Helpful Articles for Your Pet’s End-of-Life Journey
Holiday Craft Keepsakes for Pets
As a gentle reminder, particularly if attempting a DIY paw print, remember that many pets are sensitive about their paws and may be wary if you're asking them to dip their paws in paint, salt dough or other medium. Be sure to give lots of treats, take breaks, or forgo...
Tips for Keeping Your Senior Pets Healthy and Happy
Did you know that November is National Senior Pet Month? It is also Pet Cancer Awareness month. With this in mind, here are some tips for keeping your senior pets healthy and happy. Tip #1: Be proactive in your senior pet's health In our senior pets, the "wait and...
The Journey to Goodbye: December 2020 Update from Mandi
Written by: Mandi Browning Mabel has been doing well since her last vet appointment in the Spring. Her kidney levels had decreased again and she looks good overall. She has a bit of a heart murmur now but that is to be expected of an almost 18 year old cat. Mabel now...
Helping Animals Impacted by the Colorado Fires
As I look out of my window today at the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the crisp Colorado blue sky, it brings me great appreciation for all of the hard work that firefighters and first responders have done this year to protect our state. Unfortunately, a lot of these...
Help Make Darla’s Day!
Today is National Make A Dog's Day! We have a special opportunity today to rally around a dog who could have their day made. One of our amazing veterinarians, Dr. Steve Zachar, and his girlfriend Dr. Kelsey, are fostering a dog named Darla and share her full story...
Cherishing the Final Goodbye
At the conclusion of a euthanasia appointment, as I gently tuck in the beloved pet, pet owners often say to me, “I don’t know how you do this job.” As a veterinarian who works exclusively in end-of-life care, I can honestly say that I love my job. That is not to say...
Black Cat Appreciation Day!
August 17th, 2022 Black cat appreciation day is here! Time to celebrate all things black cat and learn a little more about the wonderful world of "house panthers". Dr. Kerry's black cat, Snowball Black cats are among the most common color of cats seen in the U.S....
Social Distancing with Senior Pets
It is no doubt that the cancelled concerts, travel plans, and other summer adventures are a disappointment from this pandemic. There has also been quite a bit of generalized stress and anxiety in this time. However, I find myself grateful for all of the time I have to...
Tips for Keeping Your Senior Pet Cool in the Summer Heat
On a recent camping trip to Salida, CO we decided to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. It was an anxiety-filled day for me, and not simply because I was traversing a suspension bridge thousands of feet above the Arkansas river. It was 100 degrees, and I was...
Saying Goodbye During a Pandemic: A Letter From Our Veterinarian Team
We understand that this is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. And in these unprecedented and uncertain times, the reality is that our current situation makes this whole experience even more unexpected and stressful than it "typically" should be....
Benefits of Walking your Dog
January is National Walk Your Pet Month. It's not to late to celebrate with your dog and explore the benefits of this healthy activity. Your cat would likely politely decline the offer, but keep an eye on the Caring Pathways blog for at home cat enrichment ideas in...
The Second Annual Pet Memorial Day Event
There is nothing quite like being in a space that is full of grief and love. There is something in the air that cannot be present in any other place. There is a heaviness yet a lightness. There is sadness yet laughter and love. Grief is simply the reaction we have to...
4th of July Pet Safety Tips: Fireworks, BBQ, and Leftovers
The 4th of July is a wonderful time to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S.A. It's also a day off for many people, allowing us to spend time with our loved ones including our pets. While many people have heard fireworks and pets don't mix, there are other areas...
Your Senior Pet’s Bucket List
When the time comes to say goodbye to our family pets, having a bucket list in mind is something that a number of people choose to do to make valuable lasting memories. A bucket list is just as individual and unique as our pets themselves. There is no one way to...
Consider Adopting a Senior Shelter Pet – Senior Pets Available at the Dumb Friends League
With April 30th being “National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day”, we at Caring Pathways would like to shine a light on an often overlooked segment of the pet population that makes up possibly the highest risk group at shelters: senior pets. Please consider adopting a senior pet at the Dumb Friends League.
St. Patrick’s Day: Irish Pet Breeds
As we celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland on the 17th of March, it is a fitting time to celebrate all things Irish. Did you know there are dogs and cats whose roots are traced to Ireland? For some it's clear from the name while others are a little less...
How to Help Your Senior Pet’s Mobility this Winter
Here are some helpful products that can help your mobility challenged pet be safer on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow-covered stairs: Traction booties- found in pet stores or on Amazon Harnesses and slings Folded bath towels- looped just in front of their hind...
The Journey to Goodbye: Update from Mandi
Written by: Mandi Browning Mabel has been doing pretty good. She sleeps a bit more and it takes her longer to get comfy but she seems to be feeling well. Today is her 6 month blood work check up. These always make me anxious. I dread the day when they say that her...
Your Senior Pet’s Christmas Wish List
Your pet, like most loved ones, would like comfort and joy for the holidays but how do you provide for those needs? The tube of tennis balls that were once a favorite of your dog may not have the same draw they once did. The toy mice which your kitty once enjoyed...
Final Resting Place
Over the years I have said goodbye to 14 pets I have loved and lost. Each and every time I had cremains returned to me without a plan for where the cremains would eventually be placed. While cremation and disposition of the cremains is a highly personal decision, I...
National Pet Memorial Day at Seven Stones Cemetery
September 9th is National Pet Memorial Day. This year, Caring Pathways, Seven Stones Botanical Garden Cemetery and Mary Jo Honiotes partnered to provide a memorial event for people to celebrate and remember their animal companions. People came together to...
The Journey to Goodbye: Vlog with Mandi and Mabel
Vlog Question Outline: 0:11- Introduction to Mabel 0:35- What is Mabel's Personality Like? 1:20- What does Mabel mean to You? 2:08- When was Mabel Diagnosed? 3:07- How has Hospice Care helped Mabel's Journey? 3:42- How is Mabel feeling Today? 4:56- What is the...
The Journey to Goodbye: Part 6
Written by: Mandi Browning Mabel is doing well! She has seemed to gain some of her weight back and is eating and drinking all right. She still has moments where she seems confused; crying out until one of us comes to her. We are going to be gone on vacation for a week...
The Journey to Goodbye: Part 5
Written by: Mandi Browning Today is Mabel’s 16th birthday and also the anniversary of the death of her brother, Goku. It is a strange day for us and we celebrate one of our babies and grieve the other. Mabel is doing pretty well. Her appetite hasn’t been too good but...