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Rescue Dog Offers Comfort During Pets’ Final Moments
Veterinarian Lauren McNamara has devoted her career to healing animals, but she admits the most difficult part of her job is performing euthanasia. At only 26 years old, she has guided countless pets through their final moments, and what pains her most is when owners cannot bring themselves to be present.
The issue became especially common during the Covid pandemic, when restrictions often barred families from accompanying their pets. Even now, McNamara says many animals spend their last moments frightened, surrounded by unfamiliar faces in a sterile clinic setting rather than the people they love.
What has made those moments bearable for both McNamara and her patients is her own dog, Nala. The 8-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier and Kelpie mix has become an essential part of her work, instinctively offering comfort to pets during euthanasia.
“Dogs are pack animals. They are wired to look to each other for protection and guidance. When Nala’s in the room, I see them relax and settle,” McNamara explained. Instead of trembling in fear, the animals often lay quietly beside Nala, soothed by her calm presence.
McNamara admits she once struggled deeply with the thought of a dog’s last memory being filled with fear in the presence of strangers. Nala changed that. “She would lay with them as they passed. It was peaceful, and seeing the comfort she brought them also brought me comfort,” McNamara said.
The veterinarian believes Nala provides something unique that humans cannot: a natural, wordless bond between dogs. That innate connection reassures the animals in a way no gentle voice or careful touch from a human ever could. Families who cannot be present have expressed gratitude, finding solace in knowing their pets did not pass alone.
McNamara has shared her experiences online through TikTok and Instagram (@vet_lauren_), where her video about Nala’s role has been viewed more than 500,000 times. Thousands of comments praised the compassion displayed, with many pet owners reflecting on their own goodbyes and how meaningful it would have been to have a dog like Nala present.
For McNamara, shining light on this part of veterinary work is essential. “Euthanasia is such a heartbreaking but important part of veterinary work, and I wanted to show the beauty that can exist in those moments,” she said. While she encourages owners to stay whenever possible, she knows not everyone can. With Nala at her side, she can at least promise that no dog will face that final moment in fear.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
@vet_lauren_
As an intern I did a lot of weekends alone and had to do a lot of euthanasia by myself where owners didn’t want to be present. The dogs were always scared of me being a stranger and terrified in the hospital. I always had my dog with me and she laid with most of the dogs as they passed. They were always calmer with her after all dogs are pack animals. My dog was also always there for me so I never had to do it alone either ❤️.
#VetLife
#Veterinarian
#ShelterVet
#AnimalDoctor
#PetLoss
♬ Scott street x i know the end – micha
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
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