Are we doing better? And can we do better yet?
These are the questions I had for Dr. Dani McVety, the cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia with Dr. Mary Gardner. Lap of Love is a national network of veterinary doctors who offer hospice care and peaceful euthanasia in the comfort of a pet's home.
When Dani was prepping a family for a euthanasia one night at the emergency clinic where she was working shortly after graduating from veterinary school, her client said, "Please, can you leave her on my lap? I don't want her on that cold sterile table. I want her right here with me."
That wasn't clinic policy, though.
Dani said yes. And it was at that moment, she knew that's what every pet deserves, to be in the place where they are most comfortable … their guardian's lap.
Lap of Love was born, and now 15 years later, Dani and her cofounder are advocates for ways the veterinary world can improve the euthanasia process for pets and their families.
After all, the word "euthanasia" is Greek for "eu," or easy, and "thanatos," or death.
Easy death.
Let's find out what that really means.
What to listen for
Where to find Dr. Dani McVety
Dr. Dani McVety (for speaking engagements)