***Jackie Greenwood practiced small animal medicine and surgery for 38 years. Her non-fiction essay,*** **“An Unlikely Friend”** ***appears in the Fall 2024 Intima.***

Doctor Jen Baker-Porazinski's story “Dying at Home” (Spring 2024 Intima) drew a vivid picture of a patient, Jean, and her family, and the rhythm of the patient’s last few weeks. The love and dedication of Jean’s husband was especially moving.

I was also struck by the narration of Baker-Porazinski’s journey as a doctor. Reflexively, at each visit, she listened to her patient's heart and took her blood pressure. Baker-Porazinski felt this showed that she hadn’t given up on her patient.

To me, her actions were exactly what was needed. By not altering her routine, despite knowing the outcome, she effectively “normalized” the process of dying.

As a veterinarian, “end of life” is a regular part of our job– guiding and comforting without pity, shock or tears. We must be gentle in delivering the worst possible news and be calm in a storm of emotions.

My essay, “An Unlikely Friend” is about the first time a client asked for help in navigating their own terminal illness. My initial reaction was “I don’t do humans,” but I quickly realized the relationship we had built over the years, and many, many pets was one of deep and profound trust .

It was , as Baker-Porazinski, said in her story, my honor and a privilege to accept this new role.

Jackie Greenwood practiced small animal medicine and surgery for 38 years. During this time, she also made multiple trips to underserviced communities in Uganda, Peru and Northern Canada to deliver veterinary care. Since retiring, she has enjoyed writing about her experiences as ‘the other family doctor.’ Her non-fiction essay, “An Unlikely Friend” appears in the Fall 2024 Intima.