Preparing for and Recovering from the Loss of a Pet
I have a very good friend who has been the pet parent for 7 Australian shepherds and 2 cats since I have known her. The care and love that she has bestowed on all of them has been touching to observe and it has always been a pleasure to assist her in keeping her kids healthy. When the time came to let each leave her side, I have watched her go through agonizing pain. Each time she has moved forward but the pace has been slower and slower and her pain has become debilitating.
As a veterinarian I am trained to reduce pain and suffering and maintain health. Sadly, the majority of veterinarians, myself included, are not trained in assisting pet parents with the transitions that will occur in all of our lives, the preparation and recovery from the loss of our pets. My guest, a dear friend and classmate is an exception.
Dr. Liz Fernandez is a certified hospice and palliative care practitioner. Several years ago she wrote a marvelous book, “Sacred Gifts of a Short Life, Uncovering the gifts of our Pets End of Life Journeys”. She continues to assist pet parents and veterinarians in handling transitions with grace and peace.
BIO:
Dr. Liz graduated from UC Davis Veterinary School in 1982. The first 25 years of her career were spent in small animal emergency medicine and general practice. In 2002 she became certified in veterinary acupuncture. She gained addition certifications in Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-Na, and food therapy. These certifications qualified her for the Certification as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioner. In 2016, after helping many of her clients navigate their pets’ end of life journeys, she authored the book “Sacred Gifts of a Short Life, Uncovering the gifts of our Pets End of life Journeys”. She is one of a small number of veterinarians who have completed both the IAAHPC certification for hospice and palliative care practitioner as well as the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End of Life practitioner. In 2019 she launched Let Love LeadPet End-of Life consulting. She offers end of life education for pet people and vet people. Sunday September 13, 2020 she will be hosting full day virtual live interactive workshop entitled “The Final Journey” Empowered End of Life Decision-Making for Pet Parents.