Healing Touch - In-Home Euthanasia and Holistic Veterinary Care

20/01/2025

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐚 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?

The frequency of conducting a quality of life (QoL) assessment for your pet depends on their overall health, age, and specific circumstances. Here’s a general guide:

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬

Annually: A yearly wellness check during routine vet visits is sufficient for most healthy pets.
This allows you to monitor their general well-being and address any emerging issues.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬
Every 3-6 Months: As pets age, health issues can develop more rapidly. Regular assessments every few months help detect changes early and adjust care as needed.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Monthly or Bi-Monthly: Pets with ongoing illnesses, such as arthritis, diabetes, or kidney disease, benefit from frequent QoL evaluations to monitor their comfort and adapt treatment plans.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬
Weekly or Even Daily: When a pet is in the final stages of life or undergoing palliative care, regular assessments are crucial. Monitoring their comfort and quality of life on a weekly, or even daily, basis ensures timely adjustments to their care and helps determine when euthanasia might be the kindest choice.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Use a quality-of-life assessment to evaluate your pet objectively. You can find a free version of the QoL assessment we use located at the link below. We also provide in-home Quality of Life assessments if having the opinion of a veterinarian can help provide additional peace of mind.

https://buff.ly/3BXtsmg

Please let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to help support you.

17/01/2025

Anticipatory grief is the profound sense of loss and sadness that occurs before a beloved pet passes away. Unlike grief that follows death, anticipatory grief combines the sorrow of impending loss with the responsibility of caring for your pet during its final days.

Recognizing the signs of anticipatory grief can help bring you context and understanding as you work to navigate these emotions. You may find yourself feeling more emotional and crying frequently, as sadness becomes a common response. Anxiety might take hold as you worry about your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Guilt could arise as you question decisions about your pet’s care or feel as though you should be doing more. At times, you might experience emotional numbness, feeling detached or in denial about the situation. Alternatively, you may develop a heightened awareness of your pet’s presence, cherishing every moment and feeling an urgency to make the most of your time together.

It’s important to acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself to feel and process them without judgment. Whether you're crying, feeling angry, or even smiling at happy memories, all emotions are valid, and grieving is not a linear process. Focus on spending quality time with your pet, engaging in activities they enjoy, such as going for walks, cuddling, or sharing their favorite treats, as these moments can bring comfort to both of you. Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can provide relief and connection. Finally, practicing self-care is crucial; caring for a pet nearing the end of its life can be emotionally and physically exhausting, so make sure to prioritize your own well-being by resting, eating nourishing meals, and finding moments of calm.

We are here to help support each of you in whatever way we can. If you want to talk privately, you can always send us a private message, or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Finally, I'll leave you with a quote:

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim”

15/01/2025

Did you know that we have a public "Grief Resource Library" just outside our office location located at 435 East Mill Street, Suite 100 in Plymouth? The main doors are unlocked Mon-Fri 8AM-6:30PM. Anyone can stop by and borrow what they need, for as long as they need.

We offer this grief resource library as a small way to help support those in our community. We know how difficult navigating the loss of a pet can be and are here to support you in whatever way we can.

13/01/2025

When we started Healing Touch back in March of 2023, one of the first big decisions we had to make was who to use as our crematory partner. We went with Forrest Run Pet Cemetery & Cremation Service, out of Sherwood and I firmly believe it was one of the best decisions we could have made. Amy and the rest of the Forest Run staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure that the pets that they care for are treated with the utmost care, compassion, and respect. Thank you Forest Run for all that you do. Words cannot express the appreciation we have for all of you.

If you haven't already, I'd like to ask you to go and give their page a follow.

https://buff.ly/4gzSaYY

Forrest Run Pet Cemetery,Cremation & Memorial Tribute Center was established in 1984 in Sherwood, Wi

11/01/2025

I'm going to change up the regular postings just a bit to take a moment to ask that you join me in wishing Dr. Kendra the happiest of birthdays. She is without a doubt one of the most selfless, compassionate people that I know and this company wouldn't be what it is without her. Happy Birthday, Kendra!

08/01/2025

Pets are known to experience grief when they lose a close companion, whether it’s a human or another animal in their household. While their expressions of grief can differ from humans, they do exhibit behavioral and emotional changes that suggest mourning. Here's how pets might grieve:

𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

Withdrawal - Pets may isolate themselves, avoid interaction, or appear less enthusiastic about activities they previously enjoyed.
Increased Clinginess - Some pets become more attached to their humans, seeking comfort and reassurance.
Changes in Play - A pet that used to play with the deceased companion might appear disinterested in toys or games.

𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬

When pets are grieving, they often show changes in behavior that can signal their emotional distress. They may lose their appetite, eating less or even refusing food altogether. Sleep patterns can also be disrupted, with some pets sleeping more than usual while others struggle to rest peacefully. Additionally, grieving pets may appear lethargic, showing lower energy levels and less interest in activities they once enjoyed.

𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Pets, especially dogs, may whimper, whine, or howl more often. Cats might meow frequently in a mournful tone.

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫

They may search for their lost companion around the house, sniff at their belongings, or wait by the door as if expecting their return.

𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

Pets may exhibit pacing, excessive grooming (especially in cats), or destructive behavior due to increased anxiety.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐭?

If your pet is grieving there are a few things that you can do to help support them:

Provide Comfort - Offer extra affection, physical closeness, and attention to reassure them.

Maintain Routine - Consistent schedules for feeding, walks, and playtime can create a sense of stability.

Encourage Activity - Gentle play or exercise can help distract them and release pent-up energy.

Avoid Punishment - Be patient with any unusual behaviors—they are part of the grieving
process.

Introduce New Companions Slowly - If considering another pet, allow time for adjustment
and ensure compatibility.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩?

If you have any concerns about your pet's health or behavior we'd strongly suggest consulting with your primary veterinarian. In severe cases of grief, medication can be used to help support your pet and a consult with your veterinarian can help rule out any other possible underlying medical causes for your concerns.

06/01/2025

We encourage owners to involve their other pets in whatever way works best for them and their families.

Here are a few things to consider when trying to determine if you should involve your other pets, or help you determine what that involvement should look like:

1. Are your other pets sensitive towards strangers or overly protective?

With Dr. Kendra coming into your home, if you have other pets who are sensitive and/or protective that can be a challenge. The goal here is a peaceful passing for your pet and you want to ensure that your surviving pets don't create an environment that adds additional stress to the situation. This doesn't mean that they can't be involved, but you may want to consider waiting until after your pet is sedated (or after they have passed) to allow them to interact with the family.

2. Are your other pets super food motivated?

There are typically a lot of treats flowing during the appointment. If you have another pet who is super food motivated there is the potential for there to be an added stress to you as you struggle to keep the focus on the pet who is passing. In this case, you may find it is better to wait until after sedation or have someone else there to keep your other pet occupied.

So what may that involvement look like?

The biggest thing to remember here is that each pet, like each of us, is unique. How they interact with you, and your passing pet, during the appointment will largely depend on their personality. We encourage you to not hold any expectations, and simply allow them to interact in whatever way they may see fit. Some pets choose to sniff, while others may be more, or less, involved. There is no right or wrong way, and we believe the best thing you can do is simply "hold space" for them to acknowledge the loss and then help them navigate the grieving process.

In our next post, we will talk about what the grieving process can look like for pets and some things to keep an eye out for.

03/01/2025

As we step into a new year, we hold close the memories of the pets who have touched our hearts. We would love if you would share your favorite memory or photo of your beloved companion

10/12/2024

While this was written from the perspective of horse ownership, it really applies to all animals as the author, Kelly, so kindly points out.

-----

What does it really mean to "let them go on a good day?"

It means it will be your hardest day. It won't matter if you've never done it before, or if you're gifted a dozen good days, each good day is always the hardest one.

It means they won't know what the fuss is about, why they're getting so many treats and extra belly scratches and hugs.
It means you will second guess your decision right up to the very last moment, the very last breath. You'll second guess yourself afterwards.

They'll knicker at you when you arrive, just like any other day.
The weather, perfect. They are content. They look sound today. They are breathing well, eating well, they get up easily enough from a nap in the sun....the list goes on. Whatever issue they struggle with, today they aren't.

Today you euthanize them.

This is what going on a good day means: sending them out while they are happy, while they are healthy, while they are eating well, walking well, etc. You make the choice to do it before an emergency takes the choice away from you, before your horse has to experience any more trauma or pain.

Their last memory will be filled with love.

It'll rip your heart out every time.

We can see the patterns and the increasing trends. We can predict it a little. We can obsess over the past and worry about the future.

Fortunately, horses, all animals, live in the moment. They don't worry about those things. They aren't worried about winter. They aren't worried about July, or allergies, or progressive diseases like cushings or dsld. They don't think about the close calls they've had before, and they certainly aren't thinking about the close calls that are destined to come, as their body continues to age and break down. They just are. They are happy and healthy, or fearful and in pain, on that day, in that moment.

It is the most difficult, most loving gift we are blessed to be able to give.

And that first ice storm will come, that first deep snow, that first heat wave....and you will find a little relief, no longer doubting the choice you made.

They were happy, and safe, and loved. That is all that matters.
It is never easy. ~Kelly Meister, author

Send a message to learn more

26/11/2024

Today is our (2nd) annual clinic appreciation day where we take a moment to thank our veterinary partners for all their support and care that they show to us, and those we serve. Those people who choose a career in the veterinary field do so because of their abundant love for animals and supporting people. Right now the field as a whole is overwhelmed, but the holiday season is even more hectic and demanding. We cannot possibly show enough gratitude for the love and sacrifices our local clinics make every day, but these delicious butterfinger tortes are a place to start. A huge thanks to Red Shorts Cafe for freshly preparing them for today's event.

17/11/2024

We are deeply aware of the profound trust placed in us to care for the remains of the pets in our charge. We do everything we can to care for them the way we would want our own to be treated. As part of that Dr. Kendra is committing hundreds of hours of personal time to hand crochet pillows for the cremains of those pets to rest on while they wait to be reunited with their owners. Here is a picture of one of them.

12/11/2024

Navigating the loss of a beloved family member can be especially challenging when you are trying to guide kids through it. Not only do you have to manage your own feelings, but you have to also help them learn and work through their own very big emotions. Sometimes the hardest part is opening the conversation. This video has some great language and we thought it could be a useful starting point. To all of you entering the holiday season carrying this extra burden, please know we are here to support you however we can. Be kind to yourselves.

24/09/2024

Without a doubt, the decision to free your pet of its pain and discomfort is one of the most challenging, emotionally taxing, and confusing times for us as pet owners.

To help owners we are putting together a few free resources located on our website under the "Resources" section. The first is access to the Quality of Life Assessment that we use for our in-home QOL appointments. The hope is that owners can use this to keep tabs on how their pet is doing in a quantifiable way and track that over time. Of course, we are still happy to do an in-home QOL visit where Dr. Kendra assesses your pet if that would bring you more comfort in the decision-making process.

The second is a page talking about the topic of determining when it is time to say goodbye and the emotional challenge that comes along with that. At the bottom are some commonly asked questions that we hope can, again, bring some measure of peace to the decision and help those that are struggling.

Finally, we are working on a free ebook designed to help owners navigate the process from terminal diagnosis all the way through end-of-life preparation and aftercare. It is our hope that pet owners, regardless of where they are located, are able to use this resource to ensure that they are empowered with the information to better help navigate the final stage of their pet's life. We will update you here when we have more information to share.

If in the meantime there is anything we can do to better help support you in any way please let us know. You are not in this alone. ~Mike

Knowing when to say goodbye to your beloved pet is one of the most gut-wrenching and challenging tasks we face as pet owners.

07/08/2024

🌟 Join Our Team! 🌟 Healing Touch is looking for a compassionate Part/Full-Time In-Home Euthanasia Veterinarian in the Appleton/Sheboygan area. If you’re a dedicated DVM who values work-life balance and wants to make a meaningful difference, apply today at [email protected]. 🐾💙

https://www.healingtouchpetcare.com/job/part-time-in-home-euthanasia-veterinarian/

06/08/2024

Most of us are familiar with the concept of creating an Advanced Care Directive for ourselves, but did you know that you can also create an Advanced Care plan for your pet as well?

I know that thinking about these things can bring up intense emotions and so it's only natural to want to postpone that for as long as possible. However, by creating a plan you are taking back some control over the process and ensuring that the end-of-life experience for your pet is what you, your family, and your pet want it to be.

You can find the advanced care directive workbook at the link below (free), or on our website, https://www.healingtouchpetcare.com, under the "Resources" tab.

A big thanks to Kathy Wolff and Angela Shook for the creation of such a wonderful resource.

If there is anything we can do to help you in this process, please do not hesitate to reach out.

~Mike

https://www.healingtouchpetcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Companion-Advanced-Care-Directive.pdf

15/07/2024

The next book we'd like to showcase is "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine.

This book really emphasizes the importance of you navigating the grief you feel at a pace, and in a way, that works for you. We live in a very "death phobic" society, and so when we do experience a loss, there is often pressure to return back to normal as quickly as possible. That pressure is antithetical to the normal healing process we must go through.

Additionally, when it comes to pet loss there is often a disenfranchisement of our grief that occurs. It's not uncommon to hear people say things like, "It's just a pet" or otherwise try to diminish the grief you may be feeling. It's unfortunate, but society places different "values" on different types of grief and that can leave you feeling alone, misunderstood, and having your feelings invalidated.

There is no need to gatekeep the grieving process. Grief is grief.

11/07/2024

We decided to move the bookshelf to the hallway to make it more accessible. Truly, our goal is to bring any sense of ease to this process as we can and remove any barriers possible to the healing journey. The office is located at 435 East Mill Street, Suite 100 in Plymouth and the main doors are unlocked Mon-Fri 8AM-6:30PM. Feel free to stop by take what you need.

11/07/2024

We are building a collection of some of our favorite grief themed books and we plan to highlight some of them over the next few weeks. These books are open to borrow for as long as you need. Send us a PM and we can coordinate a time to meet at our office in Plymouth.

Today's "collection" is centered around grief and loss in children.

"When a Pet Dies" by Fred Rogers describes the process of losing a pet, explores the emotions children may feel and helps open a dialogue around grief.

"I'll always love you" by Hans Wilhelm emphasizes the importance of expressing your love while your pet is still physically with you and how that can help after the loss.

"The Invisible Leash" by Patrice Karst helps encourage children to honor their pets by keeping their memory alive in their hearts.

Talking to your children about the loss of your pet isn't any easy thing to do, but it's so incredibly important. These books can help encourage a dialogue around grief and sometimes figuring out how to start that conversation is the hardest part.