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Aug
Navigating the twilight of your pet’s life with compassionate, dignified, respectful end-of-life care
Sometimes, life’s hardest decisions are the best option at a given time. We simply don’t see this until after the fact, in retrospect. And no one appreciates this fact of life more than Orange Park Animal Hospital. Every day, we make those difficult decisions alongside our valued clients from throughout the Jacksonville, Florida, area. When the time comes, as it does for everyone, you should have confidence that you are doing the right thing, even though it may not feel that way. We provide trusted, compassionate end-of-life and euthanasia care to help you navigate the hard decisions and to ensure the comfort of your pet at every stage and step in the process.
What does end-of-life care “look like” at your hospital?
The specific approaches and services vary and are unique to your pet’s needs and the circumstances at hand, which can often turn on a dime when dealing with very serious or late-stage conditions or trauma. Some key characteristics generally unify our clients’ experiences on this front. For one, we respect that the decision you and your family make for your cherished pet is highly personal. Two, we are always here for you as a support system. You can rely on us for guidance on “next steps” and answers you can trust to any questions that may arise during this process. Last but certainly not least, we can be as present and accessible as you need us to be. We recognize that there is no other experience quite like yours, and everyone deals with trauma and loss differently. We respect and honor these differences and nuances.
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New Clients : (904) 560 8006 | Existing Clients : (904) 544 8005 Request an Appointment
What if I’m not ready to put my pet to sleep?
Again, we cannot overemphasize that this decision is personal to you and any other members of your household. It is crucial to recognize that the end of life is simply another phase of life. Just as you may have seen that puppy or kitten grow into adulthood, you are guiding them through this stage of their life’s journey. At this twilight hour of your pet’s life, our team partners closely with you to manage any discomfort, quick-changing situations, and other new challenges or complications that may arise. Every aspect of your dog’s or cat’s well-being must be considered and supported. This is the only ethical way.
For instance, we may recommend “environmental” modifications in the home to ensure your pet does not get further stressed by loud noises or other pets that formerly may not have bothered them. But, in their new condition, such interactions and stimulation can be harmful to a struggling, sick, or aging pet. We should stress that age is not a disease. With today’s advancements in veterinary medicine, many of which are available at our hospital, pets are living longer than ever – just like people. When actual diseases or conditions develop/progress that threaten your pet’s health and quality of life, we may need to discuss the next stage in your pet’s life.
What happens when that time comes?
We will discuss the procedure with you, as much as you would like to know about it anyway. Orange Park Animal Hospital also strives to help your family say goodbye on your own terms. Sometimes, families choose to be in the room with their pets during the process. Or goodbyes may be said in our clients’ own time when they are ready to do so. Our clients have also found that celebrating the pet with memorial or remembrance services can be healing.
Companionship is a true gift. Let’s honor and celebrate this relationship at every stage of life. We welcome your questions, and please know that we are here for you. Call our Jacksonville, FL office at (904) 560 8006 to speak with a member of our care team today.
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Dr. James Gillen
Dr. James Gillen is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 12. He knew growing up he wanted to be a veterinarian because it brings together the two things he loves most – animals and people. He completed his undergraduate degree at Florida State University and afterwards worked as a veterinary technician, an SAT/ACT tutor, and a high school teacher before completing his veterinary degree at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019.
Dr. Gillen has special interests in dermatology and academia and co-authored two research papers in canine atopic dermatitis and Leishmaniasis. In his free time, Dr. Gillen enjoys anything involving the water (beach/pool, surfing, scuba diving), going to theme parks, exercise (weight lifting, running, biking, boxing), and science fiction books – among other genres. Dr Gillen lives with his wife and son, one dog, two cats, and a ball python.