Buttercup's Pet Hospice

11/03/2023

How old is your pet in human years?
Check out this easy, weight-based chart for an answer.

11/02/2023

I spent the largest part of my day with Dr. Heidi Lobprise of Senior Pet Advocates, and beautiful Kerrville, TX, discussing our shared passion for optimizing senior pet care, on this, the first day of National Senior Pet Health Month.
Dr. Laborise led a grassroots campaign last year to recognize November as Senior Pet Health Month, a focused annual event to garner the attention that senior pet health deserves.
Inspired by our conversations today, I’ll be posting about senior pet health throughout the month, beginning by wishing everyone Happy Senior Pet Health Month!!!
💛🐶🐱🐰🐹🐣🐠🦜🐍🦎💛

07/27/2023

When faced with terminal illness diagnoses in 2021, one in beloved Bichon, Lucy, and another in beautiful Bernese, Duke, these two very different women leaned into their love for their pups, saying in effect,
“You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we’ll do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”
And they did.

Most conversations I have about pet hospice, begin & end with someone telling me the work “is hard, too hard.”

If I respond at all, I say that in order to do this work, you need to be in the moment with people and with pets. The moments are heavy with meaning, but they are not burdensome. No one ever asks me why not.

Today after considering an unexpected job opportunity that wouldn’t leave me time to take on another pet hospice family, I want to explain why.

Because no one ever tells me they spent too much time in hospice.

Instead, I hear, “thank you for creating a safe space for us”, “my burden is lessened”, “what I did today increased quality of life in my pet”, “I know it may sound crazy but we have moments of sheer joy”, and “deepening bonds”, dignity”, “peace of mind”.

Because I witness pets remaining in the home longer, surrounded by love and comfort care and the best in those who love them.

This post is for Nan and Lucy, and Anita and Duke, the families and friends who surrounded them, the veterinarians and veterinary technicians/nurses besides myself who supported them through their two year journeys together.

09/27/2021

Happy Autumn!!
*This is Valentine, staying cozy in the wool pumpkin we bought at this weekend’s fundraiser for Nashville’s wonderful Pet Community Center*

05/09/2021

06/08/2020

In medicine we commit to lifelong learning.

We make this same commitment when it comes to racial equality.

May it be lifelong, and may we never stop learning.

-The Buttercup’s team

04/05/2020

walking the cat🐾🐱

03/26/2020

We're all in this together 💛

From an ER doctor and Wynn, a year-old Labrador retriever, in Denver..

"Wynn comes to the ER and stays within our social workers’ inner office, so no one touches her but staff can wash up and have a moment with her. She has saved us because we are very stressed and anxious. Sometimes too busy to be scared."

03/17/2020

COVID-19 Statement from all of us at Buttercup’s 💛🙂

On March 11th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Pet owners are understandably concerned. The American Veterinary Medicine Association has recently addressed these concerns by publishing their answers to some common questions.

Here’s a brief summary:

Did a Dog Test Positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong?

Not exactly. In late February, Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) detected low levels of SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — in a pet dog. They repeated the test last week and found “weak positive” results for the virus. Hong Kong authorities responded with warnings that residents should not kiss their pets. The infected dog was placed in quarantine, but showed no signs of COVID-19 infection. It tested negative on March 12th.

Can COVID-19 Infect Pets?

While no one is certain, it seems very unlikely. AVMA writes, “Infectious disease experts, as well as the CDC, OIE, and WHO indicate there is no evidence to suggest that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection with SARS-CoV-2, including spreading COVID-19 to people.” They acknowledge, however, that additional tests and investigations are ongoing.

What Precautions Should Pet Owners Take?

The AVMA, WHO, and other health organizations recommend pet owners take a number of precautions to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19. These common-sense measures include regular hand washing, social distancing, and proper respiratory hygiene. Pet owners should take particular care to wash their hands after handling their pets, feeding their pets, and handling pet waste.

“Out of an abundance of caution,” the AVMA suggests that anyone who is ill with COVID-19 (or expects they might be) should limit their contact with animals “until more information is known about the virus.” While facemasks are not advised for most individuals, anyone who is symptomatic should wear them around their pets and other people.

Ill pet owners should designate friends or family members as handlers of their pet’s care. AVMA recommends putting together “emergency kits” with several weeks’ worth of pet food and other necessary supplies.

Is Testing Available for Pets in the United States?

Not as of March 12th, but tests and updates to testing capacity are in the works. AVMA expects that more information on availability and submission requirements will become available shortly.

Stay Safe and Calm 💛

The AVMA concludes their FAQ sheet with yet another reminder that pet owners should remain calm. “There is no evidence,” they write, “to suggest that pets can spread COVID-19 to other people or other pets.” Be sure to identify credible news sources and check in regularly as this situation continues to develop.

10/24/2019

❤️

Violators could face up to seven years in prison under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act.