Resources
Things to help you with your pet hospice and pet loss journey.

Resources

Is My Pet Suffering? Determining your pet’s quality of life:

Quality of Life Scale
Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats

Pet Loss Support:

suicide prevention

Books

For All Ages:
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert, Chuck DeKlyen

For Children:
Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylan
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

For Adults and Teenagers:
Paw Prints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet by Warren Hanson
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen

Websites

Pet Loss Support:
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: http://aplb.org
The Argus Institute: http://www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu
The Pet Loss Support Page; Ten tips on Coping with Pet loss, http://www.pet-loss.net
Pet Loss Grief Support Website: http://petloss.com
Veterinary Wisdom for pet parents: Support for Pet Parents - Veterinary Wisdom

Local Pet Loss Counselors:

While Dr. Lori and her staff will strive to support you through the difficult final journey with your beloved friend, we are not professional counselors.  Sometimes talking with a trained grief counselor can be helpful as you are dealing with your pet’s illness, as well as your sorrow after your pet dies.  Below are counselors who understand the special bond people have with pets and who can help you navigate through the pain of your grief.

Vikki Carter, LCPC
Carter Caring Counseling,  LLC
443-771-0110      This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Diane Younkins, MS, LCPC, NCC
Wisdom Works - - counseling and life integration service for adults in a changing world
301-834-9393    www.wisdomlifeworks.com
Or if you prefer pastoral counseling, you can see Diane at:

Trinity Pastoral Counseling Center
301.662.8908
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.trinityfrederick.org/counseling-center/

Pet Crematories and Cemeteries:

Agape Pet Services, Boonsboro, MD: http://agapepetservices.com/

Greenlawn Memorial Park- Valley Pet Cemetery , Williamsport, MD  Call 301-223-4500                                               

Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Pet Services: http://www.resthaven.us/services-planning/pet-services/overview/

 

Common Questions

1. What is Dr. Lori's service area?
In—Maryland: She covers all of Frederick County and Washington county from Smithsburg east, to Clear Spring West, to the north of Hagerstown and all southern areas. Nearby areas of Howard, Montgomery and Carol County areas may also be covered. —Virginia: Areas near to the Brunswick and Point of Rocks bridges including Lovettsville and Lucketts. NOTE: Dr. Lori is not licensed to practice in West Virginia.
2. How much will it cost and how can I pay?
The cost will include a house call fee which will vary on how far you are from our home base in Middletown. Other fees will depend on the service provided and can be found here. Dr. Lori accepts checks and credit cards. Cash is accepted if it is exact amounts as she does not carry cash with her.
3. Is my pet really ready for hospice? He still seems ok.
Many people fear the word hospice because they think it means their pet will die soon. Others avoid their veterinarian altogether as they are afraid they will be told they need to euthanize their beloved friend. The goal of hospice and palliative care is to provide relief from pain and ensure comfort and quality of life (QOL). For many animals hospice care will enable better comfort and allow you to have improved and maybe longer quality time with them.
4. What is animal hospice and how does it differ from palliative care?
Animal hospice is a philosophy of care that differs from traditional veterinary medicine. It is about caring and not curing and is for animals with life limiting diseases. The goal is to provide comfort and maintain good quality of life for as long as possible while supporting the family through this time. Unlike human hospice, there is no time limit for how long the hospice care may last. (****for more information click here- go to hospice page ) Palliative care is very similar, but usually applies to non-life threatening problems. It can be a good choice when things like surgical correction of a problem is not possible. Management of the pain of osteoarthritis is another example. (****See palliative care page for more information)
5. Does Dr. Lori offer payment plans?
No. Payment is expected at the time of service. Dr. Lori does participate in Scratch Pay which offers short term no interest loans for veterinary care. You can find more information here.
6. What can I expect during a hospice visit?
Dr. Lori will meet with you and your family to develop a care plan that meets your pet’s needs and the needs and goals of the family. She will help you to better understand your pet’s medical condition and explain what to expect going forward. Together you will navigate the road that lies ahead. For more information click here(*****go to hospice page)
7. What can I expect during a euthanasia visit?
Home euthanasia is a peaceful process that takes place in the comfort of your pet’s familiar surroundings.  Dr. Lori will treat your family and pet with compassion and respect to provide a gentle transition without struggle or fear. For more information click here (***What to expect during a home euthanasia visit)
8. What options do I have for my pets body after euthanasia?
Dr. Lori encourages you to think ahead about how you wish to take care of your pet’s physical remains.  It is easier to make these decisions when you are not overwhelmed with grief.  Click here for more information about the options available to you.