RAPS Animal Hospital is honoured to partner with a new service that makes the final moments in a family’s relationship with their companion animal as loving and peaceful as it can be.

Watermark Pet Hospice Services and Aquamation has launched the first service in Metro Vancouver providing H.E.A.R.T.™ – Hospice, Euthanasia, Aftercare, Remembrance, and Transition.

“This launch marks a meaningful moment for us and reflects our unwavering dedication to end-of-life care,” says Dr. Regan Schwartz, founder of Watermark. Schwartz is also a veterinarian with the community-owned, nonprofit RAPS Animal Hospital. “We bring to families the entire range of end-of-life needs for their companion animals, from hospice care to compassionate in-home euthanasia and finally aquamation.”

Aquamation, or water cremation, is a more gentle, natural and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional cremation, says Schwartz. Aquamation mirrors the natural decomposition process. It creates no direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. Aquamation does not burn any fossil fuels and is 90% more energy efficient than flame cremation.

Hospice care is a specialized approach that prioritizes comfort, support, and symptom relief for animals facing a life-limiting illness. Rather than focusing on curative treatment, it aims to enhance quality of life and uphold the dignity of your pet during the end-of-life journey. This holistic care model addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both the pet and their loved ones. This is a unique offering for pet guardians.
 
“Dr. Schwartz is renowned in the Vancouver animal community for her empathetic approach to animals and their people,” says Eyal Lichtmann, CEO of RAPS Animal Hospital. “With Watermark, Dr. Schwartz is now offering inclusive, thoughtful end-of-life care that helps the patient and their family through the process of the final stages of life, peaceful passage and then the most respectful, gentle aftercare.”

“By the time the end came, Dr. Schwartz and Cody were good friends,” says Paul Tillotson, whose 14-year-old border collie passed peacefully after care from Dr. Schwartz in his final years. “When she arrived for her final visit, Cody was comforted by her presence, he was at home with us, and his leaving was as serene as it could possibly have been. We will always be grateful for that final gift.”

In addition to these services, Watermark offers grief support resources, memorial keepsakes, and operates the Potato Memorial Fund, which helps families in need access end-of-life care for their pets.
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For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.watermarkpethospice.ca or contact [email protected] or call the RAPS Animal Hospital at 604-242-1666.

What languages do you speak?
English and Tagalog 
 
Where did you grow up? 
I was born in Manila, Philippines, raised in Brunei until I was 6, then came to BC and lived in Richmond for forever. Both my parents are Filipino. My grandparents and parents made sure that my sister and I can still speak Tagalog as it benefits us to have more than one language, plus to continue our heritage and cultural traditions. 
 
How did you get into this field of work?
I was actually bringing my dogs to RAPS when one day I saw an ad that they were hiring, so I took a chance and applied, since I love animals and wanted a change.
 
How long have you been at RAPS?
I have been at RAPS for about two years.
 
Tell us about your pets!
I have two dogs and 3 aquariums full of aquatics. I have grown up with dogs since my grandparents took care of a lot of them as I was growing up. But I always just loved animals, so throughout my life I have had hamsters and guinea pigs (even though I was allergic to them). When COVID happened, I found a nice hobby with aquascaping and having freshwater fish.
 
What can you tell us about your experience at RAPS?
RAPS loves to cultivate a family environment. We work well together and we often plan activities after work. I honestly have not worked in a place where the team wants to spend more time together. We already spent 10 to 12 hours a day together – why not more? I literally had one co-worker who had too many days off lined up together and they came in to work just to hang out. 

​Reggie is a 12-year-old beagle who was exhibiting some very specific symptoms. His humans, Karen and Brian, had him tested for Cushing’s disease, but the test came back inconclusive. 
 
Cushing’s disease, which is more scientifically known as hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder found in many species, including humans. Cats can also get Cushing’s, although it is not as common as in dogs.
 
The disease is frequent in middle-aged and senior dogs, and is especially prevalent in some breeds, including poodles, dachshunds, boxers, Boston terriers and beagles, like Reggie.
 
It occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to a variety of health issues over time.
 
“He was fairly lethargic and just constantly drinking water,” says Brian. “I'm not talking about a little bit of extra water. I mean gallons and gallons and having to go pee every half an hour – through the night, too."
 
He was also panting excessively.

Reggie recently went in to have a nine-pound tumour removed from his hip – it was like a bowling ball for a 40-pound dog, says Brian. 

​Reggie also has diabetes insipidus, which is not related to blood sugar (like diabetes mellitus), but involves problems with the hormone that helps the kidneys manage water. As a result, Reggie had very high sodium levels.
 
Given the diabetes insipidus and suspicions around Cushing’s, the doctors decided at the same time to try Reggie out on medications for both conditions to see if it would assist with his symptoms.
 
That was a month ago and, within days, Karen and Brian saw their energetic pup return. 
 
"He just seemed to bounce back," says Brian. 
 
Reggie’s energy is back and, while he might be drinking and peeing a little more than normal, it is a massive reduction from a month ago.

​Side effects from the new meds?
 
"He might be a little more stubborn,” Brian laughs. “He's not quite as obedient maybe. I don't know if that has anything to do with the medication or not. It could just be him getting older and thinking he doesn't have to do what I say."

They thought Reggie might have been suffering hearing loss, but it turns out he was just ignoring them.

“If you open the fridge as quietly as possible, he'll come running,” Brian says. “He just doesn't respond when you say, ‘Reggie, stop!’"

Detected early, pets can live long and healthy lives with Cushing’s. However, if not diagnosed and addressed, the disease can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney infections, and other serious complications.
 
“Cushing’s disease is typically caused by one of a few specific origins,” says Dr. Guy Arad, a veterinarian with the RAPS Animal Hospital. “The most common cause is a pituitary tumour, which is a benign growth on the pituitary gland that sends signals to the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol.”

Another cause can be overuse of steroids.
 
Outward symptoms of Cushing’s disease are somewhat general and can indicate a number of underlying conditions, any of which should be brought to a veterinarian’s attention. 
 
“The most common things to watch out for as early indicators of Cushing’s,” says Dr. Arad, “are an increase in thirst and urination, increased appetite, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss or thinning hair, panting, lethargy and recurring skin infections.” 
 
If your dog has any of these indicators, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Diagnosis often involves blood work, urine tests, and sometimes imaging such as ultrasound.
 
“Cushing’s disease is manageable,” he says. Medications, possible surgery in cases of adrenal tumours, and routine monitoring to manage symptoms and medication levels can ensure a long, healthy and happy life.
 
If you notice changes in your dog’s behaviour, weight, or appearance, don’t assume it’s just “old age.” 
 
“It’s always better to err on the side of caution,” says Dr. Arad. “Catching potential conditions early means a greater chance of minimizing the impacts and keeping pets healthier longer.”

Dr. Bo Qu grew up in a picturesque coastal city in China. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in Canada with academic distinction, reflecting his dedication to excellence in veterinary care. Dr.Qu is passionate about understanding and promoting the human-animal bond.

“One of my biggest motivations for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine was to help underserved animals,” he explains. These animals often lack access to essential resources and services, particularly regarding their health and welfare. Geographic isolation, financial hardships, and inadequate infrastructure can all hinder their well-being, and Dr. Qu is committed to addressing these challenges.

​In addition to his work with shelter animals, Dr. Qu has gained extensive experience caring for a diverse range of species, including marine life, wildlife, exotic animals, animals in research settings and large animals. During his clinical training, his background has been enriched by unique experiences at distinguished institutions such as the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer, Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

As a Fear-Free certified veterinarian with a small animal clinical dentistry certification, Dr. Qu is well-equipped to provide compassionate and high-quality veterinary care. His interests lie in shelter medicine, geriatric care, and pain management—areas where his expertise can significantly improve the quality of life for animals in need.

​Dr. Qu's commitment to One Health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, extends beyond the clinic. He has actively participated in multiple healthcare outreach programs in Africa and Nepal aimed at improving access to medical services for vulnerable communities. Through these initiatives, Dr. Qu leverages his expertise to foster healthier futures and address health disparities, all while advocating for a world where compassion transcends boundaries.

​His experience at the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan, China, combined with his volunteer work at an elephant conservation center in Nepal and endangered species programs for river dolphins and Asian horseshoe crabs, underscores his dedication to conservation and animal welfare on a global scale. Dr. Qu was also a valuable research member of various animal-related projects. He likes to keep up to date with the latest issues concerning animal health and enjoys sharing this knowledge with his clients to support informed animal care.

Dr. Qu aligns perfectly with RAPS Animal Hospital’s mission of “Helping animals and their people.” He is also a veterinarian member of the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, the largest cat sanctuary in Canada, which provides a permanent, safe home for hundreds of cats, many of whom are feral, abandoned, or surrendered.
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“I strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most,” Dr. Qu states. “As a veterinarian, I aim to ensure that every creature feels valued and cherished, ultimately honouring the intricate tapestry of life we all share.”

At RAPS Animal Hospital, our team always encourages people to ensure regular routine checkups to be aware of potential health issues before they emerge or to deal with them before they become chronic or serious.

Dr. Tom Homer, Medical Director of RAPS Animal Hospital, urges pet guardians to be vigilant and proactive.
​
“As a veterinarian, I’ve had the privilege of caring for pets through every stage of life—and there’s something especially meaningful about helping them age gracefully,” he says. “Just like humans, pets experience physical and behavioral changes as they grow older. But with the right proactive care, your senior pet can enjoy comfort, mobility, and happiness well into their golden years.”

​Preventative health becomes even more important as pets age. 

“I recommend twice-yearly wellness exams for senior pets,” says Dr. Tom, who defines “senior” as 7 years and up for dogs and 10+ for cats, although this is a rule of thumb and varies by breed and animal. “Regular checkups allow us to catch age-related issues like arthritis, kidney disease, or heart conditions early—when we can still manage them effectively.”

Bloodwork and urinalysis should be part of regular checkups, he says. 

“These tests help detect internal changes long before symptoms appear. It’s not about chasing problems—it’s about staying ahead of them,” Dr. Tom says.

One of the most important things we can do for our pets is help them maintain a healthy weight.
​
“Don't underestimate the power of nutrition and weight management,” he says. “Extra pounds can worsen joint pain and strain the heart. Senior-specific diets are designed to support aging organs and maintain energy without excess calories.”
The veterinarian also urges people to keep an eye on behavioural changes, such as confusion, anxiety, or house soiling.

​“These may be signs of cognitive decline, pain, or sensory loss,” he explains. “These aren’t just ‘old age’—they’re medical signals we can help you interpret and address.”

Finally, Dr. Tom says, don’t forget dental care. 

“Chronic dental disease can silently affect the entire body, including the kidneys and heart,” he says. 
The most important thing is being vigilant and proactive.“
​
​Aging is inevitable—but suffering is not,” Dr. Tom says. “Being proactive means making small, thoughtful choices today that protect your pet’s future. If you have a senior pet at home, let’s talk about a customized wellness plan. You know your pet best—and our team is here to partner with you every step of the way.

“Let’s help them thrive—not just survive,” he says.

​The RAPS Animal Hospital has a new system to make us even more responsive to the needs of you and your pets!
 
If you are a client of the RAPS Animal Hospital, you will be receiving a welcoming email to PetDesk in the coming days.
 
This cutting-edge technology has advantages for you. Through this system and its associated PetDesk app, you will be able to self-book most types of appointments, request prescription refills and access some components of your pet’s medical records. For example, you can show kennels and daycares your pet’s vaccine records.
 
What you won’t see are some of the profound and powerful benefits on the back end – but these robust components will make our hospital even more efficient and effective for you and your pets.
 
You’ll get more details and specific instructions in the coming days if your pet is a patient at the hospital. 
 
Various automations in the system will free up time of the support staff, including the reception team, which means we can deliver even more individualized service to you and your animals!
 
Stand by for the latest news as we roll out this exciting new development. And thank you for your patience as our team gains expertise in using it!

In last month’s (first ever!) edition of the RAPS Animal Hospital newsletter, we told you about the amazing range of integrative medicine options now available at our clinic.
 
In this issue, learn more about manual therapy and how it can help your pet!
 
RAPS Animal Hospital is committed to making animals healthier – and their people happier.
 
We are broadening our ability to meet this goal.
 
Dr. Laurie Pearlstein brings to RAPS Animal Hospital specific training and years of experience in a range of additional approaches to veterinary care. Some of these modalities are complex, but the end-goal is not.  She wants your pet to be as comfortable and functional as possible.  
 
Rambunctious wrestling puppies, weekend warriors and seniors with well-earned age-related joint issues – in any body, one issue or injury easily leads to more than one thing that causes pain as the body adjusts posture and weight bearing to accommodate for the original problem.  
 
A huge area where physiotherapy and integrative medicine shine and where they are routinely employed is in treating and managing pain. It’s all about alleviating a pet’s pain and a big part of this includes being able to address the underlying conditions that caused this pain.
 
One of the ways Dr. Pearlstein does this is through manual therapy – in particular, joint mobilizations and myofascial release.
 
Manual therapy is a very broad term. It encompasses all the therapy that one can accomplish using hands to affect body tissues. Some more familiar examples include massage and chiropractic care.
 
Manual adjustments in pets is similar to that in humans.   
 
“There are different degrees of how you can move a joint,” explains Dr. Pearlstein.  "The bigger sudden joint manipulations can sometimes be overwhelming for many patients. Most of the time, I can employ the more gentle joint mobilizations and fascial techniques to affect tissues and get to where we want to go successfully. This lets them relax and allows me to do more to try and help.” 
 
Fascia is a whole other complex and fascinating interest of Dr. Pearlstein's. 
 
"Suffice it to say, it is so much more than just 'connective tissue,' literally wrapping around every tissue – muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve, lymph and blood vessel – in the body with a tensile strength of 2000 pounds."  
 
Myofascial release is another key component she includes to improve the effectiveness of all the other therapies.  
 
RAPS Animal Hospital is thrilled to offer these and other options to make pets healthy and maintain their well-being. For more information, check out the range of services we offer or speak to one of our professional team.

The RAPS Animal Hospital has received an unprecedented expression of support from some of the world’s top veterinary medicine technology companies – to the tune of close to $1 million!

The extraordinary windfall came from conversations RAPS Animal Hospital doctors and team members had during a major veterinary industry trade show a few months back. 
 
“Our model of community-owned nonprofit veterinary care really resonated with some of the industry representatives we spoke with, says Eyal Lichtmann, CEO of the Regional Animal Protection Society. “The enthusiasm was so great that some of the firms stepped up to provide us with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of new equipment.”
 
These gifts-in-kind are especially welcome as the RAPS Animal Hospital patient load has been increasing dramatically and that is stretching capacity on all fronts, says Lichtmann. 

RAPS Medical Director, Dr. Tom Homer, walked us through the panorama of new tools. He says most of the new equipment are items the hospital had before, but by doubling the number of machines able to analyze tests – hematology, biochemistry and urine tests, for example – it eliminates wait times and allows doctors to get results faster, make speedier diagnoses and therefore get right to treatment conditions – or sending the healthy pets home sooner!
 
There are plans to accommodate many more patients (stay tuned for more big news to come!) but the new equipment the hospital has received is already streamlining services to animals.
 
Dr. Tom, who walked us through the panorama of new tools, says most of the new equipment are items the hospital had before, but by doubling the number of machines able to analyze tests – hematology, biochemistry and urine tests, for example – it eliminates wait times and allows doctors to get results faster, make speedier diagnoses and therefore get right to treatment conditions – or sending the healthy pets home sooner!
 
“Now we don't have to wait for results of basic bloodwork, chemistry, some of the viral testing that we do, and the urinalysis,” says Dr. Tom. “In an event where we have two or three sick patients at the same time, we don't want to have to prioritize getting results while making another patient wait.”

In just one example of where timing matters, the new IDEXX VetStat Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzer can give crucial information almost instantly.

“This assesses the acidity or the alkalinity of blood,” says Dr. Tom. “In the sickest of patients, that can really determine how stable they are. It also tests electrolytes as well, so this can give us an idea of if we have certain types of diabetes, DKA, diabetic ketoacidosis – the only way you can actually diagnose that is when you check blood gases. Without this test, we could make an educated assumption that that's happening but we wouldn't be able to confirm it.”
 
If a diabetic animal is very sick, it is urgently necessary to determine whether DKA is the issue or if some other factor is at play. The rapidity of getting this information and acting on it can be lifesaving.
 
In the next issue of the RAPS Animal Hospital Newsletter, we’ll go on a deeper dive into the new technologies and what they mean for the well-being of your pets. For now, we’re just thrilled to share the news that our hospital has increased our ability to get test results and analyses faster, increasing testing capacity by 100% – or more in some cases. 

We have only touched the tip of the iceberg in this report – next month, we’ll get more technical and explain many of the specific types of technology we have. These include new items that improve our ability to deliver the most responsive, prompt and comprehensive assessments of potential problems – allowing our medical teams to act even more quickly, particularly in cases where timing is especially critical.
 
Stay tuned for more exciting developments …