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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
Pet cancer visited our home for the first time the summer between my second and third years of vet school. Tuna, my beloved 5-year-old cat, was diagnosed with high grade, B cell intestinal lymphoma. As a veterinary student, I knew it was “the bad one.” We were swiftly...
