Contact: Michelle Nichols FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
425.223.5722
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AHELP: THE ANIMAL HOSPICE, END OF LIFE AND PALLIATIVE CARE PROJECT
Open House: “Plan Your Wishes”
Bellevue, WA - The Animal Hospice, End of Life and Palliative Care (AHELP) Project will present their 3rd Annual Friendship Day Open House, themed “Plan your Wishes,” in the Education Room at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland on Saturday, February 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Seattle Veterinary Specialists is located at 11814 115th Ave NE, Suite 102, Kirkland, WA 98034. You may find directions on their website, www.SVSVet.com/contact.
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. There, you will 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.
AHELP Director Michelle Nichols stated:
“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.
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.”
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. You can also meet the author of “When your Dog has Cancer: Making the Best Decisions for your Dog” (Dogwise, 2012).
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. We will present In-home Technician Services as an alternative to using pet-sitters for ill pets with special daily needs.
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.