Kari graduated from the University of Illinois in 1998 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After years of practice and experience, she realized that her passion is helping pets have the most peaceful passing as possible when they are ready to leave us, and assisting families through this difficult time. After all those years of receiving unconditional love from their pet, people can know that they did right by their pet up to the very end and can feel comforted by knowing their pet's transition was pain-free. Kari also provides hospice care. Pets are considered in hospice when they have a terminal condition, and/or the pet won't be receiving any invasive tests or treatments and the goal is to make them as comfortable as possible until euthanasia is needed.
When it comes to the end of your pet’s life… the best you can hope for is peace. by Demetra Karras Not long ago, my husband and I found out that one of our four fabulous cats had terminal cancer. I was completely unprepared for a diagnosis of that severity, finality and impact. After all,…
(IT’S MORE DIFFICULT THAN YOU THINK) BY DR. KARI TROTSKY During my experience talking to pet owners and helping senior pets, I’ve noticed that veterinarians’ definitions of pain vs the pet owners’ definitions of pain are vastly different. This may be because pet owners are emotionally attached to their pets and don’t want to think…
When Do I Euthanize My Pet With Cancer? by Dr. Kari Trotsky Peaceful Endings for Pets When your pet is diagnosed with cancer, it can be devastating news. Not only does cancer come in all different shapes and forms affecting different areas such as skin, organs, bones, or nerves, some can be aggressive either spread…
Only You Can Decide When Euthanasia Is Right by Dr. Kari Trotsky Peaceful Endings for Pets Previously, I’ve blogged about how nobody should be judged or told by well-meaning people that they should euthanize their pet. People who don’t understand the circumstances around the care of an older pet, shouldn’t step in and make you…
YOUR PET, YOUR DECISION TO EUTHANIZE BY KARI TROTSKY, D.V.M. PEACEFUL ENDINGS FOR PETS Can you believe that even I have been on the receiving end of a family member and later, a friend, telling me that it was time to euthanize my pet? I felt angry and hurt that they would imply that I’m…
There’s Acupuncture for Pets? Yes, and it works! by Dr. Kari Trotsky Peaceful Endings for Pets So far, I discussed laser therapy, swimming, the Help ‘Em Up Harness, and medication for arthritic pets with decreased mobility, in order to delay euthanasia. Now we move on to another modality in our arsenal – acupuncture. Acupuncture in…
YOU WILL KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME …OR MAYBE NOT by Kari Trotsky DVM Peaceful Endings for Pets If you’ve ever faced the difficult decision of when to euthanize your pet, you’ve probably heard well-meaning people say, “You will just know,” or, “Your pet will tell you.” But, I meet people every day who agonize over…
Let’s face it, your pet is as much a part of your family as every person under the roof. They grow old and get sick, just like you and me. After years and years of love, you want to make comforting end-of-life decisions. Hospice care is a unique approach to your pet’s end-of-life needs. This…
GUILTY My Epiphany on Guilt and Pet Euthanasia by Dr. Kari Trotsky Peaceful Endings for Pets One of the main components that goes into end of life care is guilt. Guilt can invade almost any thought process we have about the subject and I’m here to tell you that it’s normal and necessary. No one…
Laser Therapy for Arthritic Cats and Dogs by Kari Trotsky, D.V.M. So far, I’ve written about the Help ‘Em Up Harness and Swim Therapy as integrative treatments that can be used for arthritic dogs, in addition to medications. This time, I’d like to discuss laser therapy which can be used for arthritic cats, as well.…