One Year of Sunset Vet Care
I am so grateful to announce the one-year anniversary of Sunset Veterinary Care. Starting this service has been a years-long dream and seeing the positive impact we’ve made in so many lives, including my own, has been absolutely heartwarming. I feel so fulfilled providing end-of-life veterinary care. My patients are the sweetest, senior creatures and their families are so loving and caring.
Over the past year, Sunset Veterinary Care has been able to help over 300 families throughout Winnipeg and the surrounding communities. We assisted over 200 dogs and nearly 100 cats peacefully transition in the comfort of their own homes. I truly get to see animals in their most loved moments.
I have been witness to some incredibly special moments – some that cannot be explained. I have had the privilege of helping animals in their favourite sleeping spot – on a pet bed, on a real bed, on the couch, even under a table for a tiny pug friend. For many animal companions, their favourite place is outside – in all 4 seasons. I have been blessed to help a dog outdoors on a day where the rain held up right until he had passed, as if the universe was showering him. I have had the honour to be included in multiple rituals and honouring ceremonies. Multiple pets have been covered in flowers when tucked into my basket, or onto my blanket-covered stretcher, for safe transport. I have seen shrines and family-built coffins. It is genuinely very special and important to be able to honour our companions in these moments, in whatever way that may look to each family.
In the last year I have had several families want to give back to other families who are experiencing the same heartache of losing their pet, but may not be in the same position financially to have their pet pass at home. Because of these caring, generous families, Sunset Veterinary Care has been able to establish a “Wonder Fund”, named after Rufus “the Wonder Dog”.
We have been able to assist families all over the city of Winnipeg, with Fort Richmond, Norwood, River Heights, River Park South and the West End being some of our most frequented neighbourhoods. One thing I have learned in this past year, is the love for our animals transcends all bounds. Our love for animals brings us together as people.
On the note of people, I have been so fortunate to have seen my team grow from just me, to now four of us, devoted to caring for animals and their people. In April 2021, Nicole joined our team as our care coordinator. Nicole is a kind, excellent listener, with the right amount of humour and humility to assist our animal caregiving families. She keeps everything behind the scenes running so the veterinarians can focus on providing in-home care. In August 2021 and September 2021 Dr. Rita McKay and Dr. Natasha Zloty, respectively, began providing in-home euthanasia services with Sunset Veterinary Care. Dr. Rita has been a longtime mentor of mine, so I am so thankful to be working with her again. Dr. Nash was introduced to me last summer as a vet who also felt the calling to provide to end-of-life care. I am so appreciative to have such a stellar team to carry on and extend the services and vision of Sunset Veterinary Care.
As I have been reflecting back on this first year, I want to thank everyone around me. This service would not be what it is without the support of my family, friends and veterinary colleagues. Thank you, Greater-Winnipeg Area veterinary friends – your trust in me to care for your clients and patients means so much to me. Thank you, friends – Dr. Amanda & Dr. Erica, your encouragement kept me going; Brit, your entrepreneurial & emotional support can never be replaced; and to so many others who have cheered me along the way. Thank you, family – to my parents & sister who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams; to my son, who is my world, thank you for reminding me daily to be the best version of myself; and finally thank you to my husband Jimmy for being the most supportive spouse, business consultant and all-around great human. Thank you to my patients and their families for trusting Sunset Veterinary Care to be part of your journeys and lives.
In the upcoming year, we look forward to meeting many more families and helping their precious dog & cat family members. The time we spend together may be short, but the bonds we build are so real and so strong. It has been an honour to see so many animals in their most loved moments. Wishing peace to all.
~Dr. Liz
