There is nothing better to Dr. Gardner than a dog with a grey muzzle or skinny old cat! Her professional goal is to increase awareness and medical care for the geriatric veterinary patient and to help make the final life stage to be as peaceful as possible, surrounded with dignity and support for all involved.

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A University of Florida graduate, she discovered her niche in end of life care and is a founder of Lap of Love which has over 400 veterinarians around the country dedicated to veterinary hospice and euthanasia in the home.

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Dr. Gardner published 2 books on caring for geriatric pets. "It's Never Long Enough" (dogs) and "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" (cats). She is co-author of the textbook “The Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Patient”, co-author of a children’s activity book focused on saying goodbye to a dog called “Forever Friend”.

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Dr. Gardner’s doberman Duncan had GOLPP and since then she has become a huge advocate for the disease and the families and pets facing it.