10 Essentials of Self-Care
No matter how much I lecture on the subject, I have trouble convincing people (myself included!) to practice good self-care. When you are a caretaker, self-care is even more important than usual. You can’t help others if you are exhausted and miserable. So, my dogs...
Why You Should Learn To Forgive
Originally published on DrAndyRoark.com Whether you’re giving it, receiving it or bestowing it upon yourself, forgiveness is one of the most beautiful things in our lives. Forgiveness is a universal healer. It doesn’t really matter if the person you’re forgiving knows...
Why This Seminole Veterinarian Doesn’t Cry At Euthanasias
“I don’t know how you do this. It must be so hard.” Inevitably, a client will say this to me when I come to their home to euthanize their pet. My stock answer (which is completely true) is that I’m a basket case when it comes to losing my own pets, so if I can make...
Why I Support Pet Owners Who Drop Their Pets Off for Euthanasia
Originally published on DrAndyRoark.com If there’s one thing I’ve learned being in hospice practice it’s that every grief journey is different. That’s why it pains me when I hear people pass judgment on a person who can’t or won’t stay with their pet during...
After Pets Pass: 10 Tips for Those Left Behind
Originally published on DrAndyRoark.com Being a caretaker is difficult. Managing a pet with multiple illnesses and multiple medications or treatments is difficult. If you have been doing this, there’s something you should know: once your pet is gone, it will be...
‘Tis the Season For…Euthanasia?
We all know that there are people who don’t enjoy the holidays. But did you know that veterinary staff members often dread the holiday season? Why? Well, there’s an odd phenomenon that starts anywhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving and sometimes drags on through...
The Words I Can’t Take Back
Originally published on DrAndyRoark.com “Sometimes I really hate you!” I said to the writhing Dachshund in my arms. He didn’t care. He kept wiggling madly as is his habit when I catch him trying to take off from the yard. Because of his cognitive dysfunction, he...
Why You Should Consider “Drastic” Measures for Your Pet’s Cancer
Originally published on DrAndyRoark.com I hate osteosarcoma. This bone cancer is a cause of major pain for pets and heartbreak for their owners. Many pets with osteosarcoma have a greatly improved prognosis with limb amputation, however, the word “amputation” sends...
