Compassionate Care for Dogs with Dr. Deborah Aronson, VMD

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Deborah Aronson, a trailblazing veterinarian specializing in palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care for small animals. We begin with the Mazel Pups “Four Questions,” which give us insight into Dr. Aronson’s love for her rescue dogs, Rascal and Nava. She then shares about her deep connection to Judaism and how it shapes her sense of community and identity.

Next we delve into Dr. Aronson’s decision to become a veterinary acupuncturist and hear about her experience providing acupuncture to pets. And we then explore what it means to provide truly compassionate care for pets nearing the end of their lives. Dr. Aronson shares the journey that led her to this unique field, including her certification in veterinary medical acupuncture and her experience with Clinical Pastoral Education.

This episode sheds light on the delicate balance of empathy and emotional boundaries that veterinarians must maintain. Dr. Aronson shares that after years of being neglected, the critical skills necessary to guide families through their pets’ end of life care are – thanks to her and others – now being taught to veterinary students so that they will be more prepared for the emotional challenges both they and their clients face when a decision needs to be about whether or not to euthanize a pet, or when a per is being euthanized. Dr. Aronson emphasizes the importance of withholding judgment and understanding each family's unique situation. We also explore various aftercare options, from cremation to creative memorial products.

We also explore the evolving perception of pets as family members and the ethical quandaries that arise when pet owners can't afford costly treatments. 

The conversation also covers the importance of self-care for veterinarians to fend off emotional burnout and moral distress. Dr. Aronson notes that suicides are high for veterinarians and describes her personal involvement in working to help her peers avoid suicide. She highlights organizations like Not One More Vet (NAMV) that support veterinarians' mental health. 

Whether you're a pet lover or considering a career in veterinary medicine, this episode offers invaluable insights into the compassionate world of veterinary end-of-life care.

Dr. Aronson makes house calls in the Main Line, PA area for acupuncture, palliative care, and end of life care for all pets. She also does telehealth consultations. Her website is https://mainlinevip.weebly.com/

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
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And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

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Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn