By Dr. Chelsea McGivney, Executive Director of Operations
At Caring Pathways, we are grateful for team members whose longevity reflects deep commitment to our mission. As Dr. Chelsea McGivney marks five years with Caring Pathways, she shares this personal reflection on purpose, people, and compassionate care.
A Shared Purpose That Keeps Me Here
“Reaching five years at Caring Pathways feels both significant and humbling. This work is unlike anything I’ve done before and, in many ways, unlike anything most people encounter in their professional lives. Supporting families and their pets at the end of life is deeply emotional, and at times, undeniably heavy. But it is also some of the most meaningful work I could imagine being part of.
What has kept me connected to this mission over the years is simple: the people. I have the privilege of working alongside a team that understands the gravity of what we do and chooses to show up for it anyway. Every day, our veterinarians, technicians, and client care team step into some of the hardest moments in a family’s life with compassion, empathy, and intention. When we are able to make even a small difference–bringing a sense of peace, comfort, or dignity to a family on one of their worst days–it reinforces why this work matters. That shared purpose is what continues to draw me back, day after day.”
Our Caring Pathways team summer BBQ in 2022.
What This Work Has Taught Me About Grief
“This work has also taught me a great deal about grief. One of the most important lessons is that grief is not one-size-fits-all. The way I’ve experienced the loss of a pet is different from how a client experiences it, which is different from how a colleague carries it. There is no “right” way to grieve. Witnessing this over and over again has deepened my patience and strengthened my empathy, not just in my role, but in how I show up in all areas of my life. It has made me a better leader and, more importantly, a more understanding human being.”
Preparing the holiday gifts for the Caring Pathways team.
What Compassionate End-of-Life Care Truly Means
To me, truly compassionate end-of-life care means recognizing that this is not just a medical event… it is a deeply personal and emotional experience. It requires a team that honors the human-animal bond and approaches each family with dignity, respect, and presence. Compassionate care is about slowing down, listening, and meeting families where they are, without judgment or expectation. It’s about ensuring that both the pet and the people who love them feel supported throughout the entire process.
Our Caring Pathways booth at the AVMA Conference in Denver.
Supporting a Team and Expanding the Mission
In my role as Executive Director of Operations, I have the unique opportunity to support and grow a team that is doing this important work every day. Having personally experienced the loss of a pet at home as well as holding the role of an in-home end-of-life care veterinarian, I believe deeply in the value of what we offer. Being able to say goodbye in a familiar, comfortable environment is something I wish for every pet and every family. That belief is what drives me to help expand our reach into new communities, so more families have access to this level of care when they need it most.
Dr. Chelsea during a Caring Pathways Comfort Care appointment for her beloved dog Jake, who passed in 2024 💜
For Families Walking Through This Season
If there is one thing I would want pet families to know as they navigate this season, it is this: whatever you are feeling is valid. Grief can show up as sadness, anger, guilt, fear, or something you can’t quite name. There is no timeline, no expectation, and no “right way” to move through it. Be gentle with yourself. Allow yourself to feel what you feel, and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support, whether that’s loved ones, your veterinary team, or a grief professional. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Five years in, I am grateful–for the families who trust us, for the pets who have taught us so much, and for the team that continues to show up with compassion and heart. It is an honor to be part of this work.
The Caring Pathways team supporting and participating in Humane Colorado’s Furry Scurry fundraiser.
We are honored to celebrate Dr. Chelsea’s five years of leadership, compassion, and dedication to Caring Pathways and the families we serve!
The Caring Pathways Booth at DVM360’s Fetch Conference in Charlotte.