if your pet COULD SPEAK, this is what they might say: Remember you SAID YOU would DO ANYTHING TO TAKE CARE OF ME…iT’s NOW TIME FOR YOU TO HAVE SUPPORT WHILE CARING FOR ME…
PET CAREGIVERS SUPPORT RESOURCES
It can be so stressful managing and caring for our pets experiencing chronic or terminal illnesses, especially while holding down a full-time job and/or other responsibilities. We started this page as a resource in hopes of alleviating some of your worries with community, education and resources. I understand this stress and it’s important to not feel alone in this. I know you would do anything for your pet, and yet “caregiver’s burnout” is real. Your pet may have months or years to live after a diagnosis. Instead of counting the days down to the end, I want to help your pet live their best life (while receiving the best medical care possible). Below are a few online resources to support you and your pet as your navigate your caregiving journey.
NUTRITION
Dr. Evelyn Kass : https://petnutritiondoctor.com/about-us-2/
Dr. Lori Bauer: https://freshfoodconsultants.org/canine-consultants
Bea Swasey: Nutritional consultant for small breed dogs https://sparkedupdogs.com/home
DIABETES
Feline Diabetes Forum: https://felinediabetes.com/
Canine Diabetes Forum: https://k9diabetes.com/forum/
CUSHINGS
K9 Cushings Support Forum: https://www.k9cushings.com/forum/
CARDIAC RESOURCES
Handouts from the cardiac education group on different cardiac medications, conditions and patient care.
https://cardiaceducationgroup.org/resource-list/for-your-clients/
PET CAREGIVERS SCIENCE BLOG
Science blog : https://www.petcaregiverburden.com/
QUALITY LIFE SCALE
This is a great go-to app for calendar view of your pet’s quality of life at a glance. https://caringpathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/QualityofLifeScale.pdf
QUALITY LIFE SCALE DURING END OF LIFE (HOSPICE CAre)
Download this pdf for a scale of quality of life for your pet in hospice : https://caringpathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/QualityofLifeScale.pdf
Download this quality life of scale from Lap of Love (to help determine when is it time) https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf
PET FORUMS RESOURCES
Science-based research and blog based on the psychology team from Kent State: https://www.petcaregiverburden.com/
Experts on a number of pet topics https://petsummits.com/experts
Pet Parent Support Group by Petsummits.com on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/petsummits
PALLIATIVE CARE IAAHPC (International association of Pet HOspice)
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Thinking about everything you need to consider while your pet is in treatment, what to do at home, and how to plan for times when you are not going to be home can be challenging. While your medical team helps make choices for your pet, we are also here to help you plan to care for your pet at home.
1:1 SUPPORT FOR PET CAREGIVERS
-Help putting together a ride-or-die team for those times your pet needs extended care
-Time to explore how your heart may be feeling
-Review quality of life checklist
-Look at fears and concerns
-Explore what a self-care plan for you looks like (so you give your pet the best life possible)
-Creating a time to say good-bye when the time comes
-Holistic, nutritional, hospice referral
1:1 GROUP SUPPORT FOR PET CAREGIVERS
-If you or your organization would like structured support, book a call and we can make it happen!