In 2005 , Heaven’s Pets formed a joint venture with Stewart Enterprises, Inc. which eventually led to the building of a new Heaven’s Pets facility on the grounds of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home.

A groundbreaking for the building was held on August 25, 2005, just days before Hurricane Katrina flooded the grounds. Despite the obstacles Katrina blew in, construction resumed and the facility opened eight months later.

Ever since her days in college, Jennifer Melius, President of Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie Cremations and Bereavement Center, has always wanted to help those dealing with the loss of a loved one. It started after taking a course entitled Death & Dying. She was deeply affected by death at an early age when father had passed away in a fishing accident when she was only 14 years old. “I hadn’t realized the full impact that his death had on my life – that is until I took that course,” Jennifer said. The class had such a profound effect on her that Jennifer was inspired to help others with their loss. In 2002, following an 18-year career in tennis coaching, she combined her love for animals with her dream when she and her husband opened Heaven’s Pets, LLC. “There were other pet cremation companies around, but I knew there was a need to do more for the pet and family than just a cremation process,” she said. Through Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie, she not only provides families with more than a pet cremation service, she provides families with a dignified return urn, grief counseling, memorial services and several memorialization options. "I talk to so many pet owners who fear owning another pet because they don't believe they could ever handle the grief from another pet's death. Our hope, however, is that through our help, we will increase the chances that these good people will share their love with another little one some day,"

Animal care has always been a part of Victoria’s life. She grew up on a farm in Nebraska, she video taped live horse racing, and was a receptionist at a Metairie animal hospital. She also attended University of Nebraska at Lincoln and is seeking a degree in education from Delgado University. As the Assistant Manager, Victoria is involved with nearly every aspect of Heaven’s Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie services. She helps families with their death care needs. She also handles pick up, delivery and handling of your pet as well as performs cremations. “We treat every pet and situation as our own, and it’s such a privilege to help families reach closure when they lose their loved ones,” she said.

Sharon provides the necessary help to our clients who are coping with the loss of their pet. By trade she is a Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice with 30 years of experience. Coincidentally, Sharon and Jennifer and Brian Melius were neighbors. “Given my background, they asked me to help their customers with bereavement,” said Sharon. “I said absolutely.” Since then, she’s been holding bereavement sessions for Heaven’s Pets. She holds two sessions – the first and third Tuesday of every month. She also hosts a memorial service on the fourth Tuesday of every month. “It really devastates people when a pet dies or has to be euthanized,” said Sharon. “It’s very gratifying and satisfying to help people with their grief, and it gives me great joy to help people during their difficult time.”