Greetings, I am Dr. Barbara Vasquez, and I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and why I started Always and Forever Pets.

My life has always been enriched by the presence of all kinds of animals. Growing up in south Texas, I was rarely seen without a pet — be it a loyal family dog by my side or the varied companions I adopted, from injured birds, tarantulas and geckos to geese and bunnies. This devotion shaped my path toward veterinary medicine and also exposed me to the feelings that come with having to say goodbye to each of my pets. I am grateful that from a young age, I was always able to provide my pets with a peaceful, loving farewell, surrounded by those who cared most.

I started as a teen volunteering as kennel help at veterinary clinics, which then grew into veterinary technician positions before and during vet school. While fully focused on my studies in vet school, I unintentionally found my soul dog. A stray plot hound mix appeared at my doorstep and simply refused to leave. Despite knowing my studies would be demanding, I welcomed him into my life, naming him Solovino (a Spanish saying meaning, “came on his own”). He quickly became my steadfast companion and the original inspiration behind Always and Forever Pets.

After graduating with honors from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, I pursued additional training in internal medicine, surgery, emergency care, and oncology. My internships took me to Austin, TX (Capital Area Veterinary Specialist/Oncology), near Nashville, TN (Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Brentwood, TN), and Philadelphia, PA (University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine), where I honed my clinical skills. Eventually, I was faced with a life-changing choice: accept a surgical residency or focus on building a family.

Family became my priority. Solovino and I returned to TEXAS, where he was by my side as I started my clinical career, married and welcomed my first child. I continued my work as an emergency clinician and relief veterinarian in New Braunfels, Texas, and during our temporary move to the rural midwest, where Solovino shared the arrival of my second child. Our family was complete, and my work allowed me to care for both small and large animals in the community.

As time passed, Solovino began to show signs of aging and various disease processes. My soul dog needed me to assess his quality of life and make the most selfless and compassionate decision. The emotions our family experienced during this time were intense. Our young children struggled to understand the changes, and my husband and I found it difficult to discuss what we knew lay ahead. But drawing on my medical knowledge and deep love for Solovino, I recognized when it was time. With heavy hearts, we surrounded him with love and let him go peacefully, giving him the farewell he deserved.

As our children grew, we chose to return to the New Braunfels area to be closer tofamily. I continued my veterinary career at Pet’s Choice Animal Hospital, cherishing the supportive, compassionate, home-like atmosphere. However, I soon realized that working in a clinic setting made it difficult to be fully present for my own family. I decided to step away from the clinic and channel my experience and compassion into supporting the pet community while also meeting the needs of my loved ones at home.

Throughout my extensive journey—spanning over two decades in veterinary care and more than 13 years as a practicing veterinarian—I have witnessed the profound bond between people and their pets thousands of times. Yet, the experience of saying goodbye to my own beloved Solovino was a turning point that touched me on the deepest level. All the expertise and knowledge I had gathered could not lessen the pain or the difficulty of those final moments with Solovino. It was a profoundly humbling reminder that, no matter our experience or training, the grief of parting with a cherished pet touches us deeply and personally. My journey through Solovino’s final days reaffirmed my calling: to provide families with the same comfort, support, and gentle expertise during the most difficult moments.

It is my great honor to help ensure our loyal companions experience a peaceful, loving, and gentle passing at home when the time comes. In the comfort of their familiar surroundings, without stress, with devoted attention from loved ones and caring guidance from a professional, they deserve nothing less.

These beautiful memories are our Always and Forever.