Grateful Goodbye

05/28/2026

I am often asked if I have any pets of my own when I visit a family. It's no surprise that most veterinarians do. We see and feel both sides of the story, as vets and as pet owners ourselves.
This lovely lady that I like to call my sweet jerk is the senior dog in our home. I've always said that she has two brain cells: one for finding food, and the other to run away. This has not changed with time even as she is about to turn 12 at the end of the summer. She is a true Beagle, led by her nose but so very tolerant and fun loving.
While some families need my services for a pet that has a terminal diagnosis and others dealing with chronic conditions that are difficult to manage and affecting the animal's quality of life, I am often called to help when compounding health issues related to aging have appeared. And this is often the hardest decision for families, as it is sometimes not black or white, especially if the decline has been very slow and gradual.
There is so many accommodations that we can make at home as well as multimodal therapeutic options that we can add with the advise of our trusted veterinarians.
Also, my website contains several helpful links for families that are struggling to take that final step with their beloved furry family members.
In the meantime, enjoy your senior pets and love those white faces. We are so grateful for all the years of loyalty and companionship that they give us.

04/11/2026

Thanks for the kind words.

10/17/2025

🌟 Exciting News from Tender Tails! 🌟

Congratulations to Kathleen Dunbar, MSW, RSW – Clinical Specialist, on her newly granted Clinical Specialist designation by the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)!

Within the NSCSW framework, this designation reflects a high level of competency in clinical practice, mastery of complex social work processes, and commitment to professional accountability and ethics.

Kathleen’s achievement highlights her expertise and dedication to supporting pet parents grieving their beloved companion animals. 💙

10/09/2025

Quand on aime les animaux, on risque d'avoir le coeur rempli et ensuite brisé plusieurs fois. L'amitié et la loyauté que ces amis nous offrent n'a aucun égal. Ils se donnent à 100% et ne demandent rien de nous sauf de la nourriture, d'être en sécurité, et de l'amour. On voit ici dans le regard de cette bonne fille que j'ai récemment visité, une adoration totale pour sa famille, une grande confiance en les gens qui la côtoient, un sentiment de n'avoir rien besoin d'autre dans la vie; elle est comblée. Ce serait mon souhait que tout les animaux puissent être aussi choyés qu'elle et sa famille d'avoir eu la chance de vivre cettte expérience si enrichissante et inoubliable qu'est le lien qu'on peut former entre nous. C'est tellement vrai que le chien est le meilleur ami de l'homme.

08/27/2025

For families going through pet grief who may be interested in

🐾Our next Tender Tails Pet Loss Group starts in October.

💻The group meets virtually and is available to anyone over the age of 19 living in Atlantic Canada or Ontario. This is the first time we are opening it up to Ontario residents!

💻The group meets from 6:30 to 8 pm AT on Oct 7, Oct 14, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4, Nov 10, Nov 17 and Nov 25. (Most are Tuesday evenings, but there are two Monday evenings.)

In this eight-week program, you will meet others who are going through similar pain. Your feelings, thoughts, questions, and worries will be supported and honoured. You’ll find compassion and comfort for the journey ahead. The group is facilitated by Kathleen Dunbar, a veterinary social worker and registered veterinary technician.

This group is for you if you are experiencing:
🐾guilt in the face of your heartbreaking loss
🐾 a flooding of painful feelings and thoughts
🐾a sense of emptiness

There is a limit of ten participants.

Tender Tails is eligible for reimbursement with most extended health care plan providers, including MedaVie Blue Cross. Limited pro bono offerings are available for those who are unable to pay.
Email [email protected] to register or request more information.

08/08/2025

People almost always ask me how I can do what I do. Truth is, as sad as every visit can be, I choose to opt for gratitude even when saying goodbye to our friends. Gratitude for having them come into our lives and having been blessed with their precious companionship , gratitude for their endless love and loyalty and even gratitude for being able to somewhat have control over this one last moment. This sweetest kitty was surrounded by so much love and support. He was one of the luckiest kitties although the families invariably say that they were the lucky ones.
Thank you for the kind words.