Author: Elizabeth Benson, DVM

About Elizabeth Benson, DVM

Dr. Elizabeth Benson grew up in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, the only child in a military family. At the age of 11, she lost her mother unexpectedly.

“My mom’s loss was painful and, in hindsight, the experience was more traumatic than it needed to be. Every loss is painful, and there are ways in which we can celebrate life even through death,” says Dr. Benson. 

After the traumatic loss of her mother, Dr. Benson yearned to change the way we experience death and loss. She moved to New England graduating from University of New Hampshire and then completed a degree in Veterinary Medicine at Atlantic Veterinary College. She went to veterinary school with the hopes of improving pet’s lives, but she could not foresee the beautiful impact her career would have on so many families. 

Following veterinary school she completed an internship, where she was given the opportunity to practice with board certified surgeons and internal medicine specialists. She then moved to beautiful San Diego where she accepted a position as an emergency veterinarian.

Dr. Benson loved treating her patients but soon realized that many were frightened just by walking through the clinic doors. There were so many strange smells in their unfamiliar surroundings.

“I wanted to give pets and their parents a beautiful last encounter,” she said. “I was reluctant to accept the idea that the end of a pet’s life should be in an unfamiliar office where pets were frightened.”

It was with that mindset that Dr. Benson started Paws into Grace in 2007. 

Dr. Benson treats every euthanasia appointment as an opportunity to make a difference for the pet and their family, and how they view the end of life. Her comforting demeanor and thorough explanation of the process are second to none. The empathy she shows each family creates a lasting impression on them, one that she hopes can provide them comfort and positive memories of their beloved pet.

Throughout each appointment, she honors the family by incorporating any traditions they may have – something that cannot be achieved with traditional euthanasia in an office setting. Each pet is comforted by her gentle touch and peaceful demeanor. They are relaxed, in their own space, and surrounded by their loving family. 

For most, it’s hard to imagine the emotional toll this line of work may take on someone. Dr. Benson has been serving families with grace for more than 15 years. Only someone with a true passion for this line work can carry on like she has. 

“I have the best job in the world,” she says, “because I get to witness true, unconditional love every single day.”

As a mother, Dr. Benson has many goals in mind for the future of Paws into Grace.

“I want parents to feel supported during the process so they can help their children feel safe,” she says. “We’re setting them up for how they process grief throughout their entire life, so it’s imperative that those memories they hold regarding death are ones of comfort and support.”  

In her free time, Dr. Benson enjoys running and spending time with her three children, dogs, cats, and chickens.

Qualifications & Certifications:

• Doctor Veterinary Medicine
• Acupuncture certification: Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Compassionate Critical Care Award from Atlantic Veterinary College
• Internship: California Animal Hospital

Schools:

• Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island
• University of New Hampshire: graduated Magna Cum Laude

Related Questions

I asked Dr. Benson and the other Vets some questions so I thought I’d share some of their answers:

What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in In-Home Euthanasia and End-Of-Life Care for Pets?

I think it was a culmination of inspiration that I had not been fully aware of until recently. It started because I was working in a busy emergency hospital. I realized that the way we were ending life for these pets was not what they deserved. The waiting rooms, exam rooms were too busy, chaotic, unfamiliar and the entire experience was stressful.

The families were also not given enough time and privacy for such a sacred time. I thought we should be giving every family the opportunity to say goodbye at home instead. This was my original motivation but it evolved from something deeper. I realized recently that my own mother’s death was another catalyst to starting Paws Into Grace.

When she died I felt very alone and isolated. I didn’t feel there was any comfort or genuine connection from those at the funeral home. At a young age, I wouldn’t expect a death to be comforting or beautiful but I carried with me what I would have wanted instead.

I would have wanted to have a way to remember her. I would have wanted something to read to give me some comfort and I would have wanted a peaceful and gentle goodbye together. I didn’t get to say goodbye or have those last moments together. I internalized these regrets as I grew up.

These regrets stayed with me for years until I was ready to give others what I had always needed. Paws into Grace helped me give every family and pet that beautiful goodbye I had always wanted. Sometimes, it feels as if I am setting something right for children. They will have a different experience with death. It will not be the same as it was for me centered around fear, isolation but rather comfort and grace.

As if I am breaking a cycle of tragedy for those we help. This is a blessing and closure because from something so devastating a bigger purpose of change has evolved.

Can You Share a Particularly Memorable Moment or Experience That Reaffirmed Why You Chose This Path?

Every moment I have spent with families and children reaffirms this path. When I see families hugging through tears or having the time to say goodbye as the pet falls asleep or laugh together sharing memories I know this path is exactly where I belong. I get to see families experience death differently and I believe that leads to healing.

How Do You Navigate the Emotional Challenges of Your Work, and What Keeps You Going During Difficult Times?

I remember how grateful people are to let their pet pass without pain.

What Message or Advice Would You Give to Pet Owners Who Are Considering In-Home Euthanasia for Their Pets?

Research all of the options. You can have the euthanasia outside, inside. You can feed special treats. You can make the goodbye as unique and special as the bond you share together.

Social Media

• Paws into Grace (@pawsintograce)           
• Dr. Elizabeth Benson, Paws Into Grace Facebook Page