Blog > Uhills Business Spotlight – Elysian Fields
“The Dog is a gentleman. I hope to go to his heaven, not Man’s.” – Mark Twain
This week I’d like to introduce you to a business that holds very dear to my heart, Elysian Fields, In Home Euthanasia. It may be the hardest decision, we as humans, can make, but there’s comfort in knowing there are helping hands when it’s time.
My Personal Experiences
This is a different kind of business. One that I hold more respect for than most other businesses due to the nature of it. I couldn’t imagine the type of resolve it must take, or the amount of compassion that must be needed to work in this field. I don’t intend on wanting to dwell on the negatives, but this one hits home very closely.
You see, I’ve had to make the decision twice on two of the most loved, kind hearted, and overly generous dogs in my life. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was single handedly the hardest, most emotional decision I’ve ever had to make. When a creature can love you more than you deserve, in those last moments, you truly question how well you’ve treated them. You are their world, you and you alone make up everything they know and love. They don’t judge, they don’t hate, and they can forgive in mere seconds. SECONDS!!! If only I was half the man my dogs think I am…..
I didn’t know “in home” euthanasia was an option for my first furry ball of love. I can recall every incident of that day even though it was a decade ago. And I left the vet feeling empty, dark, and lonely.
When it came time to say goodbye to our second amazing animal we did not deserve, we sought out this option. And I will say that it was BY FAR a much different, and more personal experience. We didn’t feel empty, or cold, or like we did the wrong thing.
Our furry friends mean so much to us, and it’s worth a call to Erica to talk about this as I know what it’s like to go through this, but your memories will be different depending on how you say goodbye.
To lighten the mood a touch, a joke…… How can you tell who your best friend is between your dog and your partner? Lock them both in the trunk of the car for four hours and see which one is happy to see you when you let them out!
The Story and the “Why” behind Elysian Fields
What is the story behind your business? How did you know it was something you wanted to pursue?
“I have been helping terminally ill animals in their homes for close to 25 years. I had been working in a non-profit animal hospital and lived close to the hospital, so many of my clients lived in the neighborhood. It was then that I started offering to go to their homes when their animals were sick so they wouldn’t have to bring them into the hospital on their last day. Word-of-mouth has grown my business over the years. I like that clients and friends who have been pleased and grateful for my service have passed on my name to friends in need.”
The Owner – Erica Rambus
Dr. Erica Rambus is a licensed veterinarian in the state of Colorado. She is a 1996 graduate of Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Upon graduation, Dr. Rambus worked at a non-profit, full-service hospital in Denver, Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital (now Pet Aid), where she served low-income pets and their loving families. After committing her time to these beloved animals for 7 years, she started her own non-profit called Divine Feline, where she transitioned to helping cats (feral, stray, and pet cats) of families and caretakers with financial constraints. Dr. Rambus also had a small house-call practice that she started between her two ventures, in-home euthanasia being the only service she continued to offer after transitioning from this practice.
Dr. Rambus has now been providing in-home euthanasia services for dogs and cats since 2000. She has helped many beloved furry friends to pass peacefully in their homes, surrounded by their loving families.
Tell me about your business – what you do and what makes it special?
“I help animals to pass peacefully in their homes when it comes time to say goodbye. I work with Pet Cremation Services in Wheat Ridge, so I am able to offer my clients private or communal cremation of their beloved pets, along with a beautiful selection of special urns, jewelry that holds ashes, etc.”
What is your favorite part about running your own business?
“I am honored to help these animals to pass peacefully in their homes, surrounded by friends, family, and other pets.”
You’re based out of University Hills, what do you love best about this community?
“I love the sense of community with my neighbors.”
Is there anything else you’d like your neighbors to know about you or your business?
“I have been practicing veterinary medicine for close to 25 years. I had also, until recently, owned and run a non-profit spay/neuter clinic for cats called The Feline Fix. There’s a special interest I have in the welfare of feral cats, as I feel that their lives are so hard outdoors. We can change their fate with spay/neuter, vaccines, health checks, and removing young kittens from outdoor colonies in order to get them into foster homes, and ultimately forever homes – giving them a chance for a better life.”
Dr. Erica Rambus
Elysian Fields – In Home Euthanasia
Getting A Hold of, or Reaching Elysian Fields is Easy!
https://drericarambus.weebly.com/
P: (720) 334-3734
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericarambus/
When I started reaching out to our community here in Uhills I was amazed to see the amount of talent that exists just within our small community! I love everything about small businesses and wish each and every one of you small business owners a huge amount of success in life.
University Hills is the place I call home for a reason. Feel free to check out all the happenings here. And if you have any questions about our great neighborhood, I’m always here to help!
Alex Saldana
alex@alexsaldanahomes.com
(720)619-6149
www.reframingrealestate.com
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