My Pet’s Advocate

26/01/2023

The traditional Quality of Life Scale can be a helpful tool to understand our pets better, but it doesn’t always give us the answers we need.

These QoL scales are often used by vets to manage care plans for terminally ill pets. They can be helpful in some situations, but there are other times when this scale should not be used to make decisions.

Click the link below to learn the 5 situations when using a quality of life scale is not the best way to determine if it’s time to consider euthanasia (and what to do instead).

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/blog/qolscales

19/01/2023

Over the past 30 years of working with pets and their loving families, I’ve learned that some decisions are never easy. But, I’ve also learned that when pet owners have clarity about their pet’s health and their options, making those difficult decisions becomes easier.

Ready to chat? I’m here to listen and guide you. Schedule your hour-long consultation below 💙

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

12/01/2023

Learning that your pet has a serious illness like cancer is heartbreaking…and confusing. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount and complexity of medical information you get in the vet’s office or online.

We’re here to make sense of all that medical jargon and help you see your pet’s current situation clearly.

Here’s what we’ll help you demystify in a quality of life consultation…

🩺Confusing medical terms
What does my pet’s diagnosis mean? What should we expect?

💉 Overwhelming treatment options
What will the recommended medications or treatments do? How will it affect my pet? Are these our only options?

😓Worry and second-guessing
Is my pet in pain? Do I have all the information? Is there anything else I can do to help them feel better?


While these are some of the most common questions we hear, they are certainly not the only ones!

Come to your consultation with any questions you have, and we’ll help you leave with clarity.

05/01/2023

Short answer: There’s never a wrong time to get the support you need to give your pet the best life possible. But, there are some key moments when getting a consultation can make a big impact for both you and your pet…

▶ You want to fully understand your pet’s medical diagnosis and what that means for them so you can improve their daily quality of life.

▶ Your pet’s behavior has suddenly changed, but their vet says they’re fine.

▶ You need to make a decision concerning your pet’s medical treatment, or euthanasia options and don’t know what path to take.

▶ Your pet is aging and you want to make sure they are as comfortable and happy as possible.

▶ Your pet is reaching their end of life, and you want to ensure the experience is as peaceful and loving as possible.

▶ You simply want to understand your pet better and stay ahead of early signs of health issues with regular check-ins.

Don’t wait to get the confidence and peace of mind you need to be the best advocate for your pet.

Let’s meet and help your pet together 🐾 Schedule a consultation at https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule.

22/12/2022

CBD can help your pet feel better…but not all products are created equally. And since CBD is not fully regulated, we have to do our own research so we can be our pets’ best advocates.

TIP: If you want to help support your pet with CBD, ask the company or brand you want to use for a Certificate of Analysis.

This should…

✅ Be done by an independent/third-party lab
✅ Include an analysis of the final product
✅ Include a test for heavy metals levels

When you’ve found a brand that offers a clean and accurate product, you can rest easy knowing you’re helping your pet feel better and keeping them safe 💚

15/12/2022

What is a consultation with My Pet’s Advocate like?

Before your consultation, I review all the notes, medical files, and photos you send me in your booking form. This helps me start to understand our situation and what your pet might be experiencing.

On the day of your consultation, we’ll spend a full hour discussing your pet and the questions you have. I’ll ask lots of questions, too, so we can best understand your pet’s quality of life.

After our session, you receive a follow-up overview guide with key takeaways, recommended reading or resources, or anything else I think you may find helpful in moving forward with your pet’s medical decisions.

Ready to get the weight of indecision off your shoulders? Let’s help your pet together.

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

08/12/2022

Have a senior cat? There’s 1 piece of equipment you should have…

A baby scale ⚖️

Weight loss is one of the most common early signs of geriatric cat diseases.

A monthly weigh-in on a baby scale is an easy way to keep track of trends in your cat’s weight and catch red flags early.

If you want a personalized approach to improving the quality of life of your senior cat, let’s chat!

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

01/12/2022

What does Quality of Life really mean?

If you Google it, you’ll find numerical scales, calculators, or maybe a range of subjective happy faces.

But these “tools” leave quite a bit missing.

Your pet’s quality of life isn’t just about measuring external signs and symptoms. It’s about understanding those signs within the bigger picture of their unique life.

During a My Pet’s Advocate consultation, we go deeper with questions that get to the heart of your pet’s behavior, personality, quirks, comfort levels, and what a good day looks like for them.

We identify areas for improvement that you can make at home.

We also help you see this big picture clearly, so you feel confident making decisions on their behalf now and in the future.

Your pet deserves to be understood. Together, we can help give them a voice.

Book a Quality of Life Assessment for your pet today: https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/how-we-help

24/11/2022

After 30 years as a veterinarian, I know how hard it can be for pet owners to make medical decisions for their pets.

Even with all the tests and research, sometimes there just isn’t an obvious path forward.

It’s normal to feel confused, lost, and nervous to take action when you’re (inevitably) faced with a tough situation, no matter how much time and energy you pour into trying to find “the answer.”

I’m here to help you navigate the challenges of having an ill or aging pet, by equipping you with the information, perspective, and guidance you need to come to a decision that feels right – on your own.

When you’re ready to find clarity, I’m here to help.

And until then, check out my free guide, 10 Steps to Navigating Serious Illness Decisions for Your Pet. Here you’ll find 10 things every pet owner needs to consider when faced with a tough decision.

Head to the link below to download 🐾

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/guide

17/11/2022

Having a pet with a serious illness is no walk in the park. If you feel like you’re taking a shot in the dark when making their medical decisions, you’re not alone.

There are 10 steps that I lead pet owners through when helping them come to a decision that feels right for their unique situation – and they can help you too.

I created a simple guide to walk you through each of these steps so you can approach serious illness decisions with a clear head and compassionate heart.

Download the guide here 📘

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/guide

10/11/2022

What happens when your vet appointment is over, but you still have questions?

The truth is, no matter how incredible your vet is, most veterinary offices aren’t able to dedicate the time needed to address all your questions. Or, help guide you to a solution that feels right.

My Pet’s Advocate was created to fill this gap for pet owners, so you can gain the understanding you need to make a fully educated decision.

How are our consultations different?

✔️We get to know your pet – not just their medical history, but their story and personality.

✔️We dedicated a full hour to answering your questions and giving you clarity.

✔️We send a thorough follow-up with resources to help beyond our time together.

Get the support you and your pet deserve. Book a consultation today :

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

03/11/2022

Your pet is never just a number. The most important thing to us is guiding you to a path forward that enhances your pet’s quality of life and leaves you feeling calm and confident about their care.

Curious about how a quality-of-life assessment could help your pet? Follow the link below to learn more.

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/how-we-help

27/10/2022

For many years I worked as a hospice veterinarian, and offered home-based euthanasia to give pets the most comfortable and beautiful send-offs possible.

While working with pets at the end of their life is never easy, this path allowed me to have some really amazing experiences with pets and their owners.

Most of the time…

My worst days were when I would go to see a pet and their family hadn’t really made a decision yet.

Even when there was obvious suffering, oftentimes people would change their minds. Waffle back and forth. Second-guess.

This is human, it’s what we do.

But it’s a heartbreaking place to be – for you and your pet.

So that’s why I’m here. To help pet owners escape decision paralysis and second-guessing so they can make the best decisions for their pets when they need it most.

Are you second-guessing your pet’s care decisions? Do you feel like making any decision is impossible?

I know what you’re going through, and I’m here to help.

Reach out below to get closer to a decision you feel good about.

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

20/10/2022

Cats are creatures of comfort. But as they age, they need a little more help to feel fully relaxed.

For example, arthritis could make it painful for your cat to jump up to their favorite perch on the window sill, or their litter box down the stairs.

But that doesn’t mean your cat’s senior years have to be lived in discomfort – there are plenty of ways you can modify your home and keep your cat happy through all stages of life.

Head to the link below to find out which 6 things I recommend all cat owners to do to make home more comfortable for your older cat.

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/blog/seniorcatcomfort

13/10/2022

Our pets teach us so much about life and love – both when they are here with us and after they have passed.

Do you have a pet that changed your life? What was their name and what did they teach you? 🐾💜

06/10/2022

Learning that your beloved pet has cancer is traumatic experience – no matter how prepared for the news you might have been.

And if you are like most pet owners, you were likely overwhelmed with medical jargon and treatment options while the shock set in.

When you’re feeling sad, confused, and overwhelmed is no time to make serious medical decisions for your pet.

But, time is of the essence.

The best first step you can take after learning about your pet’s diagnosis is to make time to clearly understand your pet’s condition, quality of life, and how different treatment options might affect them.

My Pet’s Advocate is here to give you that time, space, and clarity. Over an hour-long consultation, we’ll help you better understand your pet’s state of health and the options you have for their care.

We’ll answer any question you have and provide a detailed follow-up with everything we discussed, so you can make your decisions in your own time.

Only from a place of clarity can you make a decision that feels right for your pet and your family.

Schedule your consultation today, so you can take your next steps with confidence and love.

29/09/2022

Do you trust your gut when it comes to your pet’s health care?

As a veterinary consultant, I often hear pet owners say that they have a gut feeling about a medical decision they need to make for their pet, but they just don’t trust that inner voice.

The truth is, you know your pet better than anyone – including your vet.

While your veterinarian is there to show you the best medical options for your pet given their condition, they don’t know your pet’s personality, preferences, or soul like you do.

For instance, surgery could help your aging pet’s condition. But if you know your pet would be absolutely terrified to undergo an intense procedure, your gut may tell you to pass on the surgery.

So how do you know which path to choose?

Making decisions for your pet is rarely black and white. That’s why I offer consultations that help you make sense of the gray area.

If you are battling with decision-making or feel like you can’t trust your gut, it’s time to talk.

Book a consultation at My Pet’s Advocate to gain a deeper understanding of your pet’s unique situation so you can make a decision that feels good in your heart – and your gut.

22/09/2022

Road trips, ocean swims, extravagant meals, doggie weddings… these are all things I see pet owners do when they find out their dog has a terminal illness.

These bucket list intentions are good and I can tell these dogs are loved.

BUT…the hospice veterinarian in me often cringes when I hear about these excursions.

Why? Most seriously ill dogs, like we humans, would prefer to be home, or at least in familiar spaces where they feel comfortable and safe.

There are so many ways you can give your dog the royal treatment during their end of life in a way that supports their needs during this time AND creates an unforgettable experience for you both.

Want to know how? Follow the link to learn 5 Things to Consider When Making a Bucket List for Your Dog.

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/blog/bucketlistfordogs

15/09/2022

As a veterinary consultant, I’m not here to tell you what to do for your pet. My role is to guide you in your decision-making process so you can come to the right decision for your pet and your family on your own.

My goal is to help you...

Understand how your pet is likely feeling, from a medical and whole-picture perspective.

Understand your pet’s diagnosis and treatment options, and what those outcomes could mean for your pet.

Know how to weigh the importance of different factors for decision-making.

These decisions are never easy. But having an expert perspective makes all the difference.

Ready to talk? I’m here to help 💙

08/09/2022

“I have questions…but my pet isn’t sick. Can you still help?”

The short answer is YES!

We’re here to help Any pet owner who wants to better understand their pet’s health and feel good about making decisions for them now, or in the future.

While many people are looking for help navigating serious pet conditions, we can also help if you…

✓Have a new pet and want to learn how you can give them their best life
✓Have a pet with complex needs
✓Want to better understand your pet’s non-life-threatening health condition
✓Have noticed your pet doesn’t seem quite like their old self
✓Want to help your pet age gracefully
✓Want a trusted source you can turn to when you have questions about your pet

In short, we’re here to help you feel like a confident pet owner, at every stage of your pet’s life.

Have concerns about your pet’s medical care? It’s easy to get the clarity you need. Schedule a consultation today:

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

01/09/2022

Stop googling and get the personalized support you deserve from a vet you can trust 👩‍⚕️

Here’s how our consultation process works:

1. Share your pet’s story 🐶
During an hour-long session, we’ll discuss your pet’s unique personality, health condition, and lifestyle.

2. Understand your pet like a vet 🩺
After a quality-of-life assessment, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your pet’s health and how to weigh their care options.

3. Care with confidence 💗
You’re ready to make an informed decision that feels good in your heart and honors your beloved furry friend.

Got a question? We’re now taking new appointments! Visit the link below to book your personalized pet health consultation.

https://www.mypetsadvocate.com/schedule

16/08/2022

Which of our consultations is right for you?

Since our pets can’t tell us what they feel, a quality of life assessment by an experienced vet is the best way to understand how they’re feeling.

My Pet’s Advocate offers consultations for three main concerns:

1) Navigating Cancer & Serious Illness
If you’re confused about your pet’s treatment options or whether to go forward with treatment at all, this consultation can give you clarity.

2) End-of-Life Decisions
It’s normal to feel paralyzed by choice when your pet is facing a critical health issue. We’ll help you come to a solution that feels right and honors your pet.

3) Caring for Senior Pets
As pets grow older, it can be hard to tell if their symptoms are a normal part of aging or something more serious. We help you understand their overall quality of life so you can make the best decisions for them.

While these cover the most common reasons pet owners need support, we’re happy to guide you in making other health decisions for your pet, too.

Have a question about your pet’s situation? Follow the link in our bio to contact us or schedule your session.

09/08/2022

I bet you know your pet better than anyone. You know their favorite place to snooze, which snacks will get them drooling, and what words to say to perk up their ears every time.

But when it comes to understanding their state of health and quality of life, you feel lost.

Ever wish you could see your pet as a vet sees them?

I’m Dr. Randall and I’m here to help you be your pet’s best advocate.

Over the past 30 years as a veterinarian, I’ve worked with hundreds of pets and their families in some of the most difficult times.

What I’ve learned is that no matter how much you love your pet, it is never easy to make medical decisions on their behalf – especially when you don’t fully understand the situation at hand.

Now, I’m bringing my veterinary consultations online so anyone can get the help they need to make the right decision for their pet.

I assess your pet’s quality of life from a holistic point of view – not just numbers on a lab test.

My goal is to help you see your pet’s state of health, through my eyes: objectively, holistically, compassionately.

Are you confused about your pet’s health? I’m here to help.

Learn more about me and my process at MyPetsAdvocate.com.

02/08/2022

Have you ever felt more confused leaving the vet’s office than when you walked in? Or thought you were unqualified to make such important decisions on behalf of your pet? Or wondered if your pet is suffering silently?

The truth is, making tricky health decisions for your pet is confusing at best, and downright scary at its worst.

There is no single “right” answer or test you can take to make medical decisions for your pet. Your faithful friend is special and your circumstances are unique.

That’s why we believe every pet owner deserves a personalized approach when making these decisions.

Unfortunately, most veterinary offices can’t dedicate the time to address all your questions and guide you to a solution that feels right.

My Pet’s Advocate fills this gap for pet owners, so you can get the expert advice you need to be your pet’s best advocate.

A consultation with My Pet’s Advocate takes the confusion and fear out of the decision-making process, so you can take the next step with confidence and love.

You don’t have to make this decision alone 🤝🏼

Visit MyPetsAdvocate.com today to stop second-guessing and get the perspective you need from a vet you can trust.

26/07/2022

Helping you go from a confused and worried pet owner to confident pet advocate.

Making critical medical decisions for your pet can be heartbreaking — especially if you feel unsure about your options.

My Pet’s Advocate takes the confusion and fear out of the decision-making process so you can take your next steps with confidence.

Our process is simple…

During an hour-long session, we’ll discuss your pet’s unique personality, health condition, and lifestyle.

After our assessment, you’ll better understand your pet’s health and how to weigh their care options.

Now accepting new clients 🐾

Learn more at MyPetsAdvocate.com.

04/07/2022