The Animal Hospice, End of Life and Palliative Care (AHELP) Project will present their 3rd Annual Friendship Day Open House, “Plan your Wishes,” on Saturday, February 16th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
This event will take place in the Education Room at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland, located at 11814 115th Ave NE, Suite 102, Kirkland, WA 98034. You may find directions on their website.
At AHELP’s 3rd Annual Friendship Day Open House, animal guardians will learn more about how to make plans for their pets’ comfortable, peaceful, and dignified journey through chronic and terminal illness.
The Open House presents an opportunity to meet the AHELP Project’s Veterinary Network and Professional Network Members, trusted animal and family services providers who understand the care animal guardians choose for their beloved companions with chronic and terminal illness.
AHELP advocates for guardians’ intention in planning care to maximize quality of life during the pets' golden years. In this event, and in all they do, their goal is to offer tools for animal guardians to do so, too.
At this pet-friendly event, participants can experience demonstrations and sample therapies that might benefit in their companion animals’ care and in families’ well being.
“The goal of our Open House is for animal lovers in King and Snohomish counties to think of AHELP as a resource for options in their animal’s caregiving once the focus of care shifts from cure to comfort,” stated AHELP Director Michelle Nichols.
“Ideally, we'd like families to become involved with us once their animals have special needs, experience a decline in health, or receive a life-limiting diagnosis.
“Pet parents want to know what they can do for their animals at this bittersweet time.
“Animal hospice and the widespread availability of palliative care gives them the means to follow them in their journey,” Nichols added.
ANIMAL and FAMILY services PROFESSIONAL NETWORK MEMBERS will educate on the following topics: Acupressure, Animal Communication, Aromatherapy, Bereavement Support, Energy Work, Healing Touch for Animals, Identifying Intuition, Equine Assisted Individual Therapy, Animal Hospice Education and Reiki, and Massage.
VETERINARY NETWORK MEMBERS will discuss: Acupuncture for animals, Afterhours Hospice-focused Care, Cold Laser Therapy and Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation, In-Home Veterinary Hospice Services, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They will also present In-home Technician Services as an alternative to using pet-sitters for ill pets with special daily needs.
Participants at the Open House can meet Rehabilitative Veterinary Technician Liz Brown, LVT, SAMP, CCRA from Seattle Veterinary Specialists. Liz will be demonstrating the use of an underwater treadmill that can assist in maintaining strength and balance for walking.
Dogs who can get around and continue their daily routine remain happier longer. Your feline friend can also benefit from Veterinary Rehabilitation.
Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation decreases morbidity, improves recovery, and enhances the patient’s quality of life. Preserving an animal’s strength and range of motion through veterinary physical rehabilitation prevents deconditioning of the muscles and stiffening of the joints that in turn, leads to decreased mobility.
Author and AHELP co-founder Lola Ball will also be sharing insights from her new book called "When your Dog has Cancer: Making the Best Decisions for you and your Dog". Lola will briefly introduce her book and then take your questions.
Purchase her book at the Open House or online (www.Dogwise.com and Amazon).
Her appearance will be a sneak peak into her educational talk and book signing that AHELP will be co-sponsoring with her on Saturday, March 23 at Seattle Veterinary Specialists, with reception to follow at Northwest Cellars, in co-sponsorship with Pasado's Safe Haven.
Learn about Aromatic Therapy in conjunction with massage for dogs, cats, horses and all other animals. Joan Sorita will share interesting stories about the efficacy of the gentle healing modality for dogs, cats, and horses, and even how essential oils have contributed to the healing of a beloved tortoise.
Joan Sorita co-founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM) in Western Washington and she is one of Washington State's premier Equine healing therapists. Joan helps horses of clients like the Nordstroms and the Gates and her consultations take her to the barns and homes of all kinds of horses, dogs, and other animals in need.
Through a suggested donation of $10, participants can expect:
- A printed resource program with contact directory.
- Raffle ticket with the potential to win services from Pro and Vet Members - Bring money for more tickets and increase your chances!
- To meet like-minded animal lovers and their pets.
- Refreshments for two- and four-legged guests
AHELP is a grassroots organization and plans to become a non-profit within 2013. AHELP offers educational programs and community building, including the monthly Animal Caregivers Support Circle, and online resources and support at www.AHELPProject.org. Their work is completely volunteer-based.
AHELPers will be prepared to discuss with visitors the exciting opportunities for volunteerism and leadership at the Open House.
AHELP thanks Seattle Veterinary Specialists, Eastlake Minuteman Printing (Woodinville), and Great Dog (Northgate) for their ongoing support.
For more information, visit www.AHELPProject.org or email michelle@AHELPProject.org.
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