This book is authored by Dr. Mary Gardner, DVM, a co-founder of the nationally recognized veterinary hospice organization, Lap of Love. Drawing from her extensive experience providing in-home hospice and palliative care for thousands of pets, Dr. Gardner offers a guide that is both medically sound and profoundly compassionate.
It’s Never Long Enough is structured to be the go-to resource for owners navigating the complex and emotionally charged final chapter of their dog’s life. It emphasizes preparation, proactive care, and the critical assessment of Quality of Life (QOL).
Holistic Geriatric Care: The book draws on Dr. Gardner’s thousands of visits with “grey muzzle” patients, mixing clinical knowledge with heartfelt anecdotes from her own life. It covers the aging process, preparing owners for what to expect, and providing actionable coaching for hands-on care.
The Vet-Owner Team: A key strength is the focus on communication. Dr. Gardner coaches owners on the right questions to ask their veterinarian, how to choose the best medical options for their situation, and how to track vital signs using tools like health journals.
Home Hacks for Comfort: A large, practical section is dedicated to making the dog comfortable at home, including simple modifications to manage daily living, mobility issues, incontinence, and picky eating. This focuses on low-cost and high-tech solutions to improve day-to-day existence.
Caregiver Burnout and Grief: Given the author’s background in hospice, the book uniquely and sensitively addresses the emotional toll on the caregiver. It provides resources for managing stress, anticipatory grief, and coping with loss, which is often neglected in standard pet health guides.
Ailment Identification: It breaks down common age-related health issues (from cloudy eyes and crusty noses to achy hips) and teaches owners the warning signs that necessitate veterinary assistance, helping to prevent “silent suffering.”
Dignified End-of-Life: The book provides compassionate guidance on assessing a dog’s Quality of Life using established frameworks. It discusses aftercare options and offers ways to honor and celebrate the dog’s impact on the family.
It’s Never Long Enough is highly recommended as a must-have practical and emotional resource for anyone caring for a senior or geriatric dog. Reviewers often state that the book provides the comfort and knowledge they needed to navigate this difficult time, making both the dog’s life and the owner’s caregiving easier and more meaningful.
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