Drive is host to some of the best views in the city, if not the country. Big Rock Garden Park is perfect for those interested in sculpture, with many areas to sit among the sculptures.
If you would prefer to stay active, Bellingham has plenty of attractions that can keep your mind busy. The Whatcom County Museum with well-curated exhibits is located inside old City Hall and the Lightcatcher Museum. Mindport offers both fine art and interactive displays in arts and sciences. The Spark Museum has hands-on displays and has demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays. The Bellingham Railway Museum is a must for any train enthusiasts. Historic Fairhaven is home to a few cozy bookstores and specialty shops, as well as fish and chips sold from a red double-decker bus.
Conclusion
Bellingham is the perfect place to find something that will fit what you need on one of the most emotionally taxing days of your life. Bellingham and the surrounding areas have beautiful views, good food, and places to go where you can keep your mind busy, or where you can just be alone and quiet.