We agreed to foster Duke in April of 2019 thinking we’d help him overcome his heartworm infection and help him find his furever home. But after helping him heal for 6 months we weren’t letting him go anywhere. While we knew he was much older and his lungs were damaged we promised to give him as many good days as possible. He over came so many additional ailments with such a joy for life and a desire to soak in every moment we thought he could beat anything that came his way. Unfortunately his breathing became more and more labored in fall of 2020 and our specialist told us he didn’t have long. We contacted Caring pathways because we had become so used to his conditions that we didn’t want him to be suffering and we not realize it. Doctor Kristine Peters met with us over video and was so compassionate, articulate and knowledgeable. She walked us thru her criteria for evaluating Duke and her experience in working with animals at this stage of life. It was clear to her that Duke was suffering and even as strong as he had been that it was time to let him go. We were devastated to learn this news but trusted her expertise. We called back a few hours later to make an appointment and this employee was just as caring and sweet. The next day we spoiled him as much and as long as we could until Dr. Megan Coveyou came to our home. She made us feel very comfortable and helped us understand what Duke would experience and that she agreed with the first doctor’s assessment. She allowed time to say a final goodbye and listened to all our our stories of our good boy. She helped Duke pass across the rainbow bridge without pan and helped us grieve during our moment of loss. We cannot thank Caring Pathways enough for helping us during this incredibly painful and difficult time. We miss Duke so much be we are so very thankful for their ability to help dogs like Duke in their time of need. We fully recommend Caring Pathways if you find yourself not able to make this decision yourself or just wanting help understanding how to know if your loved one is in pain.
Duke
