Our staff

Bios

H. Mike Cook

OWNER

As a young boy growing up in Mooresville, I took on the role of taking care of my neighbors’ pets whenever one would pass away. My parents owned a vacant lot behind our home where they allowed me to bury family friends’ pets. With my wagon serving as the pet’s hearse, I would bring my furry friends to their final resting place, direct a pet service for them and then carefully bury them. These pets were my friends – they watched over me as I mowed the yards and played in the neighborhood – and I always felt my pet friends should be treated with dignity.

My childhood tribute to four-legged friends became a vision for a full-service pet funeral home and crematory. Pet Pilgrimage was created by a pet lover, for pet lovers, to ensure that families’ treasured pet children are given the gentle care and respect they deserve. A lot has changed since my youth; however, what has not changed is my belief that our pets are special and should be treated as family. “Honoring your Pet as Family” is more than just a company tagline to me; rather it serves as the foundation on which Pet Pilgrimage is based.

Back to top

Michael Cook

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

I joined my father, Mike Cook, in 2014 to assist with the operations of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Pet Pilgrimage Crematory, and the Heritage House event venue.

Since my father has been in the death-care industry for over 50 years, I grew up with an appreciation for the dedication it requires. My parents instilled a lot of work ethics in me, but the most important one to me is to make sure families are taken care of during the most difficult times of their lives. At Pet Pilgrimage, we serve families in exactly the same way that we do at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory. I can promise you that while your beloved pet is in our care, they will be treated with dignity and respect. We are also fortunate to have a compassionate team that understands the importance of supporting pet families. We understand the grief for a pet can be more overwhelming than anything a person has ever experienced, and we are here for you.

My wife, Sherry, and I have two children; Casey and Landon. We also have two dogs; Luna and Aubie, who come with me to work from time to time. We have had Luna since she was 8 weeks old and Aubie since she was a year old. Luna is very calm and Aubie is like the Tasmanian Devil, but both of these dogs are an integral part of the fabric of our family. I treat all pets we encounter like I would expect Luna and Aubie to be treated.

Back to top