Emotional Support

Learning of the diagnosis of cancer in a pet is emotional and difficult. At the CSU Animal Cancer Center, we recognize that providing cancer care is more than administering chemotherapy, radiation therapy or performing surgery – it also involves emotional support for the owner. The staff of the CSU Argus Institute are critical members of our clinical team. They provide support to clients and the oncology team with the goal to foster compassionate client communication and support, teaching of veterinary students, communication, and even hospice care and grief counseling.  Please visit their website directly to learn more about this group: www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu.

Mission:
The Mission of the Argus Institute is to strengthen veterinarian-client-patient communication and support relationships between people and their companion animals.
We do this by:

1. Offering support to people who are facing challenges surrounding their pet's healthcare.
2. Teaching compassionate communication to veterinary professionals.
3. Conducting research in veterinarian-client-patient communication.
4. Providing community outreach through the student-run Pet Hospice Program and the Human-Animal Bond Club.

CSU Pet Hospice
Serious illness in a pet not only affects the patient, but family and loved ones as well. Because of this, a dedicated group of veterinary students, with guidance from the Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine and James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital clinicians, has developed a first-of-its-kind Pet Hospice service, serving clients in the Colorado areas of Ft. Collins and Loveland. The mission of the Pet Hospice Program is to provide compassionate end-of-life care for pets as well as emotional support and education for their families. read more...

Saying Goodbye
There is no time more difficult than the last days of a pet's life. Regardless of how much time you've had to prepare, the decision to euthanize your friend will not be easy. Throughout the life of your pet, you have been concerned about his/her quality of life. But at this moment, quality and dignity of life become immediate. It is important that your concerns are honored at this time and that you are allowed ample information to make all of the decisions that are ahead. Your entire veterinary health care team will assist you during this time by providing information as well as a concerned, understanding ear. It is important to remember that you have options available to you. Options may include hospice care, assisted by your veterinary health care team, to reduce pain and suffering until natural death occurs. read more...