I cannot adequately express my gratitude to Dr. Keri for the extraordinary compassion, patience, and care she provided when it was time to say goodbye to my beloved Shadow.
Shadow was a rescue with a history of trauma, fear, and significant reactivity. Although we had worked incredibly hard over the years to build her trust and help her feel safe, veterinary visits remained an enormous source of anxiety and fear for her. Exams and procedures typically required a muzzle, sedation, or other special accommodations. As we approached the heartbreaking decision to let her go, my greatest fear wasn't simply losing her. It was that her final moments would be filled with the same fear and distress she'd experienced during previous veterinary visits.
More than anything, I wanted her to leave this world feeling safe, comfortable, and loved. But given her history, I genuinely didn't know whether that would be possible.
Dr. Keri gave us that gift.
From the moment she arrived at our home, she approached the experience with such gentleness, patience, and respect for Shadow's needs. There was no rushing, no unnecessary handling, and no expectation that Shadow needed to behave a certain way. She allowed us to move through the process in a way that preserved the trust and sense of safety Shadow and I had spent so many years building.
Dr. Keri even had me administer Shadow's initial oral sedative myself, something I deeply appreciated because it allowed that part of the process to happen through someone Shadow knew and trusted. Later, when it was time for the sedative injection, Shadow was lying peacefully in front of me while I stroked her head, and when Dr. Keri administered the injection, and Shadow didn't so much as flinch or flick an ear.
That was the moment I finally knew she was going to have the peaceful goodbye I had so desperately wanted for her.
No muzzle. No restraint. No fear. Just my girl, comfortable in her own home, surrounded by love.
I will carry the gratitude I feel for that experience for the rest of my life.
I'm sharing this not only to recognize Dr. Keri's exceptional care, but also for anyone else facing this decision with a fearful or reactive pet. I know firsthand how frightening it can be to wonder whether a peaceful goodbye is even possible for an animal who struggles with veterinary care. I searched specifically for someone who could understand and accommodate those challenges, and I hope sharing our experience might offer another family a little reassurance during an incredibly difficult time.
Dr. Keri gave Shadow something I wasn't sure anyone could give her: the opportunity to leave this world without being afraid.
And she gave me the immeasurable comfort of knowing that my girl was safe, right until the very end.
Thank you, Dr. Keri. From the bottom of my heart. 💜🐾
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