“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the ‘soul’’ drift away from us…”
Autumn is truly one of my favorite seasons. There’s an overwhelming pull on every fiber of my being to embrace and experience everything that fall has to offer. The stunning array of colors along the Vermont mountainsides captivates the heart. I cherish the warmth of cocktails, the comfort of fuzzy boots, snuggly sweaters, and those long, peaceful walks in the crisp, cool air.
Yet, I also recognize the deeper meaning behind the Autumn season. In Chinese medicine, autumn represents maturity, wisdom, courage, and even the complexities of grief and sadness. It’s a time when colors become most vibrant, reflecting the beauty of transformation. The leaves, in their brilliant hues, prepare for their passing, reminding us of the cycles of life and the importance of honoring our emotions during this poignant time.
“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly!
They take their time wander on this,
their only chance to soar” ~ Delia Owens
I was once told, my feelings that surround “Autumn”, The season of loss, is because I never truly let go of my grief for Dolce, I was so over come by his loss that he took a very large part of me with him. I needed to fill the void he left me with. Which is explainably why I do what I do…
Repeatedly, I’m asked, “How do you do what you do?”. “How do you survive in this environment of constant loss?”. My Hospice and Palliative care babies and their families … are the air I breathe! For me there are no words to explain accurately, the feelings they bring me. I cry with them. I laugh with them, We reminisce and we celebrate the lives they have and had.
Hospice is not a “job”, It’s a calling.
Many of the photos you see on this page are photos of the legacy I made in his name. Some are here with us. Some have had to move on before us. They all share one key component. They are family… A family made in his legacy and in his name to symbolize “One". Unity for Dolce’s Legacy Family.
It moves your soul in the most extraordinary way.”
"When your dog is your soulmate, it's different. It's not just love; it's a connection so deep it feels like they were meant to find you in this lifetime. When your dog is your soulmate, they become your safe place, the one who grounds you when everything else feels uncertain.” ~Rm Drake
Pet palliative care is a heartfelt approach to supporting pets facing serious illness, focusing on alleviating pain and enhancing their quality of life. It recognizes that our furry friends deserve to live comfortably and joyfully, even in the face of challenging health issues.
"Sometimes it's your dog that sees it before anyone else does, when you're worn out, when the world's too loud, and you're hanging on by a thread-you turn around, and there he is, looking at you like you're still everything. Like he's waiting for you to notice you're not alone. Sometimes it's your dog that saves you from yourself. Because everyone else might leave, or judge, or get too busy. But he never does. He can't say a word, yet he speaks louder than anyone.” ~ RM Drake
This care involves a holistic assessment of the pet’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs, ensuring they receive tailored treatments that prioritize their comfort and happiness. Through compassionate interventions, such as pain relief, nutritional food therapy, and emotional companionship, I aim to create a nurturing environment for both pets and their families.
A key component of navigating life with our beloved pets facing cancer is to truly immerse ourselves in their moment. The reality is that, yes, they have cancer, and it's essential to shift our narrative from “I have a cancer dog” to “I have a dog with cancer.” This subtle but powerful change can feel both simple and incredibly challenging. When we focus solely on their illness, we risk allowing that very disease to take center stage in our lives. Remember, our time with them is fleeting, and they rely on us for everything. So, take a moment to pause and be present with them; they are communicating with us in ways that words cannot express. Embrace the joy of their companionship and cherish each moment, for it is in these shared experiences that we find the true essence of our bond. To learn more about these topics please visit the Blogs section for articles titled, “Learning to live with our Cancer”, “Being the Care Giver”. Don’t Live in their disease, Live in their “moments”!
This journey not only helps our beloved animals thrive but also brings families closer, allowing them to cherish precious moments together while navigating the complexities of illness with love and understanding.
MY LOVE LANGUAGE HAS FOUR PAWS AND A TAIL
My love language is people who are completely in love with their dogs. It's the way they light up when they talk about them, the way they make room in their life for that loyal companion. There's something honest in it-no pretenses, just a simple, genuine bond. ~Rm Drake
In a Bond-Centered Practice, the profound connections between individuals and their companion animals are not only recognized but cherished, ensuring that both the human and animal sides of the bond receive expert care and compassion. This approach resonates deeply with me, as it embodies the most fulfilling aspect of my work—being a source of support and connection for my clients during their most challenging times.
This is why we must broaden our perspective on palliative care, recognizing its benefits not only for cancer but also for conditions such as liver and kidney diseases, neurological issues, and more. This understanding was the driving force behind the establishment of the “Unity” program, aiming to provide comprehensive support for both pets and their families.
I emphasize the importance of being available when they need it most, even at 2 a.m., because I understand the critical role that emotional support plays in their lives. While not everyone takes advantage of this availability, those who do truly appreciate having a reliable touchstone, not just for their pets' needs but for their own emotional well-being. It's vital to acknowledge that much of our stress can impact our animals, especially in the face of serious illnesses like cancer, which thrives on stress.
Out of all of the therapy approaches I will say that Bond Centered Care is by far my favorite, for the simplistic words in the above title, “My Love Language has Four Paws and a Tail”. Regularly my consultations can become quite personal and emotional, which is one of the major reasons why I don’t do zoom appointments. I want my families to be comfortable in the many emotions that they are juggling. That’s not always easy when we have a camera on us. I choose to make it a safe space to feel all of those feelings… if you can’t do it here with me, someone who’s been in your exact space, then where the hell can you do it?
""I know how hard it can be when you lose a pet," she said. He wasn't just a pet, he was so much more, And that's where we differed. Love wasn't just a word to describe what I felt for him—it was a bond, unshakable and true, something that filled the spaces others left behind. To her, it might've sounded dramatic, but to me, it was simple. I wasn't just in love with my dog. I was loved back in a way that made the world feel a little less broken.~Rm Drake
Animal hospice is a compassionate approach to caring for pets in their final stages of life, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than aggressive treatments. It recognizes the deep bond we share with our furry companions and aims to provide them with a peaceful and loving environment during this tender time. Through pain management, emotional support, and gentle end-of-life care, we ensure that our beloved animals feel cherished and understood. This journey allows us to honor their lives, celebrate the joy they brought us, and navigate the difficult emotions that come with saying goodbye. It's a profound privilege to be a part of this process, helping both pets and their families find solace and connection in their moments together.
… It is never just a dog… It is never just a cat… If anyone refers to you in this manner, please know it’s ok to keep your boundaries. To protect your peace. At the top of this page I stated that all of the images shared here are just a small glimpse of the Dolce’s Legacy Family. These are families that gave me permission to share a very intimate part of their life with you. To celebrate the life that they are living, or to celebrate their name and the life that they lived. Here in this Hospice Section, each of these angels have moved on without us. Their Autumn became Winter and we cherish the memories we have with them. These are families that I’ve spent countless hours on the phone with. Running vitals throughout the day. Regulating our temperatures at 2 am, crying together at 4 am, Practicing and teaching self care and breathing techniques and making the excruciating decision together when the time has come. Many of these owners are now some of my closest friends. And my life is truly richer for it. As I said before, Hospice is not a job. it’s a calling, it’s a calling in the way that an emotion or feeling physically pulls at your soul, and words could never truly be accurate enough to explain those feelings. The way the waves pull and break on the beaches per the full moons gravitational pull. The families that allow me into their lives, and choose to hold me close to the vest… I see them as one of my own, and I’m honored that those families grace me with such a privilege.
Holly
Dog People
There's something about a dog's love that feels almost too good for us, like it exists on some level we don't quite deserve. They pour their hearts into us with no strings attached, no conditions to meet. We stumble through our lives, flawed and often lost in our own issues, and still, they look up at us as if we're everything they need. Even on the days when we barely recognize ourselves, when we're not sure we're worth anything at all, they're right there, steady and sure, loving us without question. ~ RM Drake
It would have been all too easy to fill this section with the standard definitions of hospice and palliative care, but to me, those concepts deserve so much more than a basic overview. Our pets devote their entire lives to us, while we share such a short, precious time with them. I specifically chose RM Drake’s book, “Dog People,” for this page because I have quoted it more and gifted it more than any other works of writing; his words resonate deeply, as if he’s tapping into my own memories and emotions. While the thought of losing them feels utterly unbearable, we must also recognize the beauty in their lessons. They teach us invaluable things throughout their lives, and even as they transition into their next journey, they continue to impart wisdom. I consciously avoid labeling their time with me or their condition; they are not defined by their “cancer,” but rather cherished loved ones who happen to have cancer.
***Please understand that it’s simply not possible for me to feature every family on this page; there are 183 (current cancer) beloved companions under my care. I promise to continue doing my best to honor each one.***
In the journey of caring for our beloved pets, especially during their most vulnerable moments, it’s essential to work with me to build a strong support system tailored to your unique needs. If you are facing the challenges of hospice and palliative care for your furry family member, know that you are not alone. Together, we can create an environment where you feel understood and supported, sharing experiences and guidance that will help you navigate this difficult time. Let’s honor the incredible bond we share with our pets by advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive the love and dignity they deserve in every stage of life. Reach out, connect, and join me in this compassionate journey. Together, we can ensure that our pets feel our unwavering love and support every step of the way.
Join me in making you the “Hero” of their Story!
COMING SOON
There will be an entire section dedicated to the “Unity” Page as well as grief support.
THANK YOU FOR APPRECIATING MY BEAUTIFUL BABIES!