Chantal Gladu Depatie's pet memorials are treasured keepsakes. “Losing a pet is like losing her family,” she says
Only humans grieve over a deceased pet. The Sudbury artist is a pet owner herself, so she understands the unique bond people share with their furry companions and the sadness they feel when they pass away.
“Losing a pet is like losing a family member,” says pet portrait artist Chantal Gladu Depatie. “I lost my Shih Tzu, Meeka, at the age of 15 in November.”
She uses her talent as an artist to help people cope with loss by creating unique urns to hold their pets' ashes.
This is an extension of my hobby and part-time home business painting dog and cat faces on wine glasses, mugs, and Christmas ornaments.
After a friend asked Chantal Gradu Despattier to paint a pet's portrait on an urn, she started receiving requests from others for these keepsake treasures.
“It just grew and grew from there. I posted it on Facebook and people kept asking for the urn.
The unique, hand-painted monuments are so popular that she is in the process of rebranding her business as Treasured Pet Keepsakes by Chantal.
Although most of her customers live in Ontario, Gladu Depati said she wants to expand her business by launching an Esty online store and website.
One of her customers posted the following comment on social media: “This urn is so beautifully made. It represents my little boy perfectly and I feel it is perfect for him. Thank you for the beautiful art. I will cherish it forever.”
Specialty urns cost between $150 and $200.
Gladu Depatie also paints children's faces at special events, nonprofit fundraisers, birthday parties, and more, and is happy that her art makes people happy.
“I think memorabilia brings joy to people. Some people ask for a halo or wings or a personal message to be added. People love having something they can hold and display. I'm satisfied.
“I recently gave it as a gift to a friend's husband. They had just lost their dog. When I delivered it, they were crying tears of sadness and joy.”
She said the couple was able to part ways and is now moving on to a new pet.
While Gladu Depatie uses her spare time to build her business, Skead's grandmother has a demanding full-time job as the executive director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
After graduating from Boreal University with a degree in social work, she completed her employment with the organization. She was hired full-time and after proving herself in a variety of roles, she was made executive her director in 2008.
Her work requires a variety of skills, including media relations, marketing, and fundraising, and she often collaborates with other nonprofit organizations.
“We understand the importance of all of us working together for the greater community.”
Her community work earned her the Governor General's Award in 2002, the Etoile du College Boreal Award in 2010, and the YWCA's Women of Excellence Award in 2014. In 2018, the Women's Business and Professional Club of Greater Sudbury honored her.
Gladu Depatie and her husband Daniel run two labs and recently adopted a new Shih Tzu puppy, Misha. Their blended family includes her three children and her four grandchildren.
Pet lovers can contact Gladu Deptie at the following address: [email protected].
