End-of-Life Pet Doula Services
Brittney Wilk
Brittney is a Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula who has been trained and certified through the University of Vermont. She also holds a bachelor's degree in communications and master's degree in education from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She has been involved in animal care, professionally, for 15 years, with the past 9 years as co-founder of The Cavalier Rescue, a 501c3 non-profit organization helping Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in need. In 2015, she took in a foster dog who unbeknownst to her at the time, would become her first hospice dog. Her experience with sweet Jake opened a new part of her heart and sparked an interest and passion in end of life care. She has loved and cared for 7 hospice dogs as well as provided end of life care to many of her own adopted Cavaliers, who are all rescues with special physical or emotional needs. While her favorite thing is spending time with her dogs, she is also a pilates enthusiast, loves Hallmark movies, flowers, and yummy vegetarian food.
"End of life care is more than just helping those die with dignity; it's also about helping them live out the rest of their life with love. We all wish our furry family members could live forever, but even when we cannot change the outcome for them, we can still affect their journey. As pet parents, we have the great honor of walking our babies 'home' - if you need any guidance or support during this journey with your beloved pet, a companion animal end of life doula can help. Please do not hesitate to contact me."
Brittney Wilk - End of Life Pet Doula
What Does an End-Of-Life Pet Doula do?
Provide Practical Support |
Support pets and their families during this delicate time, laying the groundwork for compassionate and informed end-of-life care. |
Deliver Education and Guidance |
Educate and guide pets and their families through the dying process, providing information about various options, resources, and support services available. |
Offer Emotional Support: |
Provide invaluable emotional support to pet families during the challenging and sensitive journey towards the end of their pet’s life. |
Provide Grief and Bereavement Support: |
Provide information on the dynamics of grief, the human-animal bond, and coping mechanisms, offering bereavement support and a compassionate presence. |
Give Comfort and Peace: |
Help create a peaceful and comfortable environment for both the pet nearing the end of their life and their families by offering gentle companionship, listening, and being present with them. |
Create a Holistic Approach |
Focus on holistic care and support in diverse care settings, considering physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and support in finding comfort in navigating the final days. |