Our Staff

Dr. Kari Trotsky – Founder and Owner of Peaceful Endings for Pets

ORGANIZATIONS

I am a proud member of:

    • American Veterinary Medical Association
    • International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
    • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
    • Fear Free Pets

EDUCATION

    • North Central College (NCC)
    • Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois
    • Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine
    • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    • Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian

HISTORY

    • Countryside Veterinary Clinic
    • Downers Grove Animal Hospital and Bird Clinic
    • VCA Bolingbrook
    • Chief-of-Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital of Bloomingdale

HOW I STARTED

After practicing in hospitals for 13+ years, I knew it was time for a change. I was hired by an at-home euthanasia service, thinking it would be temporary, but it became a perfect fit for me. It was a service many pet owners desired, and it became very fulfilling to help pets and their people during such a difficult time.

After 1 1/2 yrs there, it was time to create my own company, Peaceful Endings for Pets. I set my first appointment in March 2013 and haven’t looked back.

HOW I’M ABLE TO DO WHAT I DO

The number one question I get asked is, “How do you do this day in and day out?”

It’s difficult, but we view our pets as part of our family, as many of our clients do. We’ve cared for our pets and loved them throughout their whole lives, all the way to their passing. We have a keen sense that enables us to read body language in pets, which we’ve honed over many years, and it helps guide our protocols in the moment. Also, we understand all of the feelings and emotions that go into deciding when it’s time, as well as the desire to make their passing as peaceful and as comfortable as possible because we have lived it ourselves. Many people tell us that we made a terrible day a little bit better, and although they will mourn their pets, they don’t have to feel guilt or regret about their decision or the process. That, to us, is everything. We, as pet owners, know the time will eventually come when we have to let them go. Our goal is to make the process easier for the pet owner and more comfortable to the beloved pet. Achieving that is what matters most to us.

We feel it is an honor when we are chosen to be the ones that help your pets at the end of their lives, and we do everything possible behind the scenes so that you can be in the moment with your pet and not have to worry about anything else.

Dr. Jen Wahlund – Veterinarian with Peaceful Endings

Dr. Jennifer Wahlund is originally from Fargo, North Dakota and graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology. She then went on to achieve her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Jen currently resides in Aurora, IL with her husband Ben, 3 Border Collies – Banner, Spencer, and Taylor Swift, 4 parakeets, and fresh and saltwater fish. 

Jennifer’s favorite free time is spent enjoying training and competing in canine performance activities with all 3 dogs. Over the years, she and her four-legged teammates have earned over 800 titles/Championships/Grand Championships competing both locally and nationally in Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Agility, Rally Obedience, Traditional Obedience, Conformation, Herding, Lure Coursing, Fast CAT, CAT, Disc Dog Events, and Weight Pull.


Jennifer with all her ribbons

Dr. Emily Weathered – Veterinarian with Peaceful Endings for Pets

Dr. Emily enjoys spending time with her family, miniature Australian Shepherd, horses, and goats. She also enjoys trail riding, skiing, traveling, camping and hiking.

Dr. Emily graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 and garnered the title of

CHPV – Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian in 2024. She also has an equine medicine background.

Dr. Emily with her dog and flowers
Dr. Hilary and her cat

Dr. Hilary Antosh – Veterinarian with Peaceful Endings for Pets

Dr. Hilary Antosh grew up in the northwest suburbs and earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. She served in the Peace Corps in The Gambia for two years before returning to Illinois to enroll in veterinary school, graduating in 2018. She started working in general practice after graduation, and joined the Peaceful Endings team in 2023. Dr. Hilary also enjoys traveling and volunteering her time, including missions to India and Ukraine.

She loves spending time with her husband and two cats, Muus and Gollum. In her free time she enjoys backpacking, hiking, and scuba diving.

Megan – Client Liaison

Megan worked at a veterinary hospital and has a passion for finding homes for rescued dogs and cats. She enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, being in nature, gardening, bird watching, and vacationing in Wisconsin.

Roxanne and her dogs

Roxanne – Client Liaison

Roxanne worked as a veterinary technician in an animal hospital over 15 years. She enjoys spending time with her 4 children, husband, dogs, and Guinea Pig. She enjoys camping, biking, kayaking, and fishing.