Expert and compassionate care for older pets & pets with serious illness.
"You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life."
Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of Modern Hospice
Our mission is to support older animals and their humans with excellent care, love & understanding. It is also our goal to improve the availability and understanding of veterinary palliative medicine, including longevity support, palliative care, hospice care, and end of life services.
We work exclusively with older pets and
pets with serious illness conditions in order to focus on their unique needs.
We will communicate with and work together with your primary care veterinarian and other specialists in order to provide excellent care for your pet.
All of our care is mobile. We are dedicated to providing gentle and compassionate care in the comfort of your home. We do not have a clinic location where we see patients.
Because of the unique nature of our clinic, we do not offer vaccinations, radiographic imaging, or general anesthesia for surgical/dental services. We can help to arrange these services if needed.
Our People & Pets
A Note from Dr. Cook
Protecting and supporting the bond we have with our pets is incredibly important.
Just as our animal companions rely on us to love them and provide for them, we too revel in the unconditional love and joy that they bring into our lives.
With clear communication, an integrative & holistic approach to medical and comfort care, and the knowledge that every animal is an individual, we can provide excellent health care and honor the very special bond we have with our pets.
Dr. Nathaniel Cook DVM, CVA, CVFT, CTPEP
Medical Director and Founder
Dr. Cook grew up in the Chicago suburb of Evanston and attended Davidson College where he graduated with Honors in Biology in 2000. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT), and Certified TCVM Palliative and End of Life Practitioner (CTPEP) through the Chi Institute of TCVM in Reddick, FL.
Dr. Cook has worked in many facets of veterinary medicine, but his passion is helping families care for their older pets and pets with serious illness conditions. Due to his interest in veterinary palliative medicine, he founded A Living Bond, a mobile clinic dedicated to hospice and palliative care in Chicago, IL in 2014, and also worked with Heart’s Ease Veterinary Care in Louisville, KY from 2017-2019, also a clinic dedicated to hospice and palliative care. Now, he is very excited to continue his dedication to Palliative Medicine by founding Chicago Veterinary Geriatrics.
Dr. Cook currently serves on the Board of Directors of the IAAHPC (International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.
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Publications:
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Cook, N., and B. Marchitelli. "Factors Contributing to the Decision to Euthanize Pet Dogs and Cats." Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals: Principles and Practice, edited by Amir Shanan, Jessica Pierce, and Tamara Shearer. Wiley, 2023, pp. 374-388.
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Marchitelli, B, Shearer, T and Cook, N. Factors Contributing to the Decision to Euthanize Diagnosis, Clinical Signs, and Triggers. Vet Clin Small Anim 50 (2020) 573-589.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.12.007
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Bennett, C and Cook, N. Palliative Care Services at Home: Viewpoint from a Multidoctor Practice. Vet Clin Small Anim 49 (2019) 529-551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.01.018
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McGhee
Dr. Cook's dog
Dr. Cook adopted McGhee when he was about 6 months old in June of 2017. McGhee has come a long way with managing his separation anxiety, but still doesn't really want any alone time. He is loving, cuddly, boisterous Pekingese Mix and a true clown--he comes on strong with limitless love for everyone.
Alfred "Freddy"
Dr. Cook's dog
Dr. Cook adopted Freddy from Reach Rescue in November of 2021 at the age of ~9 years old. He is a spunky little Shih Tzu who came with a severe skin infection and difficulty trusting people due to his former life of neglect, but is enjoying all of the comforts of his new life, especially breakfast in bed on Sundays. No that he knows love, safety, and security, he is excited to explore the world around him.
Cupcakke
Dr. Cook's dog
Cupcakke is Dr. Cook's latest addition and was adopted in August 2023 with an estimated age of ~10-11 years old. He is just the cutest little Pomeranian who loves to be held, and is feeling really good now that he's back in good health. He doesn't have a whole lot of fur because he has a congenital condition called Alopecia-X, but that doesn't stop him from charming everyone he meets.
Jackie
Nurse
Jackie has worked with Dr. Cook for many years, and works with CVG every other Wednesday morning. She is a native Chicagoan and lives with her handsome cat Nemo.
Amanda
Reception & Family Care Coordinator
Amanda has been with CVG since August 2022 and has over 5 years of experience in the veterinary field working as a kennel technician, bather, and veterinary assistant. She felt a connection to CVG after having cared for two pets of her own who were in hospice care. In 2022, Amanda graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a Bachelors in Sociology, and plans to attend graduate school to become a therapist specializing in grief. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, reading and spending time with her cat Wolfgang.