What People Are Saying
What People Are Saying about
Video Series: How to Become Your Best Friend’s Best Advocate
“These videos were truly a comfort. I really need to hear this information. My dog’s been declining in health, but I didn’t know what to do. After watching these videos, it was clear I was only allowing my beloved pet to suffer. These videos gave me the confidence to make the decision I needed to make. Thank you so much.”
— Connie L
“With my last cat, we found ourselves going back and forth to the vet without ever getting a straight answer. All the while, my cat was rapidly declining without us realizing it. Finally, after weeks of vet visits and plenty of expensive bills, we had to put her down.
I wish I would have seen these videos before we had to do that. I would have saved myself thousands of dollars and hours of stress. These videos provide invaluable knowledge for any pet owner out there.”
— Sam L
“Listening to your video series was deeply moving & grounding for me. I was able to contemplate your series in a peaceful place in my own home. The information contained within helped me to better understand and crystalize my obligations as a pet Dad.
The videos actually removed an emotional load from my shoulders by helping to sort out the real facts that matter most to my pet’s well-being during the most critical time of need. For this I am forever grateful.
As a lifelong pet parent, the next time I am faced with end of life decisions I will be better prepared to do what’s right for my dog or cat’s best interest.”
— Patrick M
“The videos actually removed an emotional load from my shoulders by helping to sort out the real facts that matter most to my pet’s well-being during the most critical time of need. For this I am forever grateful.”
“I think back to my state of mind on Monday morning as I waited in an emergency vets exam room (because my regular vet was booked for the day and didn’t know when they could see her), by myself, panicking about what was ahead of me for the day. When they started talking about blood tests and ct scans, I knew the inevitable was in front of me.
But, I didn’t have the wherewithal to make that decision before I went to the ER. In hindsight, what did I honestly think they were going to tell me except that more tests were needed? Had I watched your video series before Monday I may well have been less panicked and ready to keep her calm and comfortable until you could arrive, instead of stressing her out at a strange vet.
The video series is an excellent product. It’s content people need before the euthanasia decision.”
—Heidi C
What Our Clients Are Saying about
Gentle Journey’s Euthanasia Services
“Our beloved 11 year old Lab had kidney failure and could no longer walk. We had to make the extremely heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep. My husband did not feel that he could be there, so I prayed for the strength to not break down during the process.Having Dr. Christina come to our home was a blessing. She calmed me down by asking about our dog and the process was fast and very peaceful. Our dog, Liffey, was in her regular routine and her bed. I feel that this was the best possible solution for this very difficult situation.I am thankful for Dr. Christina’s gentle and caring manner.”
— Debby P. | Mesa, AZ
“Dr. Christina’s kindness and assistance during Red’s last days were invaluable. She answered all of our questions and concerns about a home euthanasia, and she was patient, compassionate and considerate. It was clear that our old do accepted her immediately and trusted her. When we have time to make a choice, we would never do it any other was. Because of Dr. Christina, Red was able to be at home in his own bed, with his family and the other pets. She brought the life of a wonderful companion to a peaceful end without the stress of a clinical environment. Her service also allowed us to plan a peaceful ceremony and grieve privately in our own way. It takes a special kind of person to do the work she does, and we feel privileged to know her and have her care for our animals when we have to part with them.”
— Penny & Michael L. | Scottsdale, AZ
“Now that I’ve experienced what is possible, my first choice will always be to say goodbye to my animals at home.”
“Thank you for writing. Your timing was perfect. This morning is a difficult time for me as Baxter was always at my side as I did my yard work and other weekend chores. Every morning seems to be the hardest, as are the times when the neighbors or friends comment how empty our home is without him. I know that time will help and the two weeks that have gone by proves that. We feel as if we have lost one of our children. I have sung the praises of Gentle Journey all over the valley. We are especially grateful to Dr. Kendra for her support, sympathy and empathy. Her tears and hugs will never be forgotten. We brought Baxter home last Monday. I still talk to him and I feel his presence. Your professional services will never be forgotten. Thank you for your follow up.”
— Pete F. | Phoenix, AZ
“I just wanted to write you a letter of thanks for helping Otis transition into his next adventure. I had been dreading the day we would put our beloved dog down. He was really my best friend and the sweetest animal I have ever met. My vet recommended that when the time comes we put him to sleep at home. Dr. Christina you arrived and he greeted you at the door with a wagging tail and then after we had our good byes you gave him something to relax his body. I held him in my arms and told him how much he meant to me as he gently passed away. It was peaceful and respectful. He never even twitched or moved during the process. My ultimate choice would be to never let him age or die but since that is not possible this is the next best thing. Thank you for being so gentle and patient with him and with me. You let me listen to make sure there was no heartbeat and I loved how you gently you handled his body even after he was gone.”
— Lauren B. | New River, AZ
“I cannot begin to express how much your service has meant to us. I will hold your whole group close to my heart forever.”
“Thank you for the sympathy card, which I received yesterday. I know I was a mess when you arrived and was in no shape to carry on any kind of conversation. Nakita was my constant companion for 19 years. I was single for many years and she was a fierce protector and made it known when there were certain people that she did not welcome in my home. She had great judgement! She always let me know when anyone was coming near my home so I did not need to be on alert. I miss her terribly. It was a difficult day, but I thank you for how professional and empathetic you were.”
— Helen R. | Phoenix, AZ
“It was devastating to lose Jack. Sometimes I think he was my soulmate. (He knew my former husband needed to go before I did. And he made it very clear by the way he protected me.)I grew up with dogs. Just several years ago we lost two fabulous black labs within 6 months of one another. It was a sorrowful time. But I have to say, losing Jack has been a tremendous tragedy to me, I was his raison d’etre. But I know I made the right choice, and your care made it possible. This sounds naive, but I think I’ll see him again. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and compassion.”
— Terri I. | Phoenix, AZ
“We were very pleased with the service and the ease with which we could make an appointment. The vet that cam to the house was wonderful and compassionate. I’ve mentioned your firm to a number of my friends in a positive context. Thank you!”
— Paul B. | Tempe, AZ
“It was a most difficult day. I’m so thankful for how professional & empathetic you were.”
“The service that your organization provides is so wonderful. Because of this service our best friend Brewski moved on in a peaceful and pleasant environment that was comforting for him. The veterinarian was so very prompt in responding and calling us back, and responding to our home quickly. She was very respectful of our home and the difficult time we were going through. She was so caring to all and was a great comfort. While this was not our first time having to do such a difficult thing, it was still very hard for my wife and I. The one big difference is we had options available this time to do it at home. This loved one had a very hard time going to the veterinarian office and would stress so much. He was in pain and was experiencing much difficulty in his final hours, and the stress would have really made it tough for him and my wife and I to put him through it. I cannot begin to express how much your service meant to us. I will hold your whole group close to my heart for the service you all provide. Everyone I come across with pets in their life will hear about your service, because everyone will have to deal with this difficult time sooner or later. Gentle Journey is a blessing.”
— Jim M. | Phoenix, AZ
“Would 100% recommend your services to others. You were thoughtful, professional and considerate.”
— John M.
What People Are Saying about
Working at Gentle Journey
“I worked for Gentle Journey for a little over a year and it was a very rewarding experience. The families are so appreciative and we are able to create a peaceful, beautiful service in the comfort of their homes. It was a breath of fresh air to be out of a clinical setting with a manageable daily caseload. There is no staying late to finish charts as they are easily completed during the shift. If you’re feeling burnt out in a clinical setting or need a change that will have you appreciating your career, Gentle Journey is a great place to be.”
— Hayley Shafer, DVM
“Working for Gentle Journey was not only rewarding, it offered a flexible schedule so that I could work around time to spend with my family.
I really enjoyed helping owners through this difficult time with their pets while in the comfort of their own home.
I applied to Gentle Journey as a way to earn supplemental income and I was able to do this while still working a full time job and being home with my family when needed.”
—Lisa Schnier, DVM
“During my time with Gentle Journey, I genuinely enjoyed working for Dr. Guttuso and the organization as it provided me with the tools to make a difference in the lives of the owners and pets, and allowed me the flexibility and independence I desired in my personal life. Throughout my years of veterinary medicine, I can easily say that I felt most appreciated when I was able to help a family peacefully say goodbye to their beloved pet in the calm and comfortable space of their home. Not only was the work rewarding, but it also gave me a lot of freedom to plan which days I wanted to work and how to schedule my day. Whether a veterinarian is looking for part time work or start a new career in home hospice/euthanasia, Gentle Journey is an outstanding organization to be a part of.”
— Adrien Pesque, DVM
“Working with Gentle Journey was an honor. I was able to deeply connect with clients and pets in their home environment even though we may have been meeting for the first time.”
“Working with Gentle Journey was an honor. I was able to deeply connect with clients and pets in their home environment even though we may have been meeting for the first time. Helping our beloved family members make a peaceful transition in the most comfortable way was a privilege for me and a true blessing for these families. I hold these pets and families along with each of their unique stories in a special place in my heart. I loved listening to each amazing story about the bond and incredible love that our dogs and cats (and even rabbits) shared with their humans. For my personal family, it was also rewarding to be more available and have flexibility with my schedule when I needed to be home. I appreciated and enjoyed my time with Gentle Journey; thank you Dr. Christina.”
