Telos Companion Animal Services, LLC

01/13/2026

Aggressive snuggling from the weekend, which he said was part of his hosting duties for overnight stays. I said ‘OK, Boss!’

01/11/2026

Did you know?

In a study completed in 2019, in 29 of the pet-focused cannabis products that were included, 4 tested positive for heavy metals, including lead?

01/11/2026

If you have a senior or geriatric pet, or one with a terminal diagnosis… as you navigate their remaining time, what is a non-negotiable for you?

01/08/2026

Moving through something I do with each case—debriefing—after a local family’s hospice enrollment just shy of 2 weeks, & then euthanasia care of their 10 year-old mixed breed dog that was necessary far earlier than we’d anticipated it’d be needed. Diagnosed with lymphoma in mid-Dec, aggressive palliative care was opted for over treatment given his telos & family’s resources. Doing well with medical & non-medical management/family support.

Then earlier this week: gradual & usual malaise, fatigue, no appetite, then nausea needed additional management. Not unusual with lymphoma. But my hackles were up & at my urging, family had vet re-evaluate, & follow up bloodwork revealed elevated calcium—BIG red flag. Not surprisingly, increased thirst/urination tremors & muscle weakness swooped in later on Wednesday. The pet declined quickly.

Paraneoplastic syndrome, not common, but associated with this & other types of cancers. Swift, bewildering, crushing. Salt into an already proverbially raw emotional wound for the family.

These scenarios can make any professional wonder if they missed anything. And they give me extra reason to scrupulously debrief: Did I do my own due diligence? Did I support family adequately? Was my advisement appropriate, or over the top? Was I responsive enough?

Did anyone miss anything here? No. Cancer & all it’s awfulness can be stealthy & it’s doesn’t care how diligent you as a pet guardian, a CAHP, or vet you are. 🩵

Learn about the veterinary topic of Endocrinological Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Small Animals. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year, to each & every member of this unique community, near & far, including followers, families-of-record & interdisciplinary team members who have collaborated to create a better life & end-of-life for companion animals & fostering the human-animal bond. You are all appreciated & loved so much.

What is accomplished in my practice would not be possible without all of you!

‘How we do the big things is how we do the small things’, I always say.

Here’s looking to a 2026 that is full of continued connection, collaboration & goodwill. 🩵

12/31/2025

I got a lot of flack from others about pushing back on the interview with Carlson & the founder of Dutch. Also, those influencers who have been ‘speaking out’ [being hyperbolic] about how 2 out of 3 pets are being euthanized due to vet medicine being out of reach for most pet guardians. It’s so exhausting, the click bait, the disinformation & misinformation. And it’s harmful to the veterinary industry. An industry that needs to be sustainable for vet pros, so they can continue their work & remain in the communities they serve—& for pet guardians, so that they can access the ongoing care that their pets need.

12/31/2025

All of this. Yes, you need imaging after a cat bite. Yes, you will need antibiotics, no question—& if you are immunocompromised, have had a splenectomy or have a history of substance abuse, it’s even more critical to get appropriate medical attention.

Also, this is why I adhere to Fear Free handling protocols.

434 likes, 33 comments. “That small cat bite might look harmless, but it can cause serious deep infections. As a radiologist, I’ll show you what we look for on scans, and why early treatment matters. Disclaimer:...

12/30/2025

The feeling when I’ve been able to do my job by supporting my animal hospice families in all the ways that really matter & keep them out of the vet ER during a holiday week. It ain’t magic, that’s for sure!

12/26/2025

Animal Care Olby Leads Successful Effort to Define Diagnostic Criteria for Dogs with Dementia Dr. Natasha Olby’s research — in partnership with Dr. Margaret Gruen — has led to ways to measure mental decline in dogs, and in August she convened an international group of experts to develop guidel...

12/24/2025

Hi there! 👋

Holidays are prime time for pet emergencies!

If you’ve a pet that’s your responsibility right now, & you feel like something isn’t quite right or they’ve eaten something they’re not supposed to, you already know pivoting *might* be needed.

There’s nothing wrong with calling ahead to your local emergency vet (or urgent care) with your concerns & asking their guidance. My families have found this to be helpful, reassuring & affirming. Also, ask their wait times & check-in procedure. They’ll be glad you did.

Greater Ann Arbor area folks, here’s your guide to local vet hospitals (scroll to the bottom).

Locate mobile/housecall and hybrid veterinary practices in southeast and central Michigan for general vet care, physical rehabilitation, palliative, hospice, end-of-life and euthanasia care.

12/24/2025

I fully admit to taking the bag of mixed nuts that contained macadamias & was sitting on one of my families’ kitchen counter this past week & putting it in their closed pantry. 🤣