Heart's Ease Veterinary Care

07/16/2024

♥️Reaching out to your kitty heartstrings!!!♥️
Looking for a home open to a stray tuxedo boy! He has had a rough start but is on the road to getting his wounds healed and a second chance!
I found him between appointments outside of a gas station. He just sat right in front of the door greeting everyone!
He is tested (negative) for Feline Leukemia and FIV, neutered, dewormed, has flea medication, antibiotics and started on vaccines (I will finish his series).
He needs a second chance!!
Please message back or call me: 502-715-2536

06/02/2024

I read this story out loud this morning to the whole family.
I thought it was just lovely.
Maybe it will touch your heart too.
♥️

Walnut rescued me from death more than once—but not in the way you might think.

03/29/2024

Everybody wish our palliative care patient, Moose, a very Happy Birthday! This handsome boy turned 12 on March 25th (that smile, though)!

02/28/2024

Remembering Hayden...Forever loved.

HAYDEN
It’s been a couple of weeks now since Hayden left us, and I still miss the little guy a ton. Hayden came into my life 12 years and a few months ago. He was adopted by my wife almost 15 years ago and he came with her when we met, fell in love and got married. And he was the best pet I ever had, not even close.
She originally got Hayden from a shelter for her daughter. They were considering two cats, a gray one who seemed sweet and healthy…and Hayden, who had stuff in his ears and coming out his eyes. And had fleas, as they found out later. But after that was all taken care of he became the best and sweetest pal one could ask for. Not lang after they got him, her daughter started dating the guy who she would marry, who was highly allergic to cats so Hayden became my wife’s cat and later our cat. I can count on my fingers the time he went outside his litter box over all that time. He didn’t tear up furniture…he was hell on wheels with house plants so we had to be selective on those and put them on high shelves.
He was a grazer food wise, so very easy to feed. And he was very much a cat that loved and wanted to hang out with his people. Every morning he would seek out my wife’s lap while she was having morning coffee and stay until she had to get ready for work. Sometimes in the evenings when we watched TV he would seek out my lap, especially in the winter. I am warm natured and he liked the warmth of my legs especially if I was in jeans or sweats. You could tell he was in heaven from his purring and posture as he melted into our legs. After we both retired in 2020, it was a contest in the morning to see whose lap he would choose, although it was usually mom’s and not dad’s. Probably because she was the one who picked him out and saved him and gave him the best cat life ever.
We loved it when he would get the “zoomies”, usually in the mornings, and run like crazy from one end of the house to the other…skittering around turns on the wood floors in our relatively open concept home. He loved hanging out on the screened porch we had built on to the house in the summer time, we called it the catio. Sometimes we would have to pick him up and bring him in before bedtime. He loved hanging out in front of the heat vent in our living room where we spent a lot of evenings in the winter. Every time I walk past that vent mow I think of Hayden and expect to see him there. When we would go on vacation or away from a long weekend, he would be at the door to greet us usually even though he was well cared for while we were gone. Sometimes after longer vacations he would act like he didn’t know us…letting us know he didn’t approve of us leaving him. But that lasted only a very short time, and he would be back.
Last fall he started throwing up pretty regularly, so we spent a lot of time at the vet for a couple months trying to find the cause. We changed his food a few times, to expensive stuff for digestive issues, wet from dry food which he loved to wet food. Changes seemed to help sometimes for a while, but he kept losing weight. Finally around Thanksgiving we tried some cheaper wet foods, which he loved for a while. But by new years he was still losing weight, and had gone from a bit of a clunker to a lightweight. It seemed the only answer was to have him put down. We couldn’t stand the thought of the vet being his last memory, he never liked getting into the cat crate. So we contacted Heart Ease, which was the right decision.
Hayden now is buried in a landscape bed just outside our living room window, so we can still see him every day. He had a great life, and he greatly enriched our lives. And he will always be in our hearts, he can’t be replaced. He was so loving, and is dearly loved and will be as long as this heart is beating. We miss ya’, little buddy and we love ya…but I know that you know that.

12/28/2023

Remembering Yanahba...A beautiful girl with a big heart.

Yanahba was a beautiful dog with a Heart of Gold! She was part Siberian Husky and some say Chow but mostly she was husky. I don’t think there was anybody she didn’t like she just loved to be loved, and she gave of herself unselfishly. She had the most sorrowful looking eyes, but they got excited whenever she was being petted or talked to lovingly or smothered with affectionate kisses.
She liked to be behind my reclining chair, or in front of the chair, she just like being close to me and I her. Funny how I can still feel her presence behind my chair still.
Yanahba was born in Fort Defiance Arizona on the Navajo Indian reservation and she came to us as a rescue dog when she was about Five months old in 2011. She became a companion to Clairee our other rescue rez dog. Yanahba saw Clairee as her mother!
When we lost her companion Clairee (who was hit by a truck driver when she got out of her pen). Yanahba cried for days. That was the most heartbreaking thing I think I’ve seen. She felt the pain and loss of her friend and mother! It was such a gut wrenching thing to hear her howling it broke my heart to see her like that!
Yanahba was getting lonely so in 2018 we went through the ASPCA and adopted a rescue dog by the name of Zeke. He’s a full blooded German Shepherd, who absolutely fell in love with Yanahba and the feeling was mutual.
We love to spoil our fur babies and loved to give her treats after she would go outside and do her business, and she kind of caught on knowing that if she went outside she would get a treat! Secretly she just loved to eat so she would go out every two hours just to get a treat.
We noticed that Yanahba started to slow down this spring, she had difficulty getting up and down the stairs when she had to go out, she was losing weight rapidly and couldn’t keep anything down. We called the vet but had to cancel because at this point she we couldn’t pick her up as she was in so much pain.
On June 12, 2023 I took the last breath with her, holding her head, telling her that I loved her and that she was no longer going to be in any pain. The hardest thing I have had to do !
Yanahba’s name in Navajo means female warrior returning home.. she is home with her mother, brothers and sisters that came before her! She made it her mission to see our family back to Kentucky from Arizona.. her mission was completed!
We will always love and cherish her , she will always be with us!

12/05/2023

Our annual No Kill Louisivlle tree is up! There are many wonderful local organizations with wish tags on the tree. Stop by or call or email if you want to find out what they need.
😻♥️🐾

11/15/2023

Remembering Buddy...Momma's handsome boy.

Buddy

December 2017- October 2023

I will love you forever and ever.

10/13/2023

I hear it’s tech appreciation week… well this is a whole hearted professional and loving shout out to my right hand gal! My technician, my receptionist, my full on care coordinator extraordinaire!!

I can do the work I love because of this dedicated, compassionate, most patient and caring being.

So if you have reached out to Heart’s Ease at all in the last four years… you got to feel a bit of her wonderfulness.

Here’s to our bestest Cori Hills!! Grateful for you!

07/11/2023

Remembering Bella...Momma's little shadow.

Dear sweet Bella Boo,

It’s been just shy of a month since we had to say goodbye and to say I miss you just isn’t enough. I swear some mornings I still think I hear your collar jingling like it did after you woke in the mornings and you’d run a round the house so anxiously looking for me. You were my shadow and you were there by my side for 17 years. That’s amazing considering you didn’t have the best start. You showed us all how mighty you were in those early years and even in the end you still tried so hard to hang on. We shared such a memorable past and you were with me through both the good and some of the darkest hours of my life. Thank you boo for providing so much unconditional love all these years. It was heartbreaking letting you go and I wasn’t prepared because it all happened so quickly but now I take comfort in knowing you are no longer in distress. You had a long cozy wonderful life here and now you’re in doggy heaven living your best life once again! I’m so grateful for Dr Bennett and Cori for the care they provided and for the sincere efforts they made to insure your passing was as easy as possible.

You were loved beyond measure and you will forever be missed! You were one of a kind and there will never be another Bella Boo!

Love,
Your Momma ❤️

06/23/2023

Remembering Lilly...One exuberant girl.

We’ve been missing Lilly so much over the past month. It’s amazing how much a dog can affect our lives.

Allen met Lilly one August evening in 2011 while helping Derby City Dog Rescue take pictures of Louisville Metro Animal Services dogs for the shelter’s Facebook album. Of all the dogs he saw that day, Lilly was so sweet that she made an immediate impression on him. We brought her home as a foster the following week, but she wiggled her way into our lives and hearts right away. We know nothing about her history, except that her story could have been very different in a matter of days if she had stayed at LMAS. So glad our timing was right that day!

She fit in perfectly with our other foster failure, Harrison. For nine years they were like peas and carrots, playing together and guarding our home from UPS trucks and Amazon deliveries. Lilly was always so happy and expressive with that little nub of a tail.

She was also a prolific digger, and over a couple of years excavated a large portion of the back yard with her paws. So much so that it took a load of top soil to fix the holes!

Since I have worked from home for many years, those dogs were my constant companions - they were great listeners and made me laugh often. We had a lot of fun together. Taking a break from work for walks around the neighborhood was a great perk.

A few years ago we added three cats to our family. It’s a long story, but the bright side is these dogs and cats all got along very well, which was a big surprise. Velcro, Smokey, and Slinky have been missing Lilly as well, and its been interesting to see how they’ve turned up the affection now that she’s gone.

When we lost Harrison in 2020, Lilly was an “only dog” for the first time (not counting the cats), and took full advantage of the situation. Over the past 2 1/2 years, Lilly’s collection of toys and fancy sweaters grew - we loved “sweater weather”.

Harrison was a dog who did not enjoy riding in the car, so when Allen and I traveled, Lilly and Harrison always stayed home together. With Harrison gone, we found that Lilly was a great traveler and we enjoyed having her along for the ride!

In 2021, in preparation for a trip to the beach, we began taking Lilly to various places around Louisville and beyond, in Kentucky and Indiana, to get her ready for the long trip. So many people she met on those excursions would ask to pet her, and she always soaked up the attention.

Over the past couple of years, Lilly took a total of three Florida trips, including beaches on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and spent this past Christmas near Indianapolis visiting with her human cousins, along with so many walks in her favorite spots, especially in the Highlands, the Parklands, and Bardstown. Walks without her are just not as much fun. Our days were intertwined and we’re still trying to find a new normal.

One month ago, after a short illness, we had the honor of sending Lilly on to her next adventure with the gracious assistance of Dr. Courtney Bennett with Heart’s Ease Veterinary Care. I imagine she’s found a place where cookies are plentiful, there are no thunderstorms, and Harrison is ready and waiting to play.

Our Lilly, The Goose, our Silly Funny Girl, our (not so) Little Dog. She was our beautiful, one-of a kind, exuberant girl. We love her so very much and we’re grateful for all the time we had together.

05/17/2023

Remembering Mickie...A most loyal companion.

Our precious Mickie 12-28-09/ 05-10-23

The best friend anyone could ever have. We love and miss you. Thanks to Heart’s Ease for helping make your transition peaceful. Go chase rabbits and find your sister Ginger. It sure is quite down here.

04/18/2023

Hi….!!! We are fostering two adorable kittens in need of loving homes!

They are super sweet, playful, cuddly, purring love balls! There is one female (gray) and one orange (male) approximately 7 weeks old. Felv/Fiv negative.

Message us if you want to hear more, meet them or just share in some restorative snuggles!

03/24/2023

Remembering Fletcher...Momma's closest companion.

Dear Fletcher,

Well, we have survived two whole weeks without you here with us. The house is so quiet and empty. I actually went walking at Perrin park last weekend, it was nice, but awkward walking all alone. I haven’t walked around the neighborhood yet. I just can’t possibly show my face on these streets, it feels shameful or something. I mean, what kind of person walks without a dog?? Probably a real weirdo.

Everyone is doing ok, despite missing you like crazy. We realize that we have to pick up our own food when we drop it now, so that’s pretty awful. I ended up giving your dog things to Emily to give to Butch. She hasn’t brought him over to the house yet and I’m dreading when she does because he will be confused looking for you. She said I could take him out sometime to make myself feel better. Will it really make me feel better? I don’t know. People say to just get another dog. I don’t want another dog, I want MY dog, and that’s you.

It’s a hard adjustment without you here, I mean 14 years of my life with you as my closest companion, how do you move on from that? I always felt guilty about you having to be home all day while I was at work, but then I think about the life we lived together and all the places we went. I just wonder how many parades you saw, how many outdoor concerts, how many Farmer’s Markets, how many state parks, how many trips we went on, all the hikes, all the times at the lake, the ‘Pooch Plunges’ at the swimming pool, all the ‘Bark in the Park’ dog festivals, all the art festivals, restaurants, the ‘Steamboat Nights’ festivals, all the Feeder’s Supply and Rural King stores and I think you even went into Bass Pro a few times. I hope you enjoyed all that stuff. I know you didn’t really like the pool much, but you got a hot dog out of the deal, so that’s not so bad.

I’m sure you are happy about not having to take baths anymore, but was a tradeoff to be able to sleep on the beds and couch. Sorry, but not sorry about hugging you so much. I read that dogs don’t like to be hugged, but it’s how us humans love, so thanks for humoring us. I’m sure you are happy about not having to wear another Halloween costume while you walk the neighborhood with the kids. We will enjoy being able to leave food on the coffee table and it still be there when we come back from the bathroom. I still laugh about the time you got Shaun’s peanut butter sandwich, boy was she mad, and the time you got up on the chair and ate a bunch of sandwiches from the tray during the Halloween party.

Thank you for coming into my family and loving me and the kids and being such a perfect dog for us. You never had a mean bone in your body, unless it was for a squirrel. By the way, Shaun is having a terrible time with her plants because the squirrels have taken over the yard since you’ve been gone. I will never forget that time we came home and there was a squirrel on the porch. You got out of the car and spooked it and when it went to jump off the side of the porch you ran over and caught it in midair. It was epic! The only squirrel you had ever caught. Of course, when it screamed you let it go. You never were a killer, even if you did hate them. I don’t think anyone ever believed me when I told them that story.

I hope you are ok wherever you are at. Find your Papaw and stay with him until I get there. I really wish the baby could have grown up with you, but unfortunately you were done raising kids and ready to leave your old, tired body. We love you so much, Fletch. I can’t wait to see you again.

Love,
Mom
Shaun
Emily
Damon
Elliot

Fletch 5/2009 – 3/2/2023

03/23/2023

Heart’s Ease will gladly accept any of these donations for My Dog Eats First at our office location at 120 Webster St in Butchertown! Feel free to call 502-715-2536 or drop off with Cori between 8-11:30 & 12:30-5 Monday through Friday between now and April 15th. We will then get them over to the amazing folks at MDEF.

Thank you!!!!

In a dog-eat-dog world, kindness is queen.

Here's what we could use for our outreach program:
Dog/Cat Food – Wet and Dry
1 Gallon Size Zip Lock Bags
Cat Litter
Animal Food Dishes & Water Bowls
Collars/Leashes & Harnesses of ALL sizes

🐶 https://mydogeatsfirst.org/

02/28/2023

Remembering Miloh...Rest easy in paradise.

To my little ball of energy, I hope you are chasing all the tennis balls and getting all the treats and playing with your little sister wherever you may be. I hope you're resting in paradise my old man.

02/20/2023

Remembering Samson...Rest easy sweet boy.

Rest easy, Handsome Samson. Our first canine child. Our O.G. farm dog. Our Pooh Bear. There aren’t enough words or tears to express how sad we are without you. You’ve been by our side through a lot of ups and downs over the past 14 years. You’ve taught us so many lessons. We tried to teach you some lessons too. You were a stubborn one. But that’s OK. You were always a good dog. I’ll never forget the silly dance you’d do when you found socks on the floor. Remember when you could run so fast? We loved to watch you run. You chased birds flying in the sky, thinking you could catch one. I know you are running fast again now, barking at birds. Some of my most cherished memories are taking care of the chickens together in the evenings. It was our ritual together. You never missed a night, until you got too tired. You were a tough old dog. Your farm dog status didn’t come without scars. You toughed them all out. Until your very last day you toughed it out, refusing to give up even when your body did. Rest now, big boy. Rest easy.

02/05/2023

I am aware more often it seems that loss can help remind us about love. No matter who you love and the details of that loss, our journey is often shorter than we imagine.

This is a beautiful piece. No, it’s not about a dog or cat. But it is about the path we walk on and who and how we love. (No matter the species in my mind). And a big reminder to cherish your loved ones. Now. Throughout the mundane. The difficult. The heartwarming. Love and be loved right now.
💕

Sometimes you really have to show up for your ex. This was one of those times.

01/27/2023

Remembering Chewy Boo...Fly and be free.

Tomorrow is a day that I wish never had to come.
It's sad, and lonely, and filled with no fun.
My heart is heavy, and my body is numb.
My fur baby, Chewy Boo's time has come,
No more pain, no more disease, you'll rest with ease.
Until we meet again, fly my Boo baby, and be free.
Sadness and sorrow will fill the rest of my years,
Until we meet again for you to wipe up my tears.
Love you always,
Bubby

01/13/2023

Remembering Leon...Momma's best boy.

12/29/2022

Cori, our Hospice Care Coordinator, had to say goodbye to her best friend before the holidays and wanted to share some words of remembrance.

12/01/2022

We have our annual No Kill Louisivlle Tree up again this year! Feel free to call for wish list items or stop by and see Cori and the tree tags! There are many wonderful local rescue organizations that have wish tags on the tree. Let’s help them out ♥️

11/21/2022

Nothing like a sweet rescue kitten visit from one of our families! Our hearts hold space for so much love, and this little baby got to help his new mama with opening her heart up again just when she needed it most.

Everyone, meet Hairy!

08/18/2022

Another big Thank You to Pets4Life Louisville for all you do for the animals and families in our community!!
I got to enjoy another great afternoon alongside some incredible folks and met some special kitties and a few dogs too!
Kindness, compassion and a lot of fur 💗

06/23/2022

Our commmunity has some amazing folks and organizations out there for our animals and their families!

If you haven’t checked out Pets4Life please do! You may consider a donation or sponsoring an animal or joining as a volunteer!

It was a lot of fun meeting some cute dogs- older, younger and in between 💕.

03/15/2022

Remembering Izzy...A little lady with a lot of love to give.

Isabella Miranda Powell-McClure (Izzy)

Celebrating the love and life of our sweet comfort pup, Izzy. Born June 17, 2006, she blessed us with her devotion, unique personality, that funny adorable face, and unconditional love for almost 16 years. She passed peacefully at home on February 25, 2022. Thank you, Izzy, for all the joy and honor of being your human caregivers while on your earthly journey. Rest easy now, little lady. You have our hearts and we'll see you again!

03/08/2022

Another happy hospice moment with our amazing patient, Teddy! Resting happily with his ball in his mouth :)

02/09/2022

Remembering Daisy...Momma's little shadow.

Daisy was a rescue that was adopted into our family at the age of 7. She was put to rest at the age of 14. She was so loved and we gave her anything and everything she wanted. She was always friendly to everyone she met and loved to follow her human momma everywhere. We will much this little lady dearly but we know she will always remain in our hearts. Run free sweetie.

02/01/2022

Rembering Jack..Loved dearly by his mom and dad.

He passed very peacefully and we take comfort knowing he no longers suffers. I want to thank you for all the support you gave to make his last months happy and comfortable. He had a great 16 1/2 years. Heart's Ease was a blessing for us. We cannot thank you enough.

01/14/2022

Wishing our hospice care cordinator Cori a most Happy Birthday today!
We are so thankful for her special presence and caring nature! Happy Birthday to you Cori dearest ❤🎂

12/13/2021

Remembering Marlo...Guardian, best friend, and an integral part of the family.

Marlo

You think you know love and loyalty until you have a dog. Marlo was rescued by my dear sister, Laurel. The poor thing, maybe 2 years old at the time, was in line to be euthanized. The spot where she would receive the lethal dose of whatever that lethal drug is, tattooed on her leg. RIght here, shoot her right here. One less dog the kill shelter had to deal with. But her fate quickly took a turn, and thank god that it did.

Marlo was adopted to become a farm dog. As quickly as Laurel introduced Marlo to her new home, she knew a dusty old farm in the hills of Kentucky was not the place for her. “She needs a soft bed and a family”. Laurel knows dogs. Her intuitiveness is like no other I’ve seen, and thankfully for Marlo and us, she recognized what she needed.

We met Marlo for the first time on that dusty old farm. She was adorable and beautiful, her white and red markings as vibrant as the sunset. Her eyes shaped as if she was in a constant state of sadness, looked almost as if she was wearing bold black eyeliner. As many know, eyeliner is a very important part of my life, so it was amusing and sweet to see. As much as I fought it, it seemed that she was actually perfect for us. At the time, we had 5 young children, ranging from ages 5-15, and one more body to care for was intimidating. Ok, we’ll try it out, and see what happens. Laurel agreed to bring her to our house the next evening, and as Marlo was led back to spend her last night in the barn, she looked at us, then resisted with all of her strength. She knew that we were her family, before we knew we were.

Marlo quickly became a solid and present member of our family. Just as I, Brandon or the kids were a part of our household, so was she. Shortly after we adopted her, I was relaxing in bed, when she jumped up and put her head on my chest. I have a photo of this very moment, because it was so incredibly touching, and quite frankly, unbelievable that Marlo attached herself to me. What was this feeling I was having? I had animals before her that I loved, but something about her was different. I just didn’t know why yet. I guess I was destined to be a dog mom?

Marlo, the most patient dog, as I called her. The kids would snuggle her, and kiss on her, lay on her. God, we loved her so much. So, when she suddenly fell ill, we could not believe it. She was such an integral part of this family, and everyone’s best friend. She loved everyone in our family so fiercely, that when she was present, we were protected. She guarded us with her love (and her big bark) and offered a sense of security that all of us needed, each of us in our way. She was a gift.

Just days before her death, I decided that I could never make the decision to let her go. I prayed with everything that I had, that she would go on her own, and peacefully, and that we would be with her. This was a very tall order, and one centered around my heart, not hers.

But then, the words of our oldest son struck me. "Let her go Mom, you’ve given her a good life".

So, the next day, I did what I said I wouldn’t. Scheduled a time for her in-home euthanization. Her last night was a nightmare, I would wake up and she would be staring at me and for a moment, I would believe that this wasn’t actually happening. Several times, I left the room to crumble and collapse, because the last thing I wanted her to see was me, upset. Seeing me cry always upset her. She was my partner and I knew I was losing her. What now?

By the time Dr. Bennett arrived, Marlo was ready and as devastated as we all were, we were ready too. Our best friend, our sweet girl Marlo peacefully passed away on December 10, 2020. I unhooked her collar, slid it off of her neck. and from that moment on, our home has been different. Definitely more quiet.

Marlo was the greatest gift to our family. She knew we needed her before we knew that we did, and she gave us everything she had until her last day. We still need her, and so we find comfort in her legacy, in our other amazing dogs, Francine, Bernice and Deeks. We see her in their sweet faces and quirky personalities, everyday.

Thank you Marlo, for showing me a love that I never knew existed. A loyalty, and friendship that I had never experienced. Thank you for loving our children as your own, and for protecting us, entertaining us, making us laugh with your dog talk and playful sneezes. Thank you for the snuggles, and for loving our friends. You were the best and we all miss you with all of our hearts.

Thank you Dr. Bennett and Cori for being so loving, and for stepping in to hold us all in such a devastating time. We will never forget the exceptional care and love that you showed our family, and Marlo.