Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of Our Animal Companions

Pets are now considered family members, and at the same time, profound changes are taking place in veterinary medicine. Procedures formerly available only for people are now also options for animals, giving rise to both tougher decisions and higher costs. To help the millions of pet owners in the United States navigate this new landscape, veterinarian Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya carefully lays out the issues people may face when confronted with a pet’s health crisis and considering whether to pursue a particular treatment. She shows how each decision involves understanding the medical condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes — as well as one’s own priorities and resources. The book explores the human-animal bond; healthy living and graceful aging; understanding diagnoses and options; managing needs and expectations; and more. Delivering much needed solace and guidance, it makes this uncharted territory more manageable for the many pet caretakers wanting to do the right thing for their loved ones.