A Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice

  • Home
  • A Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice

A Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice We are veterinarians dedicated to high quality end of life care-hospice, euthanasia, aqua-cremation.
(402)

In loving memory of a handsome Pitbull named Guinness. Guinness' mom worked with an organization that rescued and rehabi...
24/08/2026

In loving memory of a handsome Pitbull named Guinness. Guinness' mom worked with an organization that rescued and rehabilitated fighting dogs. She was working with them when they broke up a large, multi-state fighting ring. Guinness was a little over 1 year old and had been used for fighting by that ring. Something in Guinness felt safe with his mom; he picked her.

Guinness was very wary of other people and was also aggressive toward other dogs. He did a lot of work to try to help him overcome his past. Despite everything he had been through, Guinness wanted to be friends with all cats. There was a colony of feral cats nearby. Guinness would often try to make friends with them and was routinely rebuffed in his efforts.

As Guinness got more comfortable with his new life, he helped teach other rescued fighting dogs how to become house dogs. When his mom first met the woman that would become his bonus mom, Guinness was still wary of other people. She had to pass treats to him with tongs through a gate. He did have housemates over his life and got along very well with them even though he continued to growl when he spotted other dogs. One of Guinness' moms grew tomatoes. They fenced the area to keep the dogs away, but somehow Guinness managed to steal a number of tomatoes through the fence.

As Guinness got older, he suffered from Degenerative Myelopathy and his back legs became very weak. His family got a cart to help him go for his walks; he was very well known in his neighborhood. Even late in his life, when a gate was left ajar, Guinness started wandering off as best as he could. He did not get very far, but still enjoyed the adventure.

As his condition declined further, his family knew it was time to let 16 year old Guinness go. Guinness passed peacefully at home with his family by his side.
~Dr. Heather

In loving memory of a wonderful and much beloved dog named Macho. Macho was adopted from a rescue when he was only 8 wee...
24/08/2026

In loving memory of a wonderful and much beloved dog named Macho. Macho was adopted from a rescue when he was only 8 weeks old. His dad had hoped for another German Shepherd, but despite looking somewhat like a Shepherd, Macho was a cross between a Chow and a Labrador. His mom had a coworker who called her cat Macho; she liked it and decided to use that name for her new puppy.

Macho was a very good puppy. He never chewed on the furniture or ate shoes. His older housemate, Lola helped show him the ropes. The one time Macho got into a closet and pulled out a shoe, Lola made sure he knew they was not acceptable. Macho was a big fan of food and did help himself to some as a puppy.
Macho loved to play with Lola and the two would chase each other around the lilacs in the back yard. The two had a wonderful time running, but the lilacs ended up a little worse for the wear. Macho never showed interest in toys unless Lola was paying with one, then he wanted it.

Though one of his girls tried to get Macho to cuddle with her in her loft when he was a puppy, Macho ultimately bonded very closely with his mom. Every night he slept by her side. When Macho lost his vision 5 years ago, his family consulted a specialist about surgery. Unfortunately, his retina was not working properly and there was nothing that could correct it. Fortunately, Macho adapted very well. He had a bed he used between his mom and dad and would listen to the television with them. He would still go upstairs to sleep by his mom. He also knew when one of his girls was in the kitchen cooking. He would head over to stick his head in the fridge and wait for some food.

As Macho got older, his legs started to struggle. He still wanted to upstairs to sleep by his mom, but the stairs became ever more difficult and dangerous. When Macho started to show signs that his pain was not well controlled despite multiple medications, his heartbroken family knew it was time to let him go. Macho passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
~Dr. Heather

In beloved memory of Torie, a tri-color Border Collie mix who had the incredible luck of joining a very loving family. T...
24/08/2026

In beloved memory of Torie, a tri-color Border Collie mix who had the incredible luck of joining a very loving family. Torie had one floppy ear and one that would stand up straight for her entire life, giving her a face with incredible personality. When her family was looking for their next companion, Torie not only had the same birthday as her mom, but their names also both originated from Victoria! With that stroke of luck, Torie's family knew that she was going home with them. Over the years, Torie actually gravitated towards her dad more and would sit behind his chair to keep watch and protect the family when they were in the living room. She used to get so excited when her parents came home that she would jump straight into the air, as if she had springs on her feet! Torie was an independent girl, but she adored her family and brought them joy every day.

As Torie grew older, she started slowing down. It was only in the last few months that she was having trouble getting around the house. Her parents did everything to keep her comfortable, including giving her the right medications and keeping a close eye on her mobility. When she was no longer able to get around, they knew it was time to say goodbye. Resting sweetly in her place behind her dad's chair, Torie passed away peacefully. Rest in peace, Torie, you were an incredible pup who will be dearly missed.
~Dr. Nicole

In loving memory of Addie, a sweet black and white Poodle mix who joined her forever family at about 3 months old. She w...
24/08/2026

In loving memory of Addie, a sweet black and white Poodle mix who joined her forever family at about 3 months old. She was a loud barker when new people came by the house but she could also be shy and would sit in the hallway to observe them instead of coming to greet them right away. Addie grew attached to her family quickly and liked to sit on the floor next to them so they could still pet her. Addie had beautiful, soft fur and she was a very fluffy and rambunctious puppy. Addie was loved by everyone and her calm personality as she got older comforted her family through her many years.

As Addie got older, she had various conditions emerge. Some involved surgery and Addie's family did everything to keep her comfortable, including laying with her in the living room. Addie was a trooper, not complaining about her recovery except maybe not liking the cone collar very much, but her strong will helped her and her family get through the hard times. When her condition continued to decline over the last few months, they made the impossible decision to let her go so she would not suffer. Resting comfortably on her bed at home, Addie passed away with her family next to her. Rest in peace, Addie, the memories of your remarkable personality and sweet face will always bring your family joy.
~Dr. Nicole

Yesterday we gave our beloved Aussie, Cooper, back to God. He was only 5 years old. Cancer robbed him, and us, of a full...
23/08/2026

Yesterday we gave our beloved Aussie, Cooper, back to God. He was only 5 years old. Cancer robbed him, and us, of a full life.

I want to thank the Live Like Roo Foundation for their support during his chemotherapy, Heather Elene for the beautiful photoshoot, and the teams at the Veterinary Specialty Center and A Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice for helping us through the most difficult decisions we had to make for Cooper. Thank you also to our family and friends for helping us during this difficult time.

To my sweet Coopie boy,

We are so sorry that we couldn’t save you, but cancer had other plans. God gifted you to us 5 years ago, and yesterday we selflessly gave you back to Him. There are no words to express the profound sadness and pain we feel in our hearts and souls. We were not ready, but you were. We promised that we would never let you suffer and that we would be with you until the end. I know that our faces and voices were the last things you saw and heard as you made your way to the Rainbow Bridge, where Bella was waiting to show you the way to all of our family—both four- and two-legged alike.

You were a chaos coordinator from the start, always needing to be in charge of your littermates, which is exactly why Dad picked you. We brought you home and more chaos ensued as you immediately made your presence known to Bella and Re*****on. You were the cutest ball of floof and grew into the most beautiful Aussie—a 100% certified wigglebutt with crystal blue/amber eyes and the most flowy butt curtains or pantaloons! You were wickedly smart and had us completely wrapped around your paw.

You developed a deep love of socks and chanclas; if they were left anywhere within reach, they were yours. Only Dad could get you to drop them; with Mom, it was always a game of keep-away. As a puppy, you loved your ball pit, your stuffies, and us. You always had to be near us, and that never changed as you grew into adulthood.

You and your dad had a special bond, but so did you and I. Mornings were our time. I will forever miss your early morning full-body huggies, your sweet little “Coopie noises” before your full bark, and your full-face showers to make sure I got up. It was our morning routine every single day—you were my personal alarm clock that never failed. I will forever miss sitting near you while you ate breakfast while I sipped coffee and checked emails. I miss my bathroom bouncer, potty protector, and shower supervisor; no bathroom was secure unless you were there. Mornings are not the same; the house is quiet—too quiet.

Your love of “Lamby Babies” knew no bounds. You had little Lambys, regular Lambys, and big Lambys. Whenever we walked in the door, you would greet us with wiggles and a Lamby. You had the best leash manners for walkies and absolutely loved car rides. You loved blueberries, watermelon, and had a special fondness for eating the green tomatoes right off my tomato plants.

You were an angel from heaven, always there to give hugs and lick my tears away when I was sad. Your whole body would wiggle when you were happy. You had the cutest face with little lips that looked almost human. I will miss your nibbles on my ear, and I miss nibbling your cheek back. I miss the sweet touch of your paw—your way of asking for something. Sitting on the couch is lonely without you snuggled up in my lap.

Your brother misses you, too. Remi sits at the window looking for you and waits for you in the yard. He has been sleeping on your bed with all of your Lambys. We are taking good care of him, just like you did.

We have shed many tears and will shed many more, but we know that you are at peace. Run free, my sweet boy. Enjoy all the sniffs, treats, snackies, belly rubs, b***y scritches, and Lambys that heaven has to offer. This is not goodbye; we will see you in our dreams. Until we meet again.

All our love,
Mom and Dad
~Cooper's loving family

In loving memory of a handsome and adventurous tiger cat named Madara. Madara's dad was given him when he was a young ki...
23/08/2026

In loving memory of a handsome and adventurous tiger cat named Madara. Madara's dad was given him when he was a young kitten and named him after his favorite anime character. For the first few years, it was just Madara and his dad, but when he was 3 years old, his dad met the woman that would become his mom.

Though his new mom was the person who was feeding him and cleaning his litter box, it took 4 months of ignoring her before Madara accepted his new mom. Ultimately, they became inseparable. Madara's mom and dad were young adults and for 10 years, he was their baby. He was a smart, stubborn, sweet and funny cat who could communicate his wants to his family.

Madara loved being outside and pretending to hunt chipmunks. His family initially tried taking him for walks wearing a leash, but Madara hated being constrained. They ultimately started going for family walks with him loose by their sides. A few years ago they moved to a home with a back yard. Madara loved to sit on the back patio, especially near dusk, but despite his family's best attempts, would sometimes escape to visit his neighbors. His family had a camera positioned so they could watch him outside. When they saw the signs he was ready to come in, his family was right there to open the door. They joked that Madara must think he is telepathic since someone always magically appeared when it was time to open the door.

Over the years, Madara discovered how to wake his mom in the morning. At first he figured out how to hook his paw underneath her sleep mask and pull it off, because he knew the daylight would wake her up. Just recently he discovered an even more effective method — he simply came over and pushed her in the face or shoulder with his paw until she woke up.

In July, Madara was diagnosed with Lymphoma. His family did everything they could to help him. He has always had a very strong personality. When his treatment temporarily made him feel better, one of the things that made his family the happiest was seeing him become himself again — exploring outside, hunting chipmunks, demanding things from them, and even nipping when something wasn't to his liking.

One morning after his chemotherapy, he pushed the back gate open and let himself out. He was gone for an hour roaming the neighbors' yards, and then came back on his own and asked to be let in. That is who he was, right to the end. What he loved most was a sunny patio chair, birds to watch, and the freedom to choose when to come back inside.

Unfortunately, the treatment did not suppress the cancer and only made him feel better for short periods. When Madara stopped wanting food, his devastated family knew it was time to let their beloved baby go. Madara passed peacefully at home, in his back yard and cradled in loving arms.
~Dr. Heather

In loving memory of Ruby, a beautiful red merle Australian Cattle Dog who spent 14 remarkable years by her family's side...
23/08/2026

In loving memory of Ruby, a beautiful red merle Australian Cattle Dog who spent 14 remarkable years by her family's side. Ruby's story with her mom began as a rescue in Utah at 1 or 2 years of age. From the very start she showed the intelligence and resilience that would define her whole life. She was whip-smart, fiercely independent but yet incredibly loyal, and knew exactly who she was.

A couple of years into her life, another Cattle Dog joined the family, and the two became instant best friends, a bond that brought Ruby even more joy in her already full life. Ruby wasn't one for hugs and kisses— but she showed her love in her own way, following her mom from room to room, even to the bathroom, never wanting to let her out of sight. That quiet, constant presence was Ruby's love language, and it spoke louder than any cuddle ever could.

Ruby was adaptable, resilient, and just an all-around great dog — the kind of steady, capable companion every dog owner hopes for. When she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, she faced it with the same toughness that had carried her through everything else, showing almost no signs of illness until the disease had become very advanced. True to form, she handled it with quiet strength, sparing her mom the worry for as long as she possibly could.

In the end, Ruby passed peacefully with her mom and loved ones right beside her, right where she belonged. Rest in peace, dear Ruby.
~Dr. Libby

In fond memory of a cute Chihuahua named Carlie. Her parents rescued her when she was around 12 or 13 years old and they...
23/08/2026

In fond memory of a cute Chihuahua named Carlie. Her parents rescued her when she was around 12 or 13 years old and they had 5 years with her. She had come into the shelter as a stray but her microchip showed that she was adopted 10 years earlier and they were unable to reach her former family. Her new family had recently lost a dog and they were happy to welcome her into their home. She quickly settled in and she could not have found a better home for her later years.

Carlie was the sweetest girl and a wonderful companion to her parents. Like her predecessor, she loved to spend time outside. She enjoyed laying on the outdoor furniture and also had her own dog bed with a canopy. She spent most of her time with another dog, first her older Beagle sister Maggie and more recently her younger Chihuahua sister Millie. She liked it when her mom sang to her and it calmed her; one of her favorites was the song from Charlotte’s Web. She was a big lap dog and usually sat with her dad in the evening while he watched tv.

Carlie’s family took great care of her through the years. When they saw a change, they made the selfless decision to let her go. Carlie passed peacefully outside with her parents and will be missed.
~Dr. Molly

In treasured memory of a beautiful Black Labrador named Minnie. Her family got her when she was around 8 years old and t...
23/08/2026

In treasured memory of a beautiful Black Labrador named Minnie. Her family got her when she was around 8 years old and they had 8 years with her. She had spent the first half of her life as a hunting dog and was used for breeding. She was so fortunate to find a forever home where she was well loved and spoiled. She became such a big part of her family and was so loyal to her parents and human sister. She was known by many people and made friends with everyone she met.

Minnie was very sweet and had a fun personality. She could also be a bit mischievous and would sometimes get herself into trouble. She was known to pick things up outside or roll around in something in the yard. She really enjoyed going for walks and went on many throughout the day. She loved to swim and used her family’s pool more than anyone else. She liked her duck toys and would often carry one around with her. She even had a floating duck that she could use in the pool.

Minnie’s family took wonderful care of her in the time they had together. She had multiple health issues come up through the years and they did so much to help her. When her health declined, they only wanted what was best for her. Minnie passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones and will be missed.
~Dr. Molly

"A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself." –Josh Billings
22/08/2026

"A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself." –Josh Billings

Address

IL

Telephone

+12244424427

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when A Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Share