Dear Welcome Waggin’ Clients, Friends, and Family,
As this month wraps up, we’re coming to a Welcome Waggin’ end—and a brand new beginning.
After this June, things will never be quite the same.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to slow down and take in the moment. This June has reminded me how fleeting and precious this season of life truly is. My eldest daughter turned 10—something I can hardly believe. A whole decade of being a mom! Our Irish Setter just celebrated her 12th birthday. And between our almost 18-year-old kitty, Lucy, and our sweet Jo, we now have two geriatric pets in the house. I’m doing my best to soak in every moment, knowing how quickly time passes.
As you may have seen in our email last week, this Wednesday is our groundbreaking ceremony. After years of dreaming and months of planning, it’s finally time for construction to begin. The commitment has been made. There is no turning back!
Although this is a huge investment and undertaking, there has been a surprising calmness throughout this journey. Over the past five years, we have built a solid in-home veterinary practice. Our team of doctors is incredibly smart, talented, and so skilled at offering the warm care you and your pets need. And our amazing support staff truly care about lifting each other up and making sure you have the best experience possible.
After June, the In-Home chapter ends, and the In-Home & Veterinary Care Center chapter begins.
Veterinary medicine isn’t always easy. There were many years I wondered if this dream would ever come true. I often doubted whether I could be a good enough veterinarian to also own my own practice. Taking the leap to purchase this business from Dr. Lisa came after so many years of trial and tribulation. But I knew my Why—and it includes all of you.
Earlier this month was World Pet Memorial Day. We shared a post inviting you to honor your beloved pets, and your responses were so beautiful and moving. Our time here is so short—and our pets’ lives are even shorter. But the imprint they leave on our hearts lasts forever.
I always tell people: it takes a special person to endure the heartbreak of losing a pet. Our Why is for that love and heartbreak—especially for those who have the courage to open their hearts again and again. Thank you for being such dedicated caretakers to the dogs and cats who share this world with us.
My Snowball lived to be 20, with me from the time I was 6 until I was 26. He passed away just a month after I graduated vet school. If I hadn’t had that bond, I might never have become a veterinarian. And then our best family cat, so extroverted and loving, died young at age 8 of heart failure. Sadly, we didn’t receive the warmth or guidance we needed to make informed decisions about his care. I never want that for you.
I wrote about that experience in my letter to get into veterinary school—and all these years later, it’s finally happening.
Although we love our puppy and kitten visits, we never want to leave our senior pets behind. As pets age, they often face many challenges, and I’m watching Lucy’s and Jo’s bodies slowly fail. I know many of you have been there, too.
As a small, independent practice, we are committed to prioritizing your pets’ needs as they grow older. We believe it’s so important to work together to find answers, explain what they mean, and walk beside you every step of the way. Medicine is always evolving, and the next 30 years will bring so many advances and breakthroughs.
Your pictures and stories reminded me why this kind of care matters.
We will continue offering in-home care and evolving that experience. And when our Care Center opens, it will be an open-concept space where you can see into treatment areas—no more taking pets “to the back.” We want you to feel included, informed, and empowered.
Because when we work together—when you truly understand what’s happening with your pet—we can help them age gracefully for as long as possible.
Our Why is for them.
Each pet deserves the best life, and you deserve the best team to help care for them.
Together, let’s celebrate all the beloved pets who have shaped our lives.
With love,
Dr. Jeni Waeltz & The Welcome Waggin’ Team