Welcome to Bridge to Peace Veterinary
Our goal is to offer peace during your pet's aging life. We offer acupuncture, quality of life assessments, and end of life appointments.
Dr. Sarah Beechler
I started this practice with the goal to help animals with pain management. It initially started out as a mobile acupuncture practice (Wellness on Wheels, Inc) but has grown into also helping animals pass peacefully in the comfort of their home.
I graduated veterinary school from Ross University in 2007 and have worked in a number of roles throughout my career. I worked in specialty/ER hospitals and general practice. I opened this practice in January 2019 after obtaining my certification in Veterinary Acupuncture. I have also trained in Chinese herbals, food therapy and I am CAETA certified (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy). I consider myself an integrative medicine practitioner and wish every pet could have the opportunity of a peaceful passing at home.
TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine)
ACUPUNCTURE
FOOD THERAPY
CHINESE HERBALS
INITIAL CONSULTATION
$275.00
(includes evaluation, first treatment, and recommendations)
REPEAT TREATMENTS
$170
TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) can be useful for any condition Western Medicine is useful for. The majority of my patients are being treated for osteoarthritis and neurologic (rear limb weakness/paralysis) disease. However, TCVM can be useful for urinary incontinence, appetite stimulation, seizure disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is the placement of very thin needles into specific points in the body to elicit a healing response. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the body to a balanced state.
How does it work? When a point is stimulated, it stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, and causes the release of hormones such as endorphins and serotonin (our body's feel-good hormone). These hormones have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects.
Will my pet tolerate acupuncture? Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well and never react to the needles. I will sometimes use treats as a form of distraction, especially in the beginning when pets are not familiar with the process. Usually pets become very relaxed during the treatment and some will even fall asleep.
What form of acupuncture do you practice? There are different forms of acupuncture which include:
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Dry needle: The placement of the needles into specific points
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Aquapuncture: The placement of a liquid (usually saline or Vitamin B12) into specific points
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Electroacupuncture: The attachment of electrodes to the needles and then a mild electric current passes between the needles.
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Moxa: The use of heat over the needles to warm a patient
I will use any of these forms and it is determined by the condition I am treating and the patient.
How long does a session last? Most treatments will last 30-45 minutes. The frequency of the treatment depends upon the condition. Typically I recommend a series of 3 weekly treatments to start.
Is it safe? Acupuncture is considered very safe when it is administered by a trained veterinary professional. As with all treatments, there are occasional side effects. The most common side effect is that the pet's condition may appear worse or the pet may be lethargic or sleepy for the first 24 hours after a treatment. This is usually followed by an improvement in the condition.
End of Life Care
How do you know it's time?
Making the decision to euthanize a pet is never an easy one. There are many factors that go into making this decision but it typically comes down to quality of life. I recommend starting with two categories. First, does your pet still do the things that are required to sustain life? This includes eating, drinking, going to the bathroom, etc. When your pet stops doing these things, it is sometimes easier to know it is time. But your pet's quality of life may be declining before these things occur. The second thing I recommend is to identify 3-5 things specific to your pet that you can monitor to know when his or her quality of life is starting to decline. Some examples may be greeting you at the door, running for dinner, wagging his/her tail, etc. This discussion is more than what can be included in a website so if you have questions or concerns regarding your pet's condition, please do not hesitate to call to schedule a phone consultation or in-home visit to assess your pet's quality of life.
What to expect at the end of life visit?
Your pet will first be given an injection that is a combination of an anesthetic and pain injection. This is similar to them receiving a vaccination and effects are usually seen within 10 minutes. Once your pet is sleeping soundly and you are comfortable with proceeding, a second injection of medication is given that will numb the mind and let your pet pass peacefully over the rainbow bridge.
Once you have said your good-byes, I will transport your pet to the crematory unless other arrangements have been made. If your pet is over 40lbs, a stretcher will be used for transportation and I will need assistance getting your pet to the vehicle.
Prior to the appointment, I recommend finding a quiet place in the home or outside (weather permitting) for the euthanasia to take place. Consider who you want to be present. Other pets and/or children are welcome but this decision is personal and you know what is best for your situation. Other than that, just spoil and love on your pet as much as possible.
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Quality of Life Assessment
Unsure if it is time?
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Bridge to Peace does offer quality of life assessments. Making this decision is difficult and often times people need some guidance as to whether or not it is time. We are able to come examine your pet and help walk through things to watch for. Recommendations can also be given regarding pain control, alternative modalities, and nutrition support.
These appointments are not intended to take over your pet's care. You will need to continue a relationship with your primary veterinarian.
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Pricing & Information
In-home Euthanasia
$400
**$50 extra charge for pets >100lbs
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Aftercare Options
(these prices are in addition to the In-home Euthanasia fee)
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Private Cremation (ashes returned)
0-20lbs- $250
21-60lbs- $275
61-100lbs- $325
101-150lbs- $350
**please inquire for >150lbs
**specialty urns available for an additional cost
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Communal Cremation (ashes scattered, not returned)
0-20lbs- $125
21-60lbs- $150
61-100lbs- $175
101-150lbs- $200
**please inquire for >150lbs
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Forms of payment accepted:
Cash, Check, Credit Card
**Cancellation Policy**
We understand that your pet's condition may change requiring you to cancel your appointment. Please understand that last minute cancellations prevent us from helping other pets and families in need.
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Cancellations within 12 hours of appointment = $50
Cancellations within 2 hours of appointment = $125
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Complimentary Clay Paw included with every appointment
Each additional Clay Paw- $40
Ink Paw or Nose Print available upon request- $25
Transportation provided to crematory*
Ashes to be picked up directly from crematory
*Kozy Acres in Joliet
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Servicing the following towns:
Lockport, Homer Glen, Lemont, New Lenox, Plainfield, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Orland Park, Joliet, Mokena, Manhattan
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*** Additional travel fee ($50) for services provided outside of a 25 minute drive from Lockport (if available)
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Quality of life assessments/60 minutes
$225
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Phone consultations for Quality of Life/30 minutes
$60
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