About Us
More about Lesley,Lola
and how Animal Rites came to be.
The end of life journey is a uniquely challenging one.
As a social worker and a pet parent, I am very passionate about providing support and holding space for pet parents.
My wish is for people to take this journey with their pet and do so with not only an open heart and loving care, but with a sense of confidence and knowledge that they are giving him/her the most meaningful end of life experience.
I know first hand, the strong bond that exists between people and their pets. I have grown up with both dogs and cats and have been blessed with a unique and special relationship with each of them. My first pet, a gift from my grandfather, was with me throughout many of life's milestones, including comforting me after my fathers passing at the age of eleven.
However, it was Lola …
… who taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and subsequently, loss.
Lola quite literally leapt into my world at a very exciting time. I had just married my husband and knowing our desire for a dog, our cousins gave her to us as a wedding gift. Although she was quite mischievous from the very beginning, she stole our hearts immediately. She was our first born baby as we called her and happily joined us as we began our life together.
Lola was with us for all of the big events we were blessed with at that time … buying our first home, having children and simply celebrating life. Our two girls loved Lola as much as we did and she loved them right back. Lola allowed them to play with her happily and never ever grew wary or upset with them. I trusted her with their lives despite my mother’s concerns. Of course, with life, there are challenges and Lola was there by our sides as a constant source of unconditional love and support.
Always.
When Lola was diagnosed with cancer, my world fell apart. I was shocked, saddened and oh so ill-prepared to cope with the devastating diagnosis. Despite the love of my family and friends and my social work background, I was so alone and unsure how to proceed. I wanted someone to tell me what to do, or at least hold my hand during this horrible time.
I was unaware of what, if any, support was available to me.
I want people to know, support is available.
At the time, my Veterinarian carried out his job and treated Lola’s Cancer while I was left to flounder.
It is my hope by providing this service that people feel supported as they join their beloved pet on his/her end of life journey, and that they feel confident in their decisions by doing what feels best for their pet and the family as a whole. Setting goals and preparing to say goodbye is never easy, but in my experience, is a critical step to a whole, peaceful farewell.
My Credentials
Master of Social Work from UofT ( MSW)
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Certified in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning
Completed the Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Social Work Certificate Program at the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
