Restful Paws - In Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia

Reviews 6

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Josephine Ruiz

My girl and I had been together for 14-1/2 years. She was always sweet, so very affectionate and gentle. Over the past few years, I had watched her slowly decline, becoming less robust, though still feisty. And then, over a few month period, she began to decline more quickly and steadily. I noticed her lack of appetite, her weight loss, her wobbliness. I knew I had to prepare myself for her eventual death, but I didnt know how to go about it. My vet recommended Restful Paws. I called for an initial appointment and within a few days I had met with Dr Rathjen who was kind, empathetic, and compassionate. Not only with my girl, but also with me, who waxed and waned between practicality and active grief. She got to know my girl and me, and although we didnt know when Kacie would be too tired to continue, I was assured that Dr Rathjen would make every effort to be available when that time came. Which she was. I called at 6 oclock in the morning after a restless night watching my girl and by 9am Kacie was resting peacefully. Expectations for her death, arrangements for her after-care, and costs of services were taken care of at the beginning of Dr Rathjens visit. Her expertise and the emotional support she offered greatly eased my anxiety and distress. I am very grateful for her compassion and kindness, again with both me and my girl.

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Jessie Casey

The best experience during what should have been the worst. Losing a family pet is never easy. Louise is compassionate to both pet and owner, and her services were beyond what I could have imagined during such a tough time. Many times our beloved pets are in distress, upon arrival she assessed the situation to help inform us what was best. She takes her time to help you through, and sends heart warming cards thereafter. Dec 6th2016, My 19.5yr old Tiger was laid to rest laying in the clover, in the last rays of sunshine, under the peach tree in our family yard. His favorite spot. It is a peaceful memory to know that he did not pass stressed out, but rather surrounded by his loving family of 6. I am ever grateful for Miss Louise. Really, a kind soul. There is not a moment of doubt that choosing Restful Paws was the right thing to do. Thank you Louise for being there for us all, for doing something that takes true heart, and being strong when ours are breaking.

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C. Miller

4 reviews 5.0 star rating 6/14/2017 Dr. Rathjen provided hospice care for about a year to my dog with bone cancer who we were originally told would only last a couple of months. Her home visits were a perfect solution to avoid the stress of going to the vet for his hospice care. After her initial visit, she was always available to refill or adjust his medications after a call or email which resulted in an extra year with our beloved Biscuit with a great quality of life. When it finally came time to let him go, she was at our home in just a few hours. While Biscuit was clearly in pain at that point, he was calm and surrounded by his favorite people and things and Dr. Rathjens kindness, gentleness and clear love of animals was so comforting during the process. Its so hard to say goodbye to a special pet, but if I had to do it again, I would use Dr. Rathjen every time!

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Judy Burnham

If you are reading this, I was in your place last fall. When I made the decision, because he wasnt able to do the things he loved, I found this loving soul, Louise, at the last minute before I was to take him in to the "scary" vet hospital. She came to my home, we were all there to feed him his favorite treats, read a memorial, and watch him go to sleep and it was beautiful. She ordered us some paw prints for each of my children and we kept the ashes. But you have choices. To be able to afford him to be put down is a blessing in itself so he wont suffer to the end. Even though we cried our eyes out, I felt so fortunate to have such a peaceful ending for the life our beloved dog, Copper, who gave us the best 13 years of our lives. RIP COPPER 2003-2016.

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Pamela Sherwood

Considering it was one of the worst days you can imagine, Dr Rathjens was amazing. She was calm, she took her time. She was so gentle. Even her voice is calming. My pup was dying of heart failure and I called her to say it was time to send Lily home. Dr R was at my house by 4:30pm. It gave me time to spend with Lily and to attempt to wrap my mind around it. I will never take my animals to a clinic again. Not when I have this option. She took Lily with her and I got her ashes back about two weeks later. I cannot recommend her enough. Thanks Dr. Rathjens! Pamela

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Carla Dziedziak

I cant tell you how glad I am that we had Restful Paws and Louise there for us and Roxie. I would not have wanted it done any other way. It was so peaceful and done with such compassion. We were told what was happening every step of the way and she was so respectful and sensitive in every way. I am so very thankful. Thank you again.

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