Pet Blog

Summer is for making memories with our pets. With a little planning, you can stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy everything the season has to offer—whether you’re heading out on an adventure or relaxing close to home. Host a Backyard Water Party One of the easiest ways to beat the summer heat is with a … Continue reading “Dr. Azure Holland’s Summer Bucket List”

Dr. Holland’s Perspective What It Really Takes to Travel with Pets in-Cabin After our latest adventure with Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit, I’m always reminded how many people assume traveling with pets in-cabin is either impossible, chaotic, or reserved for “easy” animals. In truth, successful travel with pets is rarely luck—it is preparation, temperament, … Continue reading “What It Really Takes to Travel with Pets in Cabin”

California Dreaming in Style By Pecan Pie & Lady Blueberry Biscuit Dearest friends, We have returned from dis latest California holiday and, after a full recovery period consisting of naps, snacks, and prolonged window reflection, we are ready to share the details of our most recent travels. Three Nights Above the City Our adventure began … Continue reading “May Mews”

A Gentle Spring Reminder: Hidden Toxins in the Yard Dr. Azure Holland As the season shifts, a quiet awareness can help keep your pet safe in the places they love most. As the weather warms, many families begin spending more time outdoors—opening windows, walking barefoot in the grass, and inviting their pets to enjoy the … Continue reading “A Gentle Spring Reminder”

Spring has sprung… and we have concerns 🌸🐾 Oh hiiii frens, It is officially SPRING which means the birds are birding, the squirrels are squirreling, and the sunbeams are simply… exquisite. We have been very busy supervising the outdoors from our stroller and window perches. Pecan Pie has been monitoring the pollen levels (very high, … Continue reading “Spring has sprung”

from Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit  (as dictated by two extremely involved cats) Hello friends, neighbors, admirers, and people who keep snacks in their pockets, It’s March. Which means spring is trying, the sun is flirting with us through the windows, and Meowmie keeps saying things like “just a few more weeks” while we supervise … Continue reading “🌸 March Mews 🌸”

A thoughtful guide for families As the weather warms, many families begin asking about the possibility of saying goodbye outdoors — in a backyard, garden, or other meaningful space. For some pets and families, an outdoor farewell can feel deeply personal and beautiful. At the same time, outdoor appointments require additional thought and planning. Below … Continue reading “Considering an Outdoor Goodbye as the Weather Warms”

Helping dogs and cats navigate the loss of a beloved companion By Dr. Azure Holland Just as people do, our pets form profound bonds with one another. When a companion dies, the animals who remain often experience their own form of grief—expressed not in words, but through subtle shifts in behavior, appetite, energy, or routine. … Continue reading “Supporting the Companions Who Carry On”

We may not understand words the way humans do, but we understand change. We notice when dis house sounds different. When footsteps don’t arrive where they used to. When a favorite spot stays empty a little longer than expected. We notice when meowmie pauses in rooms she once moved through without thinking. When routines soften. … Continue reading “We Notice When Something Feels Different”

By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit Hello friends, Reporting live from somewhere warm, breezy, and extremely flattering to our whiskers. 🌴😼 Dis New Year, we traded sweaters for sunshine and decided to ring in 2026 the proper way — by following the sun. Pecan Pie here. I would like the record to show that I … Continue reading “A New Year Mews Letter from the Bahamas”

By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit Holiday rituals don’t have to be big or fancy. From where we sit (usually somewhere soft), dis most meaningful moments are the quiet, familiar ones we share with you. We thrive on routine, presence, and togetherness. The little traditions you create with us become comforting anchors year after year. … Continue reading “The 12 Days of Togetherness”

 A Pet-Friendly Guide to the Merriest Season By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit (with Meowmie, Dr. Azure Holland) The holidays at our house start with one sound: tissue paper.  As soon as we hear that crinkle, we arrive on the scene — nose-first into the gift wrap container.. Pecan Pie handles ribbon inspection. Blueberry Biscuit … Continue reading “Paws, Presents & Holiday Traditions”

Creating a Safe, Cozy Holiday Home for Pets By Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit (with a little help from Meowmie, Dr. Azure Holland) Hello, friends! It’s us — Pecan Pie and Blueberry Biscuit. We are the official holiday decorating supervisors in our house. The holidays begin the moment the storage boxes appear… and so do … Continue reading “Decorate With Us!”

“Hello, hoomans! It’s us — Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit — here to tell you about our favorite fall activity: the Great Outdoor Leaf Box. In the fall, the whole yard turns into dis giant crunchy playground. Crisp leaves, new smells, sparkly sunlight, cool breezes — everything is exciting for kitty noses and whiskers. Exploring … Continue reading “Fall Enrichment Idea: The Great Outdoor Leaf Box”

  (The official feline correspondents for Azure Holland, A Mobile Veterinary Service) Hello, spooky friends! It’s your favorite feline duo — Pecan Pie (the wise, fluffy foodie) and Blueberry Biscuit (the mysterious blue queen of sass). Halloween is creeping closer, and while humans are busy decorating with pumpkins and cobwebs, we’re here to make sure your pets stay safe, cozy, … Continue reading “A Meow-lloween Message from Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit”

Thoughts on helping dogs and cats grieve the loss of their beloved companion By Dr. Holland Just like people, our pets form deep bonds with one another. When a companion passes, the surviving pets may experience their own version of grief—often expressed through changes in behavior, appetite, or routines. At Azure Holland, we believe in … Continue reading “Supporting the companions who carry on”

 A Gentle Farewell for Your Beloved Companion Losing a pet is one of the most heartbreaking experiences for any pet owner. In such moments, finding a way to honor and cherish the memories of your pet becomes essential. Paws Remembered Pet Aquamation Service offers a compassionate and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation, helping you say … Continue reading “A blog from Brad at Paws Remembered Pet Aquamation Service in Knightdale”

By: Dr. Leslie Sanders When cats lose mobility from injury, illness, or age, their quality of life can suffer. In palliative care, keeping cats comfortable, independent, and engaged is a top priority — and sometimes, a wheelchair (also called a cart) can make all the difference. Feline wheelchairs are lightweight frames that support a cat’s … Continue reading “Compassionate care is always about meeting them where they are — and sometimes, that’s on wheels!”

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most tender and emotional moments a family can share. When it comes to including children in that experience, there is no one-size-fits-all answer — just the needs of your child, your family, and your pet’s comfort. At Azure Holland, we believe children can be included … Continue reading “Should my children be present?”

Hearing that your beloved cat or dog has a chronic disease can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, or a heart condition, the news often comes with a mix of emotions—confusion, fear, guilt, and love.  The good news? With proper care, many pets live happy, comfortable lives even with chronic conditions. Here’s what … Continue reading “WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR PET HAS A CHRONIC DISEASE Dr. Janelle’s Guide for Pet Parents”

This week, I had the privilege of visiting two incredible veterinary hospitals—Animal Hospital of Brier Creek and Paws at Play Veterinary Hospital. During my time there, I had in-depth discussions with their teams about providing better end-of-life care for pets. As someone who is deeply passionate about this aspect of veterinary care, it was both … Continue reading “Improving End-of-Life Care for Pets: A Collaborative Approach with Dr. Azure Holland”

AS PET PARENTS, we don’t want our fur babies to suffer at the end of their lives.  We also don’t want to cut any precious moments short. There is no more agonizing pain than having to put a baby to sleep because often, to end their suffering we must face ours. It’s the choice to … Continue reading “How Do I Know When It’s Time?”

Update: August 2024, Dr. Holland has been elected and reelected President of the board July 2022, 2023, 2024 and reappointed by Gov Cooper July 2023.   Raleigh, NC – On July 1, 2018 Dr. Azure Holland, owner of Azure Holland Mobile Veterinary Service was appointed by North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper to the North Carolina … Continue reading “Dr. Azure Holland has been reappointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper”

  Regularly I am asked this question so I wanted to address it on my blog knowing that it is a sensitive topic. I have practiced at both an animal hospital and my mobile service that provides home euthanasia for dogs and cats in the Triangle and surrounding areas.  I feel that both of my … Continue reading “Are In-Home services more expensive?”

The loss of your dog or cat is one of the hardest things that a pet parent has to navigate. Throughout this journey of the final life stage, there are an array of emotions that can come up.  I have had to say goodbye to beloved fur babies and the grief has been intense.  Here … Continue reading “Loss and Grief with Dr. Holland”

The process that a family goes through to reach the decision of euthanasia for a beloved family pet can be one of the toughest things they ever have to go through. What can make the decision even harder is knowing your pet has a terminal diagnosis and seeing that he or she seems fine – … Continue reading “My pet has been given a terminal diagnosis, what now?”

I get asked about pet hospice when I meet with families so I hope to help explain a little more. Pet hospice is often thought of in the same way we think of human hospice, that is, to provide comfort during the final phases of life.  When I help families with pet hospice the Triangle, … Continue reading “When is hospice right for my pet?”

I’ve found in brick and mortar practices, that euthanasia appointments can feel very impersonal and often take place in cold sterile exam rooms. Families are also forced to start the grieving process in a public setting. In a regular hospital setting, the Doctor often cannot devote 100% of their attention to the pet or the … Continue reading “Why Home Euthanasia for Your Pet?”

This time of the year more than most I hear a lot of my friends having to make unnecessary trips to the Vet’s office which is not a fun place most of the time, however, since my Mom works there, I don’t mind visiting. The tree is a lot of fun and many friends have … Continue reading “Pecan Pie’s Tips for Surviving the Holidays. Literally.”

We are so happy to welcome Dr. Janelle Fenlason to our practice.  Janelle has a real passion for helping families and their pets.  “I realized I needed to offer more availability on the weekends and evenings, Janelle was a perfect fit and I really think families are going to appreciate getting to know her, I … Continue reading “Dr. Janelle Fenlason Joins Our Practice”

This time of the year more than most I hear a lot of my friends having to make unnecessary trips to the Vet’s office which is not a fun place most of the time, however, since my Meowmie works there, I don’t mind visiting. The tree is a lot of fun and many friends have had … Continue reading “Pecan Pie’s Tips for Surviving the Holidays. Literally.”

This is one of the hardest questions I get asked.  I have recently told a family to talk to your pet, they will tell you when it is time.  That may sound like strange advice, put it is true.  As pet owners we all know when our pet is trying to tell us something.  I … Continue reading “How do I know when it is time to put my pet to sleep?”

A very good friend of mine, Drew Eillot, recently interviewed me for an article he wrote, “The Psychology of Grieving for Your Pet.”  I was honored that he reached out to me for this very helpful article.  I have posted a link below to the story in the Holly Springs Sun.  I have experienced pet … Continue reading “The Psychology of Grieving for your Pet by Drew Elliot”

I thought I would share 5 tips that I have found helpful with pet loss and to memorialize your pet. 1.  Start a new daily ritual.  Take your favorite photo of your pet and put it beside your bed.  Say hello each morning. 2. Take an object that you can relate to your pet with … Continue reading “5 tips to memorialize your pet”

Dr. Holland was recently featured on NBC 17 My Carolina today discussing her house calls for home euthanasia.  Dr. Azure Holland’s mobile veterinary service is an alternative for pet lovers in Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill. Dr. Holland also provide in home pet hospice services.  With her latest appearance on My Carolina Today she … Continue reading “Dr. Holland On NBC 17 My Carolina Today”

Dr. Holland was recently featured in Raleigh’s Midtown Magazine.  “The Toughest Choice” in the September/October Edition of the magazine features Dr. Holland discussing her inspiration to specialize in home euthanasia for pets in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill region. Click here to see the article.  

We are excited to announce that Dr. Holland will be a featured speaker at the 7th International Conference on Pet Loss and Bereavement in Newark, NJ May 16th – 18th, 2014. Dr. Holland will be presenting on Saturday morning about at home euthanasia for pets.   Azure will share about her experiences helping families in Raleigh … Continue reading “Dr. Holland to be a featured Speaker at International Conference”