Hello, beautiful friends and family,
I’ll be honest with you: my heart feels a bit heavier this week. We lost a sweet patient, Biscuit, to cancer. It never gets any easier. After 18 years, you’d think I’d get used to the losses, but every single one touches me deeply. Biscuit’s passing brought back so many memories, of the countless hours I once spent in urgent care and busy conventional practices. I remembered the exhaustion from treating so many critically ill patients who needed 200% of my care and attention, all at the same time.
It was that overwhelm—feeling stretched too thin with so little time for each one—that led me to create this center. Here, I hoped to care fully and completely for each patient, giving them the individualized healing space they deserve. Yet, no matter how much my heart longs for every patient’s recovery, sometimes we still have to say goodbye. And it breaks my heart every time, right along with the families who love them so deeply.
We gathered as a team on Thursday, as we often do after losing a beloved patient. We held a space just for Biscuit, sharing our grief and memories, honoring the life that left such an imprint on our hearts. These moments together remind me that we need to allow our own hearts time to heal too.
This week, I thought of so many courageous pets who’ve fought hard battles, each leaving lasting marks on our hearts. Their stories remind me of one of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in this journey: the depth of our grief reflects the depth of our love. And love, in the end, gives meaning to it all.
With November as Cancer Awareness Month, I’m focusing on sharing resources around cancer prevention and treatments. I hope you’ll join me in this mission, sending love into the universe for all the pets we’ve lost to cancer and the families carrying them in their hearts.
This month, I dedicate my work to every cancer patient who has inspired me with their strength. And right now, Biscuit, I am thinking of you.
With all my love, 🩷
Dr. Lily 🐾
Starlight Stories
It’s here!
We asked you which topic you wanted to learn about–and microbiome got the most votes.
So, Dr. Lily and Dr. Stephen recorded a super fun microbiome video for you.
Together, they explain why taking care of your pet’s microbiome is so important and give you 7 things you can do at home to boost your pet’s gut health.
👉 Watch the Microbiome 101 video
PS Congratulations, @allthingsellie and @herecomessimon, on winning a pack of Gussy’s Gut fermented veggies each. If you want to enter one of our giveaways, make sure you’re following us on Instagram @integrativepet
With magical love,
✨ Starlight the Unicorn ✨