SacredTransitions.Vet

On March 31, 2021, my life was forever changed. That day marked the passing of my dearest friend and loyal companion, Hoku. She had been with me through every milestone, every joy, every heartbreak.

I adopted Hoku from the animal hospital I worked at where she was abandoned as a ten-month-old puppy — a graduation gift I gave myself after passing my national veterinary technician board exams in 2005. From that moment, she became my constant. Together, we navigated the winding paths of life: my undergraduate years at UNLV, the chaotic and often lonely single years in Las Vegas, veterinary school at Oregon State University, my marriage, the first seven years of my career as a small animal veterinarian, and finally, the births of my two children.

Hoku was my anchor — the best friend a girl could ever hope for. She taught me patience, devotion, and the truest form of unconditional love.

In February of 2021, my world began to shift when Hoku suddenly became ill. The diagnosis was devastating: an inoperable adrenal mass invading her caudal vena cava. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, her prognosis was poor. I did what I could to keep her comfortable, cherishing every remaining moment we had together. And then, one day, I knew — it was time to let her go.

Hoku was euthanized peacefully at home, surrounded by love. Yet when her body was taken away, I felt an aching emptiness, as though I hadn’t been able to say a proper goodbye. I was filled with remorse — not because I doubted my decision, but because I hadn’t honored her in the way she so profoundly deserved after a lifetime of love and loyalty.

That feeling stayed with me and, ultimately, inspired me to create SacredTransitions.Vet. I wanted to give families the chance to say farewell in a way that truly honors their beloved companions — with grace, presence, and reverence. My farewell ceremonies provide families with this opportunity. Through this work, my hope is to help others begin their healing with a sense of peace and completeness, just as I continue to find my own through Hoku’s memory.