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SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Gerry Wellman, General Manager of Sorrento Valley Pet Cemetery, has stepped forward to assist Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos after the business unexpectedly shut down, leaving dozens of cremated pet remains unreturned to their owners.
“We have to bring some closure to people with their pets,” said Wellman.
The closure of Angel Paws left many pet owners distressed and uncertain about the fate of their deceased companions. Wellman reached out after seeing news reports about the situation, offering to help complete cremations for animals still at the facility.
“Chris, let me do the cremations for the pets you have. Let’s help give some closure to the owners. Let’s help give back ashes,” said Wellman, referring to his offer to Angel Paws owner Chris Settle.
On Saturday, Settle reportedly delivered 33 animals to Sorrento Valley Pet Cemetery for communal cremation, a service for owners who do not wish to have remains returned. Later that day, the City of San Marcos inspected the Angel Paws facility, confirming that all remaining animals were properly stored.
The situation has been particularly difficult for pet owners like Toni Faust, who brought her pet Puppy to Angel Paws in July. Faust initially feared she would never see Puppy’s remains again, but was eventually able to retrieve them on Friday.
“Cannot thank you and Channel 8 enough for covering this story because it just, it really helped a lot,” said Faust.
Settle claims he is working to return all remaining ashes by Friday, though he has not provided specific details on the progress. Meanwhile, Wellman stands ready to offer additional assistance if needed.
“Let’s give closure to everybody. The pets. The owners. And the story, basically,” said Wellman.
Owners still trying to recover their pet’s remains can try texting Chris at (657) 769-5441.
