Animals Unfolded

Years ago, I had a consultation with a family that included two 14-year old Labradors. As I reviewed their records and care regimen, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that both dog's osteoarthritis pain is being well-managed by maintaining a healthy weight, mindful activity and prescription medication. No matter how the topic of osteoarthritis comes up with a family, as it does often in my work, I find that it's not uncommon that there isn't enough discussion between them and their veterinarian about it, and the discomfort and pain that results. That happens for lots of reasons, but once the conversation is opened up, pet guardians often find that they feel a huge sense of relief as opposed to doom and gloom. There's a lot that can be done both from a medical and non-medical perspective , including things you can implement right now.  The misinformation about management and treatment options  clearly pulls ahead in most conversations — something else that I regularly...

Much of what families I’m working with appreciate in our time together is being heard, especially as they are moving through decision making with their pet’s changing needs in their senior and geriatric years, or with the news of a terminal diagnosis . It's common that I’m present during vet visits, and so I’m quite aware of the recommendations that are made, why others are not, and the cost of them .  And while those costs can look different in hospice and palliative care than when a pet is younger and their needs are typically less complex, it’s understandable that no matter a pet’s time of life, the sticker shock is always palpable. And, the financial aspect of providing a level of medical care that's meaningful for a pet is a critical one.  And depending on one’s access to financial resources, that can feel especially oppressive, and I know that other members of veterinary interdisciplinary teams also recognize that. We, along with friends, loved ones, and strangers h...

There have been instances in my practice where, during a conversation, an individual who I’m providing pet loss & grief companioning support to expresses difficulty with all manner of issues not directly related to the distant, recent or anticipatory loss of their pet. It’s expected from time to time. And to some degree, it can be linked to the work we’re doing together. It’s often a fine line that I need to carefully consider & be honest with myself about, & so a little curiosity & reflective listening goes a long way. In some cases, its not blurry: the sticky wicket of something like the death of a human loved one, or maybe having a complicated relationship with a human loved one or experiencing conflicts in the workplace has clearly taken a place front & center for the pet guardian—which is actually a pretty common thing to happen when one is wading through the viscous territory of the grief surrounding pet loss, or feeling the effects heavy duty caregiving....

Pet health insurance is a topic that comes up at least a couple of times per week in my work, & that’s no surprise. After well over 20 years participating in various professional capacities adjacent to veterinary medicine, & now working with families as a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner focused on senior & geriatric care, animal hospice & palliative care support for pets of any age, the involvement of vet care is common. And, of course I’m frequently liaising with other members of veterinary interdisciplinary teams, so I’m part of these conversations when families are moving through decision making.  I’ve made some interesting observations.  The first of which is that pet guardians understand that they can expect a better experience in meeting the changing needs of their pets, no matter the life stage or health status. That’s due to advances made in vet med, including testing & treatments that weren’t available even 10 years ago, a better understan...

If it’s one thing I’m known for professionally, it’s thinking ahead to what things could happen & having a plan to pivot on the fly. Of course, this is essential working in animal hospice. Though from a practical standpoint, when we’re responsible for a pet of any health status or age it makes good sense to consider how we might navigate an unexpected situation since they can’t fend or advocate for themselves. I can’t count the number of occasions I’ve gotten a phone call from an accident scene, or the hospital from a frantic family-of-record after an unexpected event like that or a serious illness unfolds & their pets are waiting for them at home—alone.  ‘You’re the first person I thought to call, Lorrie.’ I’m usually able to step in at a moment’s notice when I get a call like this to bridge the gap with short term emergency visits for the pets, but given the nature of my work, providing longer term custodial care just isn’t feasible. And yet, there are cases where a ...