AHELP
CASE STUDIES

AHELP's Compassionate Support for Fizzy and Gabby's Final Journey

When our beloved cats, Fizzy and Gabby, entered their final stages of life, we found ourselves in an emotional and uncertain place. We didn’t want to rush into euthanasia, nor did we want to avoid it altogether. We needed guidance in navigating the delicate balance between what was best for us and for our cats. That’s when AHELP stepped in and provided the support we needed. And so much more.

The Beginning of Fizzy and Gabby’s Journey

Fizzy and Gabby were littermates who joined our family nine years ago, bringing sweetness and joy into our lives. Over the years, we built a deep connection with them, and when they both began to decline in health, we thought we were prepared. My husband and I had read resources on helping pets die naturally, feeling confident we could guide them through this process. However, when Fizzy’s time came, we were far from ready. We felt lost, and our trusted vet was unavailable to help.

AHELP’s Support in the Murky Middle

In our panic, we reached out to AHELP, and within hours, we spoke with one of their recommended veterinarians, Dr. Jennifer Christey, to assess Fizzy’s pain level. In a peaceful moment beneath our bed, Fizzy quietly passed away, perhaps feeling the relief of knowing we had the support we needed.

Gabby, who had always kept close tabs on us, mourned Fizzy’s passing in her own way, and we found ourselves relying on AHELP even more as we prepared for her transition. Team AHELP – Dr. Tina Ellenbogen DVM, Michelle, and AHELPer Katie – arrived to assess Gabby’s condition and support us through her remaining days. Despite her declining health, Gabby perked up with their presence, reminding us of her lively, social spirit.

A Team of Supporters Like No Other

Dr. Tina, Michelle, and Katie entered into our chaos wholeheartedly. They accepted us. They listened to us and to Gabby. They consulted with each other at length about our situation, even as it changed from moment to moment over that week. They were there for us entirely at every turn and gave us our space when needed. They lent us books and soothing harp music (which proved to be the perfect thing in Gabby's final hours), they sent us cards and encouraging emails, answered our many questions, and helped us understand our options around euthanizing or not, burial, cremation, memorializing, and grief support, all without telling us what to do - amazing! One night, Katie even provided Reiki for Gabby from a distance, and we all became so calm and peaceful that we promptly fell deep into much-needed sleep.

Gabby meets Fizzy at the Rainbow Bridge

A few days later, Dr. Tina, Michelle, and Katie (Team AHELP) came over to help us assess how Gabby was doing in her dying process. I was worried that having all five of us in our small apartment might overwhelm Gabby in her seemingly fragile state. How wrong I was! Since Fizzy's death, she had lost some of her pep, and it was clear to us that her own death was very near. But when AHELP arrived, she perked up so much that they were nearly unconvinced that she was on death's door. Gabby was thrilled that we had these kind-hearted, animal-loving women in her honor. Never was her social, outgoing nature so clear to me as it was in those moments, and how I wished we'd had more gatherings for her sake.

Gabby hung on for several days after that. With AHELP's help, Tom and I hung on too. We continued to waiver as she declined. Was she in pain now? Did she need our help now? How could we be sure? How could she be dying anyway? I couldn't handle it. I struggled mightily with all of this while Tom and Gabby settled into what became our caring routine in Gabby's final days. She had chosen to spend her remaining time in our small closet-like office space overly packed with stuff, so Tom and I moved in and hung out there with her.

Perhaps I could have worried less about whether we were doing this "right" for Gabby and Fizzy. In hindsight, Gabby was soaking up every last drop of the undivided attention she was getting from us, and she was doing her best to make it last as long as possible. With our help, she enjoyed time on our laps, in the warm sun, drinking water from the faucet, and breathing in the fresh summer air from open windows. She enjoyed most of these until her final hours. Then, almost exactly one week to the hour after Fizzy had gone, Gabby, too, reached out and released her final breath into the quiet night.

The Lasting Impact of AHELP’s Compassionate Care

All these months later, they continue to check in with us and extend their listening ear. We can't thank them enough for the incredible generosity of their caring, capable support. When our beloved animal friends enter into their dying process, however, we help them to die, it's a really big deal. We can only know exactly how things will go for us or our pet once we're living it, and our best-laid plans and prior experiences don't necessarily prepare us for what happens next. For anyone who needs reliable, professional, loving support at such a time, we highly recommend Team AHELP. You don't have to have all the answers upfront to get the support you need, and you don't have to go through your experience alone if you don't want to. AHELP will see to that.

– Ingrid Lawrence, Seattle, Washington (October 2015)

Background

Amy Sharkey and her family faced a challenging situation with their Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Scotty, a dog adopted two years prior, was suffering from anxiety, severe hip dysplasia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and a partially paralyzed larynx (laryngoparalysis). Their current living situation—an upper-floor condo with no yard—wasn’t suitable for Scotty’s hunting-dog tendencies, and the stress was impacting both Amy’s relationship with her partner and her 13-year-old cat, who had developed a stress-related illness. Feeling overwhelmed and without options, Amy was unsure how to create a harmonious living environment for everyone.

Intervention

Having met AHELPers at their February Friendship Day Open House, Amy reached out when she felt they had run out of options. Sensing desperation, Michelle began asking if she could arrange an affordable home consultation through her Partners to the Bridge business.

When she came to our home, she asked me what we needed and presented several scenarios to help us make the best decision for all involved. She presented several scenarios, including switching Scotty to a raw food diet to help with his IBD and improve his fur condition. Michelle also suggested discontinuing Scotty’s flea medicine due to his fragile health. Beyond physical care, Michelle connected Amy with grief support resources and individuals who could help Amy through this difficult time.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Michelle enlisted the help of AHELP co-founder Anna Neumann, who arranged temporary therapeutic boarding for Scotty at her business, Creatures Young and Old. Scotty thrived in this low-stress environment, receiving the relief he needed and improving his health.

Emergency Care

While staying with Anna, Scotty experienced a medical emergency. Fellow AHELP co-founder Dr. Tina Ellenbogen and her Veterinary Housecall and Consultation Services stepped in to provide follow-up care at Anna’s home, preventing Scotty's stress of travel. Dr. Tina’s compassionate care and helpful resources made a significant impact, ensuring Scotty was comfortable during his recovery.

Outcome

Amy said, “Thanks to Michelle and the AHELP Project's collaborative efforts, Scotty's health improved, and my partner Sid benefited from the breathing room this support created, giving us time to rebuild our relationship.” The new diet improved Scotty’s fur significantly, and Amy’s cat recovered from its stress-related illness.

After AHELP Intervention

When Scotty returned home, Amy and her family were better prepared to meet his needs. They are adjusting their living environment to create a more suitable space for everyone. Amy expressed deep gratitude for the loving, non-judgmental support that Michelle and the AHELP Project provided, describing them as a “blessing” during their time of need.

Amy, Scotty, and AHELP Reunite…

Years later, Scotty developed lymphoma, and Amy was prepared to help her old friend in many ways. AHELP’s recommended veterinarian in her area was Dr. Chelsea Tripp of Bridge Veterinary Oncology Referral Center. Amy and her partner of many years were prepared for the journey to the Rainbow Bridge, and Scotty lived out his life peacefully in their home, together. “AHELP showed us the true meaning of ‘It takes a village.’ Our situation would have turned out much differently without their care and guidance.”

— Interview with Amy Sharkey, Brier, Washington