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Dr. Stephanie’s Soul Corner

August 01, 2023

“If our paths have crossed, you have most likely heard me say it. ‘ I LOVE MY JOB!’ Working with senior pets and end -of-life can be challenging, and is regularly sad, but it is a burden I willingly carry. My work is my passion, my SOUL purpose, my ikigai. I hope this is evident to both the humans and animals I serve.”

Dr. Stephanie

In this issue…

Meet Dr. Freed
Complementing Clinic Care
What is a Senior Pet
Closure Notice

Dr. Stephanie Freed, DVM, CHPV, cVMA

Pet owners love their pets like family, but as pets age, they often experience issues, such as medical issues, anxiety, or poor mobility. These changes make trips to the vet highly stressful for both the pet and owner. Owners tend to avoid appointments and, as a result, they avoid much needed pet wellness exams. Some owners are no longer able to take their pets to a vet due to their own frail health or disability. This is why I started Golden Years Veterinary Services.

MEET DR. STEPHANIE FREED

I am Dr. Freed, but you can call me Dr. Stephanie. I started Golden Years Veterinary Services with the intention of complimenting the care provided by primary care DVMs while also improving their lives at the clinic. Vets everywhere know the stress that exists in the profession such as euthanizing a pet one minute and seeing the family breakdown. Moments later, with a smile, they enter the next room with a happy family and their new younger addition. It takes its toll.

I am one of only a few hundred certified hospice and palliative care veterinarians in the world. Additionally, I hold a certification in medical acupuncture. I was born and raised in Gilbertsville, PA, received my undergrad from Northeastern University in Boston and went to vet school at UC Davis in California. I have worked in wildlife rehab, a veterinary specialty hospital, and various general practices. Throughout my career, I have realized that a gap exists in the care of aging pets.

Providing a mobile senior pet service for in-home care has been my dream and is now a reality. Let me be your guide, to help speak for those who cannot, and to be the light in an otherwise potentially scary and confusing time.

WHEN IS A PET CONSIDERED A SENIOR?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines a senior pet as a dog that reaches the age of seven and a cat that reaches the age of ten. Other factors may affect their relative age and longevity such as size, breed, genetics, and environmental conditions. Download your free pet age chart. PetsAgeFaster (avma.org)

Many health problems are common in seniors and, as they age, health maintenance may be best at home rather than a clinic. When pets experience pain, or are struggling, getting into a car can cause the pain to be excruciating. In addition, when the owners face their own health concerns and disabilities, struggling to transport their pets to a clinic for care becomes stressful and sometimes impossible.

Health problems that benefit from additional care can range from:

Joint Problems
Dementia/Cognitive Issues
Cancer
Heart Problems
Gastrointestinal Issues and Incontinence
Kidney Issues

SO HOW DOES GYVS COMPLEMENT CLINIC CARE?

What if you were able to have someone else shoulder the burden of your aging pet’s care? Here at GYVS, we devote the time needed for families dealing with a senior pet’s failing health, end-of-life conversations, and euthanasia. By providing these services in the comfort of your home, it becomes a less stressful experience for everyone when they are all much calmer.

Pets are family and we want their final years to be truly golden. Imagine your senior pet receiving treatment while in their own bed, couch, windowsill, or another place within the home. They will spend their final days surrounded by the family that loves them and not among strangers at the vet’s office where they will be stressed and uncomfortable.

During treatment, we provide exams, medications, herbal supplements, and acupuncture. In addition, we collaborate with your vet to coordinate diagnostics like x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, and surgeries.

When it is time for euthanasia, we offer an alternative to the cold, hard floor of a veterinary clinic where staff is pressed for time for the next appointment and often at a time that is not convenient for all family members to say goodbye. We have time and resources to guide families through the process and afterward. The decision to euthanize is not easy, and our goal is to help you and your pet in their final days.

SENIOR TIP:

With summer upon us, senior pets are especially sensitive to heat emergencies.

Heat Safety for Senior Pets – Golden Years Veterinary Services

Read my blog here for more tips to help your senior pet.

REVIEW

“I cannot even begin to put into words my praise for Dr. Stephanie and her services. When it was time to say goodbye to our 13-year-old golden retriever, I was not prepared. I knew that our vet’s office was the last place I wanted to say goodbye, so we asked around and got referred to Dr. Stephanie for in-home care. To say she is kind is an understatement. The compassion for our boy was palpable, and her overall evaluation of the situation helped put my mind at ease that we were doing the right thing. We miss him terribly, but we are thankful for our last moments with him at home with Golden Years Vet and hands down recommend her practice to anyone with an aging pet! Thank you so much for everything!”

Rachael Thompson

NATIONAL PET CALENDAR

July