Back to School
Sometimes….well…a lot of times….nope…. Most times, God pushes us in directions we never could have imagined. I am going back to “school”! Not a physical school, but an online type of school which I have never done before. I’m starting a one year journey to become certified in animal hospice and palliative care and I cannot tell you how excited I am to get back into school!
What is animal hospice and palliative care? Well, I used to think it sounded crazy! Maybe you do too and that’s ok. I pictured dogs hooked up to IV’s in a small little nursing home scenario while family members stood by waiting for them to pass. No, that’s not it at all. It the science of how we, as veterinarians, can use our medical knowledge of behavior, disease processes, medications and apply them specifically to end of life care to alleviate pain and suffering. It is also about being able to communicate with owners about quality of life and end of life decisions. I used to think it went against euthanasia and ending suffering, but in all actuality, it is a strong supporter of it and helping pets have the most peaceful passing at the right time.
I have discovered a side of veterinary medicine that I am really passionate about and that is helping these old grey muzzles and feeble whiskers be comfortable and enjoy their final weeks/months for as long as they can and help owners navigate the challenging question of “When is it time?”.
So back to school I go! Wish me luck!