Rainbow Bridge Vets

22/06/2025

This weekend I’ve taken a moment to pause and think, what would I be doing if I wasn’t a vet?

I’ve done so many things over my career that have each led me to this moment, to Rainbow Bridge Vets.

This role as a dedicated, calm and compassionate home euthanasia vet, and small business owner, has shaped me not just professionally, but personally. Through the gentle goodbyes, the family stories, the grief, and the love, I’ve become someone who can hold space for others, even in their most vulnerable moments.

It’s emotional work. It’s hard work. But it’s also deeply human. And I feel incredibly lucky to be doing it.

I get to use my skills and experience in a way that feels right for this chapter and pace of life, especially while my kids are so little. In many ways, I’m sharing my maternal, caring side with the families I support, while making sure their beloved pets receive a gentle, respectful goodbye.

To the families and pets I’ve supported this week, I’m thinking of you ❤️

If you’re approaching the time to say goodbye, I’m here. Appointments available this week, you can learn more, check my availability and book at www.rainbowbridgevets.co.uk

Sara x

20/06/2025

Exciting news! I’m speaking at this year’s The Dog Geeks Canine Conference – a whole weekend dedicated to everything dog 🐾

Join us on the 27th & 28th September at the wonderful Ullacombe Farm Shop and Cafe, right on the edge of Dartmoor, for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and canine community.

You’ll hear from a brilliant line-up of speakers (I’m honoured to be one of them!), meet like-minded dog lovers, enjoy fabulous food, and soak up all the knowledge, experience and passion this event is known for.

What better place to spend a weekend immersed in the world of dogs? Tickets are on Eventbrite now, they include food and free parking too!

Can’t wait to see you there! Thank you again Nicky Woods Photography for the gorgeous photo here of me with my two pups 🥰

Sara x

18/06/2025

I’m incredibly grateful for every review and here’s one of my latest 5* reviews on Google, dedicated to remembering the beloved Jimmer💙

“The time came very quickly for our boy, unexpected, didn’t seem real. We were in shock, we had only lost our Patterdale terrier four months previously. But here we were having to make this awful, heartbreaking, heart wrenching decision again. We couldn’t go through the awful experience again that we had with our darling Patterdale.....
We were put in contact with Sara through Culm valley cremations. From the very start she put us at ease...she kept in contact (even though it was a bank holiday weekend)..everything was explained to us...On the day our handsome greyhound Jimmer was given all the love & care that we could of wished for...nothing was rushed. Sara was kind, caring & sympathetic. His passing was calm, gentle & dignified.
We are so glad we found you Sara & can’t thank you enough for all your kindness & understanding...... Sally & Shane”

Losing a companion is never easy and to face that heartbreak so soon after saying goodbye to another must be unimaginably hard. I was truly honoured to be there for you and the lovely Jimmer, to ensure his final moments were filled with calm and peace. It means so much to know that the care I gave brought comfort during such a painful time.

Thank you both for entrusting me with Jimmer’s gentle goodbye. He was clearly so deeply loved. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Sara x

If you’re nearing the time to say goodbye to your beloved companion, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can learn more, check availability, and book online at rainbowbridgevets.co.uk. I’m here to help you through the hardest part of loving a pet - having to say goodbye.

17/06/2025

Today’s tribute is for Winnie. To remember this beautiful girl and all that she stood for 🐾🌈

Winnie passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, surrounded by love and in the comfort of her home. I’ve been asked to share her story with you today as we honour the incredible soul she was. I only met her briefly, but it was easy to see she was something special as I heard loving stories about her - a gentle, fun-loving spirit with a heart full of kindness and joy.

Her mum, Tori, shared these words for Winnie:

“Winnie, my beautiful white rose, I will love and cherish you forever. I’ll carry you in my heart and forever have fond joyful memories of you. You are the purest soul I could call mine, a true gift to life, one in a million special girl. Love you forever, Mummy xx”

Tori, thank you for letting me be a small part of Winnie’s story. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how deeply she was loved, and how much she gave in return.

It feels no small coincidence that my own soul dog is named Winnie too, the black and white Collie on my homepage. Perhaps it really was meant to be that I was the one there to help her on Saturday. Some meetings are written in the stars.

Take care as you navigate this journey of loss for your dear Winnie, thinking of you 💕

Sara x

If you’ve lost a beloved pet and would like to honour their memory, I invite you to share their story with me. Please send a photo, a few words, and their name and dates if you have them. Each Tuesday I’ll post a tribute so we can remember them together. This is open to anyone who has lost a beloved pet.

15/06/2025

Although I’ve been away during the week, and felt the benefit of a much-needed break, I made sure to keep space open this weekend for those who needed my support. One thing came up that we don’t often talk about: the grief of what could have been.

Not just the loss of a pet, but the loss of future moments. This includes the walks never taken, the last visits to their favourite places not managed because it was too much for them, the birthdays and quiet routines that now feel incomplete. It’s the ache of missing what should have been, and sometimes feeling cheated that you’ve not had more time with them.

The grief of dreams not reached is valid and worthy of compassion. Be kind to yourselves as you navigate the pet loss journey. One of my favourite quotes is one I recently shared - ‘pet’s don’t live long enough, their only fault really’. If we could choose, we’d have them live with us forever.

Thinking of the pets and families I’ve helped this week, and anyone navigating their pet loss journey.

Sara x

11/06/2025

While I’m away this week, I wanted to take a moment to share my latest beautiful 5* review. I share these to help anyone who might be nearing the time to say goodbye know what to expect and am grateful for each and every one ❤️

“Having made the heartbreaking decision to let Winkie join her sisters over the bridge, Sara made the whole experience more bearable by showing such compassion to both me and Winkie. Sara’s gentle nature led to her being totally relaxed in my arms. Nothing was hurried and it makes me sad that my dogs in the past had ended their days in a sterile vet’s surgery.
Sara’s after care of Winkie, snuggled in a blanket with her favourite soft toy, was just perfect. Her final journey to Diana was again arranged by Sara.
You are an absolute gem Sara and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Vivienne, thank you. Your words mean more than I can say. It’s a privilege to have been there with you on this hardest day. I think being called a gem might be one of the sweetest compliments I’ve ever received! Remembering your lovely girl and thinking of you at this difficult time.

For anyone facing this difficult decision, I’m back working next week, with my next availability now on Friday 20th June. If you’re looking for someone to help you say goodbye with gentleness, care and compassion you can learn more about me and book online at rainbowbridgevets.co.uk

Run free with your sisters, dear Winkie 🐾🌈💕
Sara x

08/06/2025

This week, like so many others, has been filled with moments that remind me just how deep the bond is between pets and their people.

These incredible companions are with us through life’s ups and downs offering unconditional love, joy, and quiet support in ways words can’t fully capture. They are huge parts of our lives and when the time comes to say goodbye, the grief that follows can be profound.

It’s hard to explain unless you’ve walked this path. I feel it’s like a mix of heartbreak and deep gratitude for everything they gave us. I’ve said before that pet loss grief doesn’t follow a straight path. It comes in waves, and it’s so important to remember that there’s no ‘right’ way to feel, act, or be during that time.

Please know that if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. The Blue Cross Pet Loss Support service is there to help you navigate that painful journey https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss-support

I’ve been thinking of each family I’ve supported this week and remembering their beloved pets. Thank you for trusting me to walk alongside you.

I’m taking a short break now to rest and reset with my own family. Against all odds, Koru is well enough to join us one more time 🐾❤️ I didn’t think it would happen, but here we are!🙏.

Wishing your families peace and comfort from mine. I’ll be back for appointments from Tuesday 17th June. Learn more and book online at www.rainbowbridgevets.co.uk

With love,
Sara x

05/06/2025

A Peaceful Goodbye for Inca. Thank you, Deb, for your incredibly kind words and recommendation in your 5* Google review. I’m so sorry for your loss and truly honoured to have been there to help give your beautiful Inca the peaceful goodbye she deserved, at home, where she was most comfortable and loved.

When the time comes, I know how important it is to have compassion, calm, and care. I feel privileged to work alongside the wonderful Culm Valley Pet Cremation Ltd. As a family-run service they, like me, treat every pet with the dignity and gentleness they would want for their own.

Together, I believe we’ve created something really special. A way for families to say goodbye in a way that feels personal, gentle, and right.

Please note I’m be away for a short break next week, returning for appointments from Tuesday 17th June.

If you’re nearing the time to say goodbye and want to check availability, book or learn more, you can visit me at
www.rainbowbridgevets.co.uk

Thinking of you, Deb, and remembering your sweet Inca, run free, lovely girl 🐾🌈

Sara x

02/06/2025

Great opportunity for someone who loves dogs! 🐾❤️

Do you enjoy working outdoors and share a passion for Dogs then we would love to hear from you.

Assistant Project Officer - Devon Loves Dogs - South East Devon Wildlife
fixed term for up to 2 years
full time (37 hrs pw)
£25,624 - £31,067 per year
Honiton/Hybrid remote working

About the role

Launched in 2017, Devon Loves Dogs is a free, membership-based community of responsible dog owners who care about nature. With over 1,300 members and thousands of newsletter subscribers, we promote fun, practical, and positive guidance on where and how to walk dogs responsibly in sensitive landscapes. Think “Waggy Walks,” great giveaways, engaging events, and a strong presence online and in the community.

• Help run, grow and shape the Devon Loves Dogs project
• Organise and lead guided dog walks (“Waggy Walks”) in some of the region’s most beautiful locations
• Be a friendly, knowledgeable face at dog shows, fetes and countryside events
• Help to manage the website, newsletter and social media presence ()
• Inspire people to walk responsibly while celebrating the joys of dog ownership
• Work alongside wildlife experts, wardens, conservationists and local partners
• Help protect internationally important wildlife and habitats

About you
• You’re confident and comfortable around dogs (and their owners)
• You have excellent communication skills and an approachable, engaging manner
• You enjoy organising and leading community events
• You’re experienced and comfortable using social media, websites and digital tools
• You want a job that combines outdoor work, creativity and real-world impact
• You’ll also need a driving licence and be able to travel as required (reasonable adjustments may be possible according to the Equality Act).

This role is hosted by East Devon District Council and supported by a strong partnership including Natural England, RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust and the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust.

Whether you’re chatting with local dog walkers, running a community event, or promoting our dog-friendly code online — you’ll play a key part in helping people and nature thrive together.

Closing on 22 June 2025
For full details and to apply: https://jobs.eastdevon.gov.uk/

01/06/2025

It’s been a busy week, and for that I’m grateful. More families are choosing to say goodbye at home, and more are finding me through the kind words and experiences shared by others. Thank you for continuing to spread the word. 💛

Home pet euthanasia offers a peaceful, gentle farewell, and I do all I can to make it as calm and stress-free as possible. My role is to support you through an incredibly hard moment, so you can focus on being there for your beloved pet, surrounded by love and comfort.

Every goodbye this week has stayed with me. Thinking of all the pets and families I’ve had the privilege to help. 🐾

Appointments available, please check my availability and book online at www.rainbowbridgevets.co.uk

Thank you,
Sara x

Advance notice that I’m away next week, between 7th-15th June.

31/05/2025

Today is the last day for early bird price! Get your tickets today for a fun weekend of all things dog at the The Dog Geeks Conference 2025 🐾

30/05/2025

“Having a pet will bless you with many of the happiest days of your life, and one of the worst.”

It came up this week as I helped lovely families say goodbye, “Why do we do this to ourselves?”

But we do, again and again, because the love and companionship pets bring into our lives is worth everything. And at the end we’d do anything for them.

If I could make them live longer, of course I would in a heartbeat. But since I can’t, giving them a calm and peaceful goodbye at home, surrounded by love and familiarity, is the final gift I can offer.

For me, the grief we feel is only a reflection of how deeply we loved them. And as hard as it is to have the hardest day, I’d do it all again, and we do, don’t we?

Thinking of anyone nearing the time to say goodbye, and anyone who’s ever loved and lost a dear companion.
Sara x