Dr. Ivey is a rare human being in a difficult field of work, dealing day in and day out with grieving pet owners, yet she (somehow) seems to approach every animal and its family with fresh compassion. It became apparent a couple of days ago that our family dog was near the end of her life, and suffering. Dr. Ivey answered my call and was at our house within a couple of hours. As others have noted, she was kind of remarkably patient and reassuring that we were making the right decision. She gave all the time I needed to process the dog's death, and once the process began (ugh), Dr. Ivey concealed it deftfully under a towel so that none of us had to watch the injections (three of them). Throughout the process she stroked the dog and spoke in a quiet, soothing voice, and communicated clearly about what would happen next. Truly, Allie's passing was peaceful. Fifteen years ago we put another family pet to sleep in our vet's office, and the contrast between the two events is remarkable. Home euthanasia is the way to say goodbye to your beloved animal companions, out in the yard or on a warm porch, the smells and sounds familiar, unstartling. read more