Compassionate Heart

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Sondra. My cat, Rowdy, was very sick and just ready to go. Dr. Sondra was soft-​spoken and kind and made what could have been a dreadful experience instead a peaceful and compassionate one. I am so thankful that she was there to help him pass into his next phase. She also provided guidance on dealing with the possible behaviors of his littermate, who is going through his own little stages of grief. Thank you, Dr. Sondra.

Dr. Sondra is amazing! She truly has a deep heart for animals as you can see when you first meet her. She is truly selfless when it comes to the care of not her patients (animals), but with her customers. She understands how hard it is and has sympathy for all parties. If you have ever had to put down a pet AKA family member, you know how hard it is. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone is comfortable during the process. I think is a great thing she does for pet owners. Thank you so much for what you do.

Dr. Sondra Elson is incredible in every way. She makes the worst days of your life somewhat bearable. She is soft spoken, gentle and supportive of everyone’s emotions. You can tell immediately she cares so much for our pets and for us as well. It was so nice to have her come to our home, where our old cat Jujube and recently our beloved Doxie, Penny, loved to be. Not having to go to a pet hospital or scary vet office was the best decision ever for our furry family members. We are left with a beautiful paw print she made us and know their ashes were spread in a beautiful garden and the ocean. We got a lovely heart felt card in the mail a few days later and as well as a follow up phone call. Sondra is a professional in every way possible and she instantly becomes your friend as well. Our family can’t thank her enough. Tears fall as I type this. Thank you Sondra for your compassion.

As you can imagine dealing with the death of your furry loved one is an emotional time, I can not express enough how helpful Dr Elson was at my time of need. I called her months before I needed her knowing my dog had cancer and not knowing how long we had left. She took time helping me understand my options and told me to call her when I needed her.
The dreadful day came and she was there that same day. She remembered me right away and had all my details saved, so I didn’t have to think or say much. She was exactly what our family needed. She was personal and professional at the same time.
I loved that she dropped a note in the mail box and even called to check in our family. That’s extraordinary service!
I have passed her name to friends and they too have enjoyed the her professionalism and compassion. It’s not an ideal situation when you need Dr. Elson, but when you do she’s the best for the job.
Thank you for your time and helping my family.

By no means, does my review mean Compassionate Care is bad or rude… please, take my experience as a one timer. I want others to understand the hours prior to calling. My review is solely based on the first and only phone call.
Friday night, I knew this was going to be my last night with my 12 yr old, amazing dog. I was crying all the while, googling for in-​home euthanasia, Unilocal searching, just trying to find someone I could feel comfortable with to come to my home and help me transition my dog’s life. I called Dr. Sondra (trying to hold it together) and she answered so quickly — what a relief it was. We proceeded to talk about my situation and I was asked what time on Saturday I was thinking. I responded with morning time. I was asked what time specifically, so I said, 7am or 8am, 9am. I heard giggling on the other end, so I felt like a complete fool and stuttered and said, if that doesn’t work, what time does, because I don’t know how this works…
Dr. Sondra quickly did apologize twice over for the giggling. She said families typically do end of the day, not mornings and so her lifestyle has gotten accustomed to (this is not verbatim), not doing mornings.
I felt like my situation was a mere «to do» and there was not compassion for what my animal, or myself, was going through. But, I always allow a redemption and proceeded to talk and ignore the giggling portion since there was an apology.
I did feel some comfort in what she told me with regards to eating and what to watch for. She is available 7 days a week, which is relieving.
We did not end up using Compassionate Heart, but instead, took her to our vet clinic on Saturday morning and they were amazing and wonderful and kept her comfortable. If you do call, ask the Dr. the hours she is available, rather than you tell her what works for you (do this only after she tells you what is open). I am sure she is wonderful at the skill set, perhaps I just got her in a weird spot that evening. Mistakes happen… hence, I did not give lower than 3 stars.

This angel of a woman and Dr. Came to our rescue in the blink of of eye.
We were very fortunate to have connected through fate.
Professional, empathetic, trustworthy, KNOWLEDGEABLE, understanding, graceful could not have had our encounter be any more perfect under the circumstance. There was even a card mailed! I will forever recommend to anyone needing care for the furchild they love. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, there are not enough words to convey our appreciation for you and what you do day to day.

My fiancé and I had to say goodbye to our best friend and family member, Ruger, last month. We found out he had cancer earlier in the year, and he fought so bravely against it. There is nothing harder then to decide that your best friend shouldn’t have to fight anymore. Ruger enriched our lives so much that we felt that we owed him the most comfortable goodbye that was possible, and we found that with Dr. Sondra. It was beautiful, really. He go to lay on his big bed, cuddling with Ross (my fiancé and Ruger’s #1), 100% stress-​free and fearless. It was the best goodbye I’ve ever experienced with any pet, and with it came such sound closure because we knew we did right by him (as hard of a decision as it was). In fact, witnessing this made me feel like Ruger had a more comfortable finale then most humans get. I can honestly say that I will never have another animal put-​down at a vet. Compassionate Heart takes one of the most difficult and dreadful decisions for pet-​owners and creates a wonderful, loving, and beautiful family moment. Thank you Dr. Sondra for the peace that Ross and I have in our hearts, we cannot recommend this service enough.

Unfortunately we had to use Dr. Elson’s services twice this past year. We had to put down our beloved Porkchop down after having to put Applesauce down about six months ago. Both times Dr. Elson is incredibly gentle and creates a warm and comfortable environment for both the pet and the humans. I know that Applesauce and Porkchop are in a better place, but at least Dr. Elson made their last moments as comfortable as she can possibly make them. Thank You Dr. Elson.

We are writing this Unilocal with a heavy heart because we lost one of the joys in our life, Max. Max was our companion of 5 short years. Max was poisoned by a sago palm. Never in a million years did we think that any of our vegetation in our yard could make such a devastating occurrence in our life, but it did. The only saving grace was Dr. Sondra with Compassionate Heart. When we were looking for understanding and relief for Max, she came in to our home with grace and kindness and walked us through letting Max go. Max was able to be warm and comfortable in our home on his blanket and let go. Sondra was an answer to our desperation of our very sick friend. We will always be grateful to her for being there for Max and us.

I cannot say enough about the love, compassion, and empathy showed by Dr Sondra in our time of need. Our sweet elderly cat Bailey took a sharp turn for the worse last week and we knew it was time to make the decision we were dreading. We were referred to Dr Sondra by our pet sitter. I called at 8 am and we were able to schedule an appointment for 1 pm. We knew it was cruel to wait any longer than possible as it was evident Bailey was suffering. I’ll skip the details of our appointment as it’s still very raw for me to talk about, but Dr Sondra made the experience as comforting and compassionate as possible. She could not have shown more care and love for our sweet boy and we are eternally grateful. If the time ever comes where you need such a service, you could not possibly find someone better than Dr Sondra.

I have not personally had an experience with Compassionate Heart but I am copying my Aunt’s email on her behalf:
It has been just over one month since Dr. Sondra came to our home and released our beloved pet Sparkie back into the universe. A mere thank you just isn’t enough. Reading some of the testimonials I see the pain feel the lose all those people before us have shared. The common thread of course is the Compassionate Heart. What a perfect name! What a wonderful person in Dr. Sondra.
Our daughter (dog) Sparkie was a family pet, in the fact that she lived with members of our family. First my sister in Northern California, then with us in San Diego. She was beside my father until he passed. She has Sat by my side through sickness and injuries. If you were part of our extended family she could smell it and would welcome you to our home.
She was a real beauty, people would comment on how beautiful she was every time she was out for a walk. Of course we knew she was getting old and a bad leg injury as a puppy was getting to her in old age. Her ability to walk, go upstairs, the worst was when she couldn’t jump on our bed in the morning and steal my husband’s spot when he got up. She loved doing that in the a.m.
or pushing me out when she thought it was time I should be up. So many memories.
My husband went on line and found Compassionate Heart, he said «I THE ONE please call, it is a woman, I want a woman to be with us okey?» I wanted the same thing for our girl, she loved to hang with the ladies. I called the next day and as others have said the voice of an angel answered. She listened she told me of second thoughts I would have (I did), and we talked about services. I didn’t want her ashes comingled, I wanted to take her home to the meadow. Dr. Sondra listened and understood.
The afternoon she came to our home my husband and sons were there. She came right in and sat on the floor with our dog. She explained everything that might happen so we would be prepared.
I knew our baby girl was in pain, I could see it in her eyes. When Dr. Sondra gave her the tranquilizer Sparkie looked right into my eyes and I could tell she was released from her pain. She was relieved, and looked at us lovingly and grateful. I knew we had made the right decision. My husband, myself, our sons (Sparkie’s pack as my husband says), held hands, held her, cried, kissed, petted, and loved her to the very last heartbeat. She was wrapped in the blankets she loved so much. My sons carried her to Dr. Sondra’s car we all hugged. We knew her spirit had passed, her body gone, but she will always be with us. That night was a blue moon, the last one for a few years. How fitting it was there to guide our girl on her journey home.
Sparkie has found ways to send us love, the first message came the very next day. I went to get my 20 year old up, and as I opened his door there was a large, not known to me, dog. Her name, Fiona, just a year old, big, clumsy dog, I had a puppy at my house all day. I laughed, I cried, she comforted me, I thanked Sparkie and the universe for that blessing. Dr. Sondra and I talked about it when she called to check on us, to see how we were doing.
We go day by day, we miss her so much. I find myself thinking she is upstairs then I remember she is gone.
This October I will take her ashes home to the meadow, but I know her true home is in our hearts.
Thank you Dr. Sondra, may you always be safe in everything you do, because we need you here. You are an angel sent to help our four legged family members go with grace and love, and have a compassionate heart for us who remain.
Grateful to you always
Betty and Steve Gregg
And all Sparkie’s extended family

I can only echo the sentiments others have shared here. We are new to the area and didn’t have a local Vet when we realized it was time for our 19 year old Siamese to be released from a life that no longer held any quality for her. The hardest part is coming to that decision. We both wanted to be with her at home. I called other vets in the area, but none were available to help us. I had not heard of Compassionate Heart, but thanks to google, I was able to find Sondra. I cannot imagine a more professional, kind, peaceful and respectful environment than the one she created. I honestly don’t know how she does what she does, but I am so grateful to have found her. We are now left with two elderly dogs and I feel at peace knowing what we need to do when the time comes.

Dr Sondra was a pleasure to work with. Professional and caring and thorough. She treated our dog with respect.

Sondra was amazing she made mushus last moments here with us pain free. He was comfy up until his last moments… I’m glad it was in my room at his favorite perch in my window, this was a better option than a cold vet office where he gets scared as soon as I put him in the carrier. I loved him so much and I’m glad Sondra was able to make as caring as possible

There are only inadequate words to describe how wonderful Dr Sandra was during an extremely emotional and traumatic time. How about OUTSTANDING, SENSITVE and PROFESSIONAL! My 10+year old Boxer named Jeeta had been successfully battling Cushings disease and a number of other age related issues since we drove cross country from the East Coast to relocate to San Diego several years ago. In January we moved from Del Mar to a home in North Park because it had a nice yard and no stairs for Jeeta to struggle up and down. When I finally realized that Jeeta was no longer having a quality life, I had to come to grips with the inevitable but did not know what to do or when. Jeeta was originally going to Heaven on ⁶⁄₁₆ but he could not make it and started to suffer. Like a Miracle, I found Dr Sandra Elsan and she came over to the house that same day on ⁶⁄₉. Jeeta was in acute distress and then peace. I miss my Jeeta every! Thank God for Dr Elsan!

If you are reading these reviews right now, you are probably feeling devastated, helpless and just downright sad. You are scared, you feel sick and your anxiety is out of control… this was me multiplied by a million other emotions, none of which included happiness.
Let me assure you that calling Dr. Sondra Elson to help you during this unbearable time is the right decision. It is a decision of heartbreak, but of pure unconditional love. Dr. Elson is nothing shy of amazing. She IS love. She made the process of letting our heart dog go such a peaceful experience.
Bogart was 15 and his liver had taken all it could take. He was in pain and he was ready. Dr. Elson explained everything. There was not one part of the entire experience that we had questions about. Bogart didn’t like many people (Jack Russell, what can I say?), but he approached Dr. Elson with ease and even gave her a few licks. He trusted her, even in his condition. I cannot say enough about Dr. Elson and how much she means to our family. SHE was the doctor that was supposed to be there that day to help us and she will help you too.

We are very thankful for the compassionate and understanding way Dr Sondra Elson said goodbye to our baby Shadow. During such a difficult time for us, Dr Elson was patient and explained every step of the way what would happen. As difficult as it is to say goodbye to the animals we love, Dr Elson made it as calming and peaceful as possible. Dr Elson took our call on an Sunday morning, and was there Sunday afternoon. Shadow passed peacefully in her own bed in the home she loved. Thank you Dr Elson for your professionalism and compassion.

Compassionate Heart was incredible to my beloved Bailey. I called on a Saturday and Dr. Sandra was here on Sunday and traveled from La Mesa. I had heard that pets can be comfortable at home when they die and Bailey (the boxer) was relaxed and ready to go to the rainbow bridge. Bailey was 11 ½ and lived a full life with our family of three kids. Dr. Sandra was calm and explained the procedure and kept everyhting peaceful. I could not image taking my dog to a sterile veterinarian’s office and Bailey being fearful and scared. We fed Bailey her favorite treats and hugged her on her favorite blanket until the end! It was a great experience for my children and the entire family.
Thank you Compasssionate heart! We highly recommend!
The McClurkins
Carlsbad, CA.

Words cannot describe how thankful I am to have connected with Dr. Elson, an exceptional individual who really makes a difference for not only our honored pets, but for us in the difficult process of accepting it is time. There isn’t anything I would change about this experience, from the first conversation I had with her, to the day she came to my house and then brought Otis (my Chessie) back to me. Incredible.
Sure I miss Otis but I wake up everyday knowing that he maintained his dignity and pride. Much of that due to the compassionate services of Dr. Elson.

I am so thankful for Dr. Sondra Elson with Compassionate heart, as she really made the unbearable process of laying my beloved Chico to rest bearable! We’ve had several veterinarians care for our dog through the course of his life but none as caring, kind, gentle, considerate and dedicated as Dr. Elson in Chico’s final hours. Dr. Elson arrived on time, sympathetic and compassionate, honoring our intense emotions, and perfectly, gently closing the door for beloved Chico (to start his journey to the Rainbow Bridge). She gave us all the time we needed at each stage of the procedure, which she explained clearly. She let us be with Chico as long as we needed. Thank you Sondra!!! Once our Chico had transitioned she wrapped him in a cozy blanket and took his remains with her to handle the crematory process. Dr. Elson has a very compassionate heart, we are so blessed to have had Chico under her care.
— Greg