Healing Touch - In-Home Euthanasia and Holistic Veterinary Care

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.

02/07/2024

We all expect a certain level of sadness when we are grieving. However, grief isn't limited to just sadness. In fact, ALL emotions are valid emotions when it comes to our grief.

The challenge arises when we feel "unexpected" emotions during the grieving process. For instance, relief. Someone who may not know that they could feel relieved after their pet's passing may start to question their commitment to their pet or if they made the right decision and that can make an already difficult process all the more so.

The reality is that each of our journeys through the grieving process will be as unique and varied as the bond that we share with our pets. The emotions we feel as we navigate that process can run the entire range of the emotional spectrum and it's important that we 1) acknowledge those emotions for what they are (a part of the grieving process) and 2) allow ourselves to feel what we need to feel as we work through them.

The knowledge of this fact doesn't make it better. The pain will still hurt and the emotions can still be incredibly raw at times. However, what that knowledge does provide is context and a reminder that what you are feeling is perfectly normal, perfectly valid, and 100% OK to feel. You are not a bad owner for feeling relief, you are simply grieving.

01/07/2024

We have some exciting plans in the works, and as part of that we are hoping to commission a mural dedicated to the peace and comfort our pets feel when resting. We could use some help with brainstorming if you wouldn't mind sharing where your pet loves to take a good nap! Also, if you are or know of any local artists please contact us!

28/05/2024

One of the things we are most passionate about is educating our clients, whether that means helping them walk through the often emotionally difficult topics of end-of-life care for their pet, or the nuances of applying Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine techniques.

With so much misinformation out there we would like to help combat that by providing content that can help you make more informed decisions regarding your pet's care.

So our question to you is this: What type of content would you like to see? Are there particular topics you wish you knew more about? What type(s) of format would you find most useful? (i.e photos, short videos, Q&A etc).

Send a message to learn more

28/05/2024

Hi everyone! We appreciate your understanding over the last few months as Dr. Kendra and I have been out on maternity/paternity leave. We will be back to taking appointments on Monday, June 3rd. If you'd like to schedule an appointment after that time frame, please fill out the request an appointment form on our website. - https://www.healingtouchpetcare.com ~Mike

Send a message to learn more

24/03/2024

One of the important components of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Qi Gong, which focuses on mental and physical flexibility and fluidity of movement. One of the best ways to avoid suffering is to allow for that flexibility in your life. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Dr. Kendra is starting her maternity leave on 3/26 and still plans to return on 6/3. We do apologize for any inconvenience this causes anyone.

04/03/2024

Hi everyone, Mike here. Dr. Kendra (and I) are expecting the birth of our third child in early April. Due to this, Dr. Kendra will be on maternity leave from April 1st until June 2nd. We will be unable to take any appointments during this time.

We appreciate your understanding and support! We are looking forward to returning full steam back in June and have some exciting plans for things once we return!

30/12/2023

When we started Healing Touch in March, we couldn't have anticipated just how amazing this support from the community would be.

For our TCVM clients - We appreciate you allowing us the opportunity to showcase to you the benefits and techniques that Eastern veterinary medicine brings to the table. We believe strongly in leveraging all of the tools and approaches available to us to help make your pet as comfortable as possible.

For our In-Home Euthanasia clients - We consider it an honor to witness the love that exists between an owner and their pet, especially at such a difficult, and vulnerable, time. We are deeply reverent of the trust that you place in us to help support you during those moments and hope that we have been able to bring some measure of peace, even if small by comparison.

To all of you, know that we are here for you in whatever way you may need. We couldn't do what we do without your support. It means the world to us.

- Dr. Kendra & Mike Hodge

21/12/2023

As the holiday season approaches, we at Healing Touch wanted to take a moment to extend warm wishes to you and your families. We understand that this time of year can be both joyous and challenging, especially for those of you who have recently had to say goodbye. We are wishing all of you moments of peace, comfort, and the company of those who understand and appreciate the unique bond we share with our beloved pets.

To allow our staff to celebrate the holidays with their families, in addition to our normal office hours, our offices are closed 12/25, 12/26, 1/1, and 1/2 for the holidays. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out.

21/11/2023

Our (1st annual) pie extravaganza has started. We are in the process of delivering 60 pies to local veterinary clinics and shelters to thank them for all their support over the last eight months as well as the hard work they do to care for all of our pets.

They can always use a little extra appreciation and after all, who doesn't like apple pie? A big thanks to City Bakery in Sheboygan for accomadating our huge pie order so close to the holidays!

27/10/2023

Grief brings with it a myriad of emotions - sadness, anger, guilt, relief, etc - all of which are difficult and confusing, but all of which are also very normal. We have to allow ourselves the ability to grieve...to accept those emotions as they come, and to recognize them for what they are: temporary feelings on our individual journey through the grieving process.

"Why is this so hard?", we sometimes hear owners say. I think they are often surprised by the depth and ferocity of the emotions that this process brings forth. Losing a pet is hard, as it should be. You can't share that kind of love and expect it to be anything but difficult when it goes away. But as difficult as it is, it's not permanent, and while time may not heal the wounds completely, it certainty will soften them.

Until it does, please remember to give yourself some grace. These feelings, in all their intensities and manifestations are normal. While the knowledge of that may not bring you peace, hopefully it provides an important context and a gentle reminder that it's OK to feel the things that you feel.

23/10/2023

Five of these beautiful blankets were donated to us by a client, in loving memory of their dog Misty, who passed away at home last month. We often wrap those pets we care for in a blanket as it provides privacy and comfort as for them on their final journey. This kind donation will honor Misty's memory and will be a small amount of comfort to those families who have to say goodbye to their pets in the future.

18/09/2023

We now offer laser acupuncture as a part of our acupuncture services!

Laser acupuncture is the stimulation of traditional acupuncture points with a low-intensity, non-thermal laser.

This offers us another modality to provide acupuncture services for those animals that may be less tolerant of traditional needle, electro, or aqua-based acupuncture.

As with all of our acupuncture services, we do not charge an upcharge for laser acupuncture, instead opting to use whatever acupuncture method will work best for each individual case and treatment protocol.

You can learn more about our acupuncture services, or schedule an appointment, on our website at:

https://www.healingtouchpetcare.com/services/veterinary-acupuncture/

29/07/2023

We cannot say enough good things about the Humane Society of Sheboygan County! Dr. Kendra has had the opportunity to work closely with them and the compassion and dedication demonstrated by their staff is nothing short of awe-inspiring. If you find yourself able to help support them and this wonderful program, please consider making a cat food donation.

HELP! WE ARE UN URGENT NEED OF DRY ADULT CAT FOOOD!

Our pantry shelves are EMPTY. We accept any brand of dry food.

We have a program that assists individuals & families that receive assistance from the Sheboygan County Food Bank to get food to feed their pets while they are going though a difficult time. The Companion Animal Assistance Program (CAAP) helps provide free dog and cat food to pet owners during their time of need for up to one year helping keep pets with their families. We gave out our last bag of adult dry cat food today, please consider helping us fill our shelves. We appreciate your help!

Donation Drop Off Hours:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Noon to 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday
Noon to 4:00 PM

*After hours items can be dropped off in the enclosed hutch outside the main entrance.

Items can be ordered and sent to us at:
Humane Society of Sheboygan
Attn: Wish List
3209 N. 21st St.
Sheboygan, WI 53083
People in need of pet food assistance can apply for assistance at: https://adoptsheboygancounty.org/learn/caap/

26/07/2023

It's always a pleasure spending time with the wonderful animals and staff at the Humane Society of Sheboygan County. If you are looking to add a furbaby to the family, please visit them.

We just adopted two cute little "office kitties" ourselves (pics to come).

15/07/2023

We've been exploring creative ways to help our in-home euthanasia clients memorialize the love that exists between them and their pets. We couldn't think of a more fitting way to do that than to capture their pet's unique heartbeat. We'd love to know what you think!

04/07/2023

This adorable little fella is Cooper. Today Dr. Kendra administered acupuncture to help with his back pain and heart disease. People, understandably, ask us if acupuncture is painful for their pets. Though there are needles, they are VERY small, and a large number of dogs, like Cooper here, often find themselves relaxing (and even falling asleep) during the therapy.

01/07/2023

We strongly believe in the fact that Eastern medicine provides another tool for owners to utilize to provide the best possible treatment for their pets. Thanks for the mention Insight Magazine.

In her four years of private practice, Kendra C. Hodge, veterinarian and owner of Healing Touch Pet Care in Sheboygan, says she saw a real need for services that support

24/06/2023

Acupuncture has many benefits and can be used to treat a variety of health conditions in your pet.

10/06/2023

In preparation for opening our new "Urgent Care" services, we are training some new staff on how to read fecals! They are so excited and eager to learn, but don't worry Dr. Kendra will be checking their work. A special thanks to our goat "Sweet Pea", who graciously provided us with a sample this morning.

09/06/2023

We are now adding urgent-care [non-emergency] services to the list of services that we provide. Our desire is to bring rapid relief to pets suffering from simple medical conditions (e.g. ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, etc) and lighten the load on the local primary care veterinarians and emergency clinics.

As with all of our other services, our urgent care appointments are done in your own home, where your pet is most comfortable.

To learn more or schedule an appointment visit:

We offer in-home urgent care services for the animals and clients of Sheboygan, WI and surrounding areas. Same day appointments are available.

08/06/2023

Prefer text to a phone call? We now have a number set up to accept texts. (920) 789-2820. You can schedule appointments, ask us general questions, or even simply say hi!

31/05/2023

20/05/2023

“It’s difficult to understand why people don’t realize that pets are gifts to mankind.” – Linda Blair

15/05/2023

Assessing your pet’s quality of life can be a challenge. Many pets can mask their signs when brought into a clinic environment due to the excitement and stress involved. An in-home consultation can help get a more accurate assessment, especially for owners struggling with a very difficult decision. -

We provide both in-home and virtual quality of life consultations to help you evaluate your pets health and comfort.