Helpful Articles for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Journey
Why I’m Thankful to be an End-of-Life Care Veterinarian
Written by Dr. Mindy Brewster, Caring Pathways Colorado Veterinarian“You Have the Worst Job in the World” This statement still catches me off guard because of how much space there is between the sentiment and how I actually feel about my work as a hospice...
Caring Pathways: Our Team Approach to End-of-Life Pet Care
Written by Dr. Chelsea McGivney (General Manager) and Dr. Megan Coveyou (CO Lead Veterinarian)We believe that the end of a pet's life is one of the most sacred and significant moments in their journey. Our mission is to ensure that pets and their families receive the...
Understanding Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Advice from a Veterinarian
Written by Dr. Mavi Graves, Caring Pathways Veterinarian in Fort Collins, COA few years ago, I had a euthanasia appointment scheduled for a 14-year-old poodle mix named Sadie. Like many geriatric dogs, Sadie had not seen her regular vet in many years and did not have...
Exploring The Human-Animal Bond: Jason and Annabelle
Written by Dr. Gina Singleton, Caring Pathways Veterinarian in Fort Collins, COThe bond between humans and their pets is one of the most profound connections in life. At Caring Pathways, we often witness the depth of this bond during some of the most challenging...
The Caring Pathways’ Journey: Advancing Compassionate End-of-Life Care for Pets
At Caring Pathways, our mission has always been to serve the hearts and minds of pet owners by providing peaceful, compassionate end-of-life care for their pets with honesty, integrity, and respect in the comfort of their homes. As we continue to evolve and grow, we...
How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Pet: The Perfect Goodbye
So often in my work as an end-of-life care veterinarian, I bear witness to pet owners grappling with the decision to euthanize their pet. They express that, more than anything, they want to get the timing right. They don’t want their pet to suffer, and they also don’t...
The Mystery of Death: Insights into Your Pet’s Last Moments
“Death ends a life, not a relationship” - Mitch Albom What happens when we die is one of life’s great mysteries and something that affects us all sooner or later. When it comes time to think about how a beloved pet will die - and what will happen before, during, and...
Our Commitment to Supporting the Morris Animal Foundation
Did you know that Caring Pathways donates monthly to support the Morris Animal Foundation? The Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. This year we have committed to sponsoring two Morris Animal Foundation...
Saying Goodbye: Honor Your Pet’s Legacy with Dignity and Love
No matter how long your beloved dog or cat has been in your life, it never feels long enough when the time comes to say goodbye. The heartbreak of losing a family member cannot be denied, but there are ways to honor your pet’s legacy with dignity and love and help...
Creating a Bucket List for Your Beloved Pet
Bucket lists can be a powerful tool to celebrate a beloved pet and create positive memories during what can otherwise be a sad and anxious time. It can also provide a sense of control and help families feel that while it’s not possible to cure their pet’s disease or...
My Dog was Diagnosed with a Nasal Tumor, Now What?
Written by Dr. Mindy Brewster, Caring Pathways VeterinarianUnderstanding Nasal Tumors:For pet owners facing the heart-wrenching reality of having a beloved pet diagnosed with nasal cancer, the journey likely seems daunting. Nasal cancer results from the uncontrolled...
How to Guide Your Children Through the Loss of a Pet: A Mother’s Insightful Tips
As a veterinarian, I have been doing exclusively in-home pet hospice and euthanasia for over four years now. It’s the most purposeful and fulfilling job I’ve ever had. When I go into a home and empathize with pet owners about how hard it is to say goodbye to our pets,...
Assessing your pet’s quality of life
Facing the end of your pet’s life is challenging at best, but more likely, heartbreaking. It feels impossible to separate your desire to not allow them to suffer with your own grief of losing them. You know that you do not want them to be in pain but also cannot...
A Helpful Guide to Compassionate Veterinary Telehealth Services
For pet parents, our beloved companions are cherished members of our families, offering unwavering love and friendship. However, as pets age, they may encounter health challenges, which can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming. Fortunately, advancements in...
A Compassionate Journey for Colorado’s Devoted Dog Owners
In the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, the bond between humans and their pets is profound. Caring Pathways in Colorado serves as a beacon of compassion as pets near the end of their life. Written by Dr. Chelsea McGivney, Caring Pathways General ManagerColorado's...
Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats
Puddles of Pee, Roast Chicken and Pound Cake: My First Experience with Chronic Kidney Disease.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is something we most often associate with elderly cats, but it can affect dogs too, and sometimes in a younger pet. It is a progressive,...
Common Misconceptions about Hospice and Palliative Care for Pets
Our beloved pets are important parts of our families. Witnessing our pets age, or having to face a terminal illness can be one of the most challenging aspects of being pet owners. In such situations, hospice and palliative care can provide comfort, support, and peace...
Is a natural death or euthanasia better for your pet?
As a home hospice and euthanasia veterinarian, something I frequently hear from grieving pet parents is, “I was hoping she’d just die peacefully in her sleep”. We all hope for that. I think that’s the way any of us - dog, cat, human, or otherwise - would like to go,...
Navigating Pet Care’s Impact on Your Quality of Life
Written by Dr. Gina Singleton, Caring Pathways Veterinarian in Fort Collins, COIn this article, we'll explore the importance of considering your own quality of life when making end-of-life care decisions for your pet. At Caring Pathways, we understand the profound...
What to Expect with In-Home End-of-Life Veterinary Care
Being the caregiver of a geriatric pet, or one who has received a life-limiting diagnosis can be difficult and scary. Challenges associated with caring for your special family member, adapting schedules to meet their needs, and fear of the unknown can all lead to...
New Year’s Resolutions and Your Pet: Starting the Year on the Right Paw
As New Year's Day approaches, our thoughts turn to making the upcoming year even better than the last. While our pets are perfect just as they are, here are some ideas to ensure they start the new year with their best paw forward.ID CheckTake a moment to check your...
Senior Cat Gift Ideas for 2023
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to celebrate our beloved senior cats with thoughtful and comforting gifts. Aging cats deserve extra love and care, and choosing the right gifts can make a world of difference in their comfort and happiness. We’ve compiled a...
Senior Dog Gift Ideas for 2023
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to celebrate our beloved senior dogs with thoughtful and comforting gifts. Aging pups deserve extra love and care, and choosing the right gifts can make a world of difference in their comfort and happiness. We’ve compiled a...
When to Euthanize a Pet: Understanding the Right Time
The decision to schedule a beloved pet's peaceful transition involves a myriad of considerations, primarily centered around their quality of life. While evaluating quality of life warrants its own discussion, this article aims to explore additional factors pivotal in...