Beautiful Cat

Our Paws for Life Story

Our Story

Paws for Life – Crafting Cherished Memories in the Spirit of Every Paw Print

Rooted in Family, Driven by Compassion: The Heartfelt Story Behind Paws for Life

Welcome to Paws for Life, where we believe in honoring the unique journey of every pet with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to creating lasting memories. Our story begins with a deep-rooted connection to family and a shared understanding of the profound impact pets have on our lives. It was this understanding that sparked our interest in the process of recognizing the stages of pet love and life. From the smallest fish to loyal dogs and fascinating reptiles, we care for every cherished member of your family, recognizing the importance of closure when saying goodbye to a furry companion.

Our journey is woven with a dedication to family togetherness, a value that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our existence. Paws for Life was born out of the desire to provide a unique pet experience for family pet cremations and memorial services. We embarked on this journey to offer more than just a service; we aim to create a closure for now and a lifetime of paw memories.

At Paws for Life, professionalism is at the core of everything we do. Our team is committed to guiding you through the process with empathy and care, ensuring that the farewell for your beloved pet is both dignified and memorable. Join us in celebrating the love and life of your pets, and let Paws for Life be the bridge that brings solace, closure, and everlasting paw memories to your family.

Explore our journey and discover the heartfelt commitment behind Paws for Life. Contact us today to discuss how we can create a unique and compassionate experience for your family pet. Let us be a part of the cherished memories you'll hold in your heart forever.

Our Story

Our family has been fortunate to maintain close ties with immediate family members and dear friends actively engaged in both human and pet memorial funeral services. Growing up in the quaint rural farming area of Bucyrus, Ohio, we've shared our lives with nearly a dozen different pets, including a variety of animals that might only exist in one's imagination. Our encounters with loss have been notably poignant, especially against the backdrop of the challenges brought about by Covid-19.

The repercussions of the pandemic have directly touched our family, claiming the lives of loved ones and our beloved furry companions. This global crisis prompted profound reflections on life's priorities, underscoring the essence of what truly matters. Regrettably, we've also had to say goodbye to some of our cherished furry friends, gaining firsthand insight into the deep impact they have on our lives, both during their presence and as they gracefully cross the rainbow bridge. At Paws for Life, our explicit aim is to curate an experience that resonates strongly with all our family members, creating moments that are not just remembered but cherished for a lifetime.

Our Team

Meet our friendly staff

Troy Shealy

Founder & Veteran

Westerville, Ohio

Boxer- Paisley August

Troy dedicates his time to filling any gaps the Paws for Life team needs. As the founder of the business, he has followed his heart and taken instrumental industry advice from family, friends, and our Team of Preferred Partners to offer a truly unique experience for Central Ohio families dealing with pet loss. A graduate of Ohio State University and originally from Bucyrus, Ohio, Troy has strong ties to the Central Ohio area and is committed to providing an experience that exceeds your expectations.

Brooke Shealy

President

Westerville, Ohio

Boxer- Abigail Dazzling Diamond

Brooke handles and manages everything that keeps Paws for Life up and running. Having had pets from her early childhood in Bucyrus, Ohio she understands the impact our little buddies have on our daily lives. Residing in Westerville for over 25 years She and her husband Troy have 2 children Avery, Ian and their precious little but ornery still at 10 years of age Boxer-Paisley August .

Brad Brewer

Preferred Partner- LPCC-S, Professional Grief Counselor

Westerville, Ohio

Cat Rescue- Tango

At Paws for Life, we understand that the loss of a beloved pet is a deeply emotional journey. Whether it’s a finned friend, a loyal dog, or a fascinating reptile, every pet leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. Brad, a trusted and valuable member of our Preferred Partner team, has been providing counseling services in the Central Ohio area for over 15 years. Allow us to assist you and your family in creating lasting Paws for Life memories, making the experience a cherished moment.

Brad is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over eight years of experience in the field. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Otterbein University and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton. Throughout his career, Brad has worked in community mental health, served as a counselor at a local university, and has been in private practice since June 2020. His expertise includes improving mental health, navigating life’s challenges, healing from trauma, and supporting individuals in their recovery from addiction.

"I take pride in being fully present—mentally and emotionally—with the people I work with. My counseling approach is grounded in empathy, free of judgment, and built on trust, confidentiality, and positive regard. The loss of a pet can be profoundly painful. As their parent and steward, you've experienced a unique and unconditional love that’s hard to find elsewhere. Often, this grief can stir up unresolved feelings of past losses that we may not have addressed. If you’re carrying something heavy, no matter its size, I hope you’ll allow me the opportunity to help you work through it and find relief." Brad

Sean Hartwell

Preferred Partner

Licensed Funeral Director & Licensed Crematory Operator

Cocker Spaniel- Muffin

Sean has been servicing families in the Greater Mansfield area for nearly 30 years for all their family funeral home needs. Sean is not only a trusted Paws for Life Preferred Partner but also a trusted Brother and Brother-in-Law.

Bryan Moss

Preferred Partner

Moss Family Paws- Owner & Licensed Funeral Director

Boston Terrier- Moxy

Since 2001, Moss Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been serving families for both human and pet funeral needs. Bryan Moss and his team understand that choosing a funeral provider is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. As a trusted Preferred Partner, Moss Family Funeral Homes assist Paws for Life with services needed outside of Greater Central Ohio, specifically in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Brian Clary

Preferred Partner

Faithful Friends Pet Memory Center- Owner

Min Pin Mix- Katie Bell

Brian and Lorie Clary started Faithful Friends Pet Memory Center in February of 2007. The Faithful Friends team has been providing a place that offers a loving and respectful end to our faithful friends lives, along with personalized memorials and grief resources. Their entitre team knows how special an animal can become in one’s heart.

As a trusted Preferred Partner, Brian and team assist Paws for Life with services needed outside of Greater Central Ohio, specifically in the Greater Cincinnati area, Indiana, and Kentucky .