Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy Johnson.
Betsy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a newly minted veterinarian, the first words I uttered were to take an oath swearing to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the relief of animals’ pain and suffering. At that moment I never dreamed that I would do so by offering a specialty in home euthanasia. For me, the simple truth is I might not have become what I initially dreamed of, but I now feel lucky to have become what is so needed. It all started by mistake.
Twenty five years ago, I was busy working in local animal hospitals trying to get a feel for where and how I wanted to practice. The Brookline Animal Hospital, The Charles St Clinic, and Windhover Bird Clinic were among my favorites, but the adoption of my first two children necessitated a change in my life style. This is when I started my first house call practice, Lincoln Veterinary Services, based in Lincoln, MA and serving the surrounding towns. This endeavor enabled me to set my own hours and fit appointments around my new family.
It was after years of general practice that I started to receive calls from people requesting home euthanasia for their pets. These requests were from clients I had never met before, but had heard about my house calls through friends. These calls were often for pets who were suffering and in need of help on short notice. There was obviously a need for this type of service. As these calls increased in number, I decided to limit my routine calls to part-time, enabling me to leave more open time every day for last minute calls for urgent euthanasia’s. To help pet owners find me, I started a second practice, Home Euthanasia for Pets. This was 7 years ago.
Putting your old friend down might be the hardest decision you ever make, but it can also be one of the most loving acts.
Home Euthanasia for Pets is a practice dedicated to helping people and their pets through this process in the comfort of their homes. All creatures appreciate spending their last moments surrounded by loved ones in familiar settings.
Has it been a smooth road?
The tough parts? I empathize with people grappling with this decision. In the beginning I used to cry every time. I live with my dog, Lucy, and she is often on the road with me, so I totally understand how the loss of your companion can tip your life upside down. When my previous dog, Fritz, died almost 5 years ago, I was left feeling numb and weightless before the grief set in. The animals we live with are often times the most important relationships in our lives. On a lighter side, parking can be a challenge in the city. Some clients have been creative in providing space.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Home Euthanasia for Pets story. Tell us more about the business.
Because I specialize in end of life care, I try to be as flexible as possible, leaving a large part of my day unscheduled for last minute calls. This also gives me the time to communicate, usually by phone or email with owners, and help them with the decision process. The finality of euthanasia is irreversible and not to be done without careful consideration. Email is a good way to send progress reports and check on my availability when an animal’s time is close, but texting is the fastest way to reach me in a hurry. I encourage people to reach out to me as early as 7am if they feel I am needed that day. Unless I am out of town, I try to be available 7 days a week.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Veterinary medicine has become as advanced and specialized as human medicine. An important distinction, however, is that pet owners have the ability to end an animal’s suffering, whereby humans do not currently have that option. Perhaps this is a shift we should see. The word euthanasia means “a good death,” which is ultimately what any creature or human would want.
Contact Info:
- Website: homeeuthanasiaforpets.com
- Phone: 781-259-0290
- Email: betsyjohnson1@mac.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/home-euthanasia-for-pets-lincoln?osq=dr+betsy+johnson+vet
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
