Olive came into our lives when she was eight months old. Rescued by Greyhounds Unlimited, she was one of an abandoned litter of five and so malnourished she could barely walk. We were privileged to have her for the next 12 years. Suffering from severe separation anxiety, she was responsible for two other greyhounds being added to our family, one of them her sister from the same litter. Olive was all sweetness and grace with a little attitude on the side. She was the alpha dog, even with her humans. She talked to us when she was happy, her "rooing" welcomed us home whenever we left. She was our watchdog, always bringing it to our attention when someone or something was within hearing or seeing distance. She delighted in sneaking forgotten food from kitchen counters to the backyard. In her youth, her walk was a prance. It slowed over the years and then turned into a limp towards the end. A noticeable swelling on a front leg turned out to be inoperable bone cancer. She tried not to let it slow her down, but a week after the diagnosis it was clear that the bright light in her eyes was dimming and the desire to go on had waned.

That was the day I found Dr. Westbrook and Loving Paws on line. I knew what needed to be done but could not bare the thought of Olive's last moments filled with stress and pain transporting her to the vet's office - a place she hated going even when she was feeling well. Dr. Westbrook was the answer to my prayers. She came out that evening and wrapped her angel wings around Olive and freed her soul from her tired, pained body. Olive was surrounded by family in the comfort of the place she loved best - home. Her sister laid beside her for a short while before she left us. There was absolutely no pain or stress, only calm. Dr. Westbrook explained everything step by step and acted with the utmost respect toward Olive at all times.

Our sweet Olive had a difficult introduction to life but a far better departure. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Westbrook for that. The service she provides is priceless. I know Olive is running free and will again be prancing the next time we walk together.

I think that there are special places in the next world for special people like Dr. Westbrook – people that are called to help others in real times of need. And the choice to put an animal to sleep, and the actual process of doing it, is what I call a real time of need. My beloved cat Jeff was a magical, wise, “dog-like” cat whose funny personality is well documented over many years worth of family albums. I don’t know that any non-animal lover will ever “get” this, but he was truly family to us. For all my years of joking that he would live forever and never die, the end of his life as I knew was coming. It was clear to see.

I have to be honest and tell you that there was a huge part of me that wanted Jeff to die naturally with a quick, non-suffering death so that I would not have to make a decision. But, it became obvious to me that his long term battle with kidney disease was taking too much of a toll on his 19 year-old body, and that I would have to be the kind of pet owner that he needed me to be. I have a wonderful vet who has an incredible office with an incredible staff, but the thought of taking him up there and spending my last moments with him in that setting created even more pain for me. I will be eternally grateful to my vet for recommending Dr Rebecca Westbrook and her services. I had never heard of home euthanasia, but it just felt right from the get-go. Even Rebecca’s voice was kind and nurturing, and from my first conversation with her, I knew that this way of helping Jeff pass would be the kindest for him and for me. It was helpful to me that she took the time to explain everything that she was going to do ahead of time. I loved the fact that she believes in sedating your animal first so that they feel comfortable and relaxed, and so that they’re in no pain before she gives the final injection. I know that not all vets do it this way - it takes more time and more medication, but I’m convinced that this is the kindest way to usher our animal friends out.

All that said, I think the real beauty of what Dr Westbrook does for the pet owner is that she allows you the dignity to grieve the passing of your pet the way that you need to grieve it, and she seems intuitive enough to know what it is that she needs to do to help facilitate that. For me, I needed a few close girlfriends there and beautiful music and candles and lots of talking to and holding Jeff - and lots of tears. I think for others they might need quiet and no words and the comfort of knowing that they didn’t have to do this in a public setting. For some, though they may not be able to be in the same room with their pet during their passing, they need the peace of knowing that their pet’s last moments were in a familiar environment. Rebecca seems okay with all of the above, and respectful of the different ways that we all need to grieve.

I could go on and on, but I think that I’ll stop there. No one can take away the pain of losing a beloved pet. We all have to walk through that in our own way. But I do believe that we can create memories of their passing that are meaningful and rich and, for me, quite spiritual. I needed that. I hope that you, too, find what you need to bring you some measure of peace and comfort.

I wanted to thank you again for your graciousness, patience and compassion during this most difficult time. Ozzie was, quite literally, my best friend and my only "constant" in the thirteen and a half years I was lucky enough to have him. His gentle nature and silly antics nursed me through a serious illness, times of sadness, loss and distress and I wanted - needed - to allow him his right to die with dignity.

Although this was without a doubt the toughest decision I have ever had to make, you did in fact give me the peace of mind and of heart I so desperately needed. I appreciate the time you took to get to know what a precious pet Ozzie was. I appreciate the time you took to explain and discuss the procedure and the aftercare. Most importantly, I appreciate this unique service that you offer for those of us who are struggling with the impending loss of a beloved pet.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Ozzie. He looks so serious, but this photo was taken during a rousing game of soccer.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Kirschner
McKinney, TX