The Power of Space in Community Healing (part 6 of 6)
Concluding a six-part exploration of how animal stewardship and aftercare intersect with “place” and “space,” attentions are drawn to the interactivity of personal healing and community. When our paths diverge from the animals for whom we care, the healing process emerges differently for each of us, and our community support systems can play a pivotal role. If healing is not an isolated/lonely experience, then it is a collective process - one shaped by the spaces we share. In times of loss, the presence of a supportive community and an environment designed for remembrance can transform grief into connection.
Eternal Tides was founded on many principles and values including Education, Empathy, and Environmental Stewardship, but the understanding of creating a space that extends beyond aftercare to foster healing and reflection have always been part of the spirit of our business.
Michel de Certeau (1984) differentiates between place—a fixed location—and space, which is shaped by human experiences and interactions. At Eternal Tides, our Memorial Space is more than the physical structure of our building or the 950+ square feet dedicated to pet funerals; it is a living space where families can gather, stories can be shared, and memories can become lasting legacies. Through intentional design, including live plants, up-cycled materials, and hand-built furniture displayed in curated calming colors, we cultivate an atmosphere that supports both personal and communal healing.
Grief research emphasizes the importance of social connection. Stroebe and Schut’s (1999) Dual Process Model highlights how healing occurs when individuals balance time alone with moments of communal support. This is why Eternal Tides offers spaces not only for private reflection but also for collective remembrance. By hosting memorial gatherings and encouraging shared rituals, we ensure that no one has to grieve alone.
Stewardship of life extends beyond our relationships with animals—it includes our responsibility to the planet. “Traditional” flame-based cremation releases carbon emissions and particulate matter into our atmosphere and contribute to environmental degradation (Herring, 2020). Aquamation, an eco-conscious alternative, aligns with the values of pet owners who seek a final act of care that respects both their beloved companions and the earth. As awareness grows, communities that embrace aquamation set new standards for sustainable aftercare and the Fargo region is no different.
Community healing happens when individuals come together in meaningful spaces, supporting one another through loss while making choices that reflect their values. Eternal Tides proudly stands at this intersection—honoring pets, comforting families, and advocating for a future where aftercare is both compassionate and sustainable. Together, we transform loss into legacy, shaping a space where love, memory, and stewardship endure.
References
de Certeau, M. (1984). The practice of everyday life (S. Rendall, Trans.). University of California Press.
Herring, S. C. (2020). The afterlife of cremation: Memory, materiality, and meaning in postmortem landscapes. University of California Press.
Stroebe, M., & Schut, H. (1999). The dual process model of coping with bereavement: Rationale and description. Death Studies, 23(3), 197-224. https://doi.org/10.1080/074811899201046
