A personal reflection from Margaret Spalletta, BA, RVT, Practice Consultant Manager at the American Animal Hospital Association
At Caring Pathways, we are honored to walk alongside families during some of the most tender moments they will ever share with their beloved pets.
Lucy was a cherished member of Margaret Spalletta’s family for 17 years. From kittenhood to family life, through moves, marriage, children, career changes, and grief, Lucy was there through it all.
Margaret generously shared her personal experience, saying goodbye to Lucy at home with Caring Pathways and Dr. Jill Hickey.
Can you tell us a little bit about Lucy and what made her so special to you and your family?
“I moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado to attend Bel-Rea in 2008. Having stayed in Pennsylvania for college, I had never moved this far away from home, so naturally I needed some company in my apartment.
I visited Denver Dumb Friends League with the notion of rescuing a senior cat and fell in love with Ethel, my senior lady, and a small fluff ball, Lucy. Lucy just happened to be “free” in a buy-one, get-one-free event at DDFL. They were my first animals I was able to call my own, and instantly warmed their way into my heart.
Lucy was everything a kitten should be. She was so playful, cute, and exactly what I needed. She endured a lot over the years and traveled alongside me through my life, then to now. She helped me transition from countless apartments to our first home, meeting my husband, jobs that ultimately became careers, and the birth of my beautiful two children. She was averse to litter boxes at times, but I constantly looked past that, and wherever I went, she went. We experienced it all together.”
“She tolerated our second 4-legged addition, Remington, finally growing closer as the years went on. She eventually warmed up to my son and allowed him to pet her and nuzzle each other at bedtime. His first words were “tee too-tee,” aka “see Lucy.” Every morning, he would run into her closet, slam the doors open, and crawl into her cat bed with her. They loved each other.
Cats are very fastidious, and Lucy was no exception. She helped get me through the death of my mother, and now my son will come to me and say, “Nana, Lucy heaven.”
I couldn’t have asked for a better confidant as I navigated my life changes and began my family here in Colorado. My family has a farm in Pennsylvania with a pet cemetery, and Lucy will join Ethel alongside her soon. I miss her terribly, but as animals do, she maintained her usual spot on my lap and is forever in my heart.”
When did you begin to realize it may be time to consider end-of-life care for Lucy?
“Lucy was 17 years young when it came time for humane euthanasia. She had developed acute kidney failure, lost significant weight quickly, and had natural arthritis in her back end.
I was able to perform supportive therapy for a few days, but she did not tolerate SQ fluids very well nor her oral appetite stimulant. She always had a great appetite. However, once this dwindled as well, this was the sign I needed.
I listened to her needs and made the call to Caring Pathways.”
What emotions or concerns did you have leading up to the appointment?
“I was overcome by emotion with Lucy, having just lost my mother about two months prior. I had worked with Caring Pathways professionally and knew how wonderful they were, but I had never utilized their services in my own way.
From the moment I made the first call, they were empathetic, sincere, and very easy to confide in. They treated me with grace and understanding and walked me through exactly what to expect.
I never had a single concern or worry about how the appointment was going to go.”
Was there anything about your time with Dr. Jill and the Caring Pathways team that brought you comfort or peace?
Dr. Jill, Margaret, and Lucy share a quiet moment together in the comfort of Lucy’s home.
“Dr. Jill was absolutely incredible. I chose to euthanize Lucy in her room, which happens to also be my kid’s playroom and my work area. I turn around every day at my desk and am reminded of where she was put to sleep. However, I am beautifully provided with a wave of peace and comfort that this is where Lucy wanted to be. She was in her favorite spot.
My husband and my two small children were also present for the euthanasia, and I am eternally grateful for how she helped navigate that with me. My 4-year-old daughter had dozens of questions, and Dr. Jill remained compassionate, calm, and caring from start to finish.
She asked if her eyes would stay open and if she was in any pain. Dr. Jill handled everything with grace while being direct, yet sincere with her words. She spent time with my daughter as she went to get her toy stethoscope and clipped hair clippings from each of the areas my kids picked out.
I know she stayed longer at the appointment than usual, and I never felt rushed or pressured. Everything about her presence and demeanor was comforting and peaceful.”
How did having Lucy at home impact your family’s goodbye?
“It was wonderful, and I will continue to recommend home euthanasia, specifically Caring Pathways. I have a wonderful veterinarian that I go to, however, I did not want to stress Lucy with travel, and I wanted this to be a positive memory for all involved.
It was truthfully a beautiful experience, and I know it will remain a solid memory for us all.”
As someone who works closely with veterinary practices through AAHA, was there anything about Caring Pathways’ team, process, communication, or approach that stood out to you?
“Everyone’s overall professionalism and caring nature. From the moment I made that initial phone call, it was natural to communicate with them. They even helped contact my regular vet to obtain Lucy’s records so I wouldn’t have to do that.
I had the pleasure of working with Caring Pathways’ Marketing Director as well, and he was very professional during the appointment. He naturally knew when it was time to step away. He also took a very sweet family picture of all of us together in the room, which I have beside me.
I was very impressed by everyone at Caring Pathways, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
What would you want another family to know if they are facing the difficult decision of saying goodbye to a beloved pet?
“You will naturally go through an onslaught of questions and emotions during this time. Making the decision to put a beloved family pet down is incredibly difficult and one that you should not have to make alone.
There are a lot of negative connotations surrounding euthanasia, and this does not have to be the case. It’s natural to be scared, so let this team of professionals help you with those feelings, questions, or burdens. All these emotions you are feeling are valid.
They will listen to your concerns and worries while also helping you listen to your pet. They will provide a plethora of resources to help guide you through any anticipatory grief you may be feeling, the appointment itself, and, of course, grief counseling for anyone who may need it.
Let them be there for you at your worst moment, because when we honor our pets through their death, we in turn honor their life.”
Is there a favorite memory, moment, or detail about Lucy that you would like people to know?
“Her playful and inquisitive nature right up until the end. She had the most adorable meow, which I still hear from time to time.
She loved playing with Q-tips and would seek them out from the bathrooms. She would climb up on all our sinks and knock down containers just to get to them. She would knock over countless cups because she wanted to drink out of her humans’ water glasses.
She loved to strut around after I would get her a lion clip, showing off her little mane and tail poof. Everything was on her terms, but when she began to trust you, you had it made.”
A Note from Caring Pathways
We are deeply grateful to Margaret and her family for allowing us to share Lucy’s story.
It was an honor for Dr. Jill and our Caring Pathways team to walk alongside them during such a tender goodbye. Lucy’s life was full of love, personality, loyalty, and presence. We are thankful her family was able to say goodbye in the place where she felt most comfortable: home.
Lucy’s story is a beautiful reminder that end-of-life care is not only about saying goodbye. It is also about honoring a life, supporting a family, and creating space for peace in one of the hardest moments a pet owner will ever face.