There is a natural relationship between veterinary oncology & hospice care. No matter which treatment options are elected or declined for a pet with cancer, the inevitability of death is present. How will we cope with our pet’s cancer once remission can no longer be achieved with advances in veterinary oncology? When will we know it is time to stop? Can we change our minds about intervention (either for or against) for a pet with cancer? What if we are in the middle of treatment? Where can my regular veterinarian get more information about my pet’s cancer? How & where do we want our pets to spend their final moments?

Who can we talk to about these questions, or our fears about our pet’s cancer? We are very fortunate to have some extremely talented and compassionate veterinary oncologists in our midsts here in Ithaca, and Dr. Goldberg highly values collaborative relationships between them and Whole Animal. People and pets in the Finger Lakes region have access to a unique blend of options for veterinary cancer care. Read more to learn about some of the wonderful veterinary oncology resources in our area…

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NY Times article debate continues, with a panel of opinions & several more comments from readers. Read More…

This article from the NY Times does a great job of highlighting some of the most recent advances in veterinary medicine and asking the question: at what cost? Whole Animal’s philosophy is that there is much more to consider than finances when making medical decisions for our pets. The “costs” and considerations are emotional, logistical, and sometimes even ethical, in addition to financial. Great job bringing some attention to this issue, NY Times! Read more…

Those of us who have lost beloved animals are not surprised when others describe the loss they experience when a pet is gone. For those new to sharing their lives with animals, however, it can come as quite a shock. Read this excellent article from the Washington Post to learn more…