The Veterinarian – Dr. Melissa Jedlicka
Dr. Mel has been a family doctor for cats and dogs since graduating from veterinary medical school in 2018. she is a certified veterinary acupuncturist to offer more ways to help pets feel better. She grew up in the north with a family devoted to loving and caring for animals of all kinds (cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, wildlife). It is her passion to lovingly help families through their most intimate, vulnerable times, especially with sacred end-of-life care for their fur-members.
Dr. Mel and her husband, James, live in North Jacksonville with their furry family (affectionately named, “The Kiddens”). James is Active duty military and has served 20 years in the Navy. Together, they enjoy family time, hiking, kayaking, swimming, cooking, and exploring all the different sites and attractions. Dr. Mel and James can often be spotted around town together on adventures.
Polly waking up in her new house
JILLY BEAN ON HER LAST DAY
The Story
Polly Tails was inspired by the griefwork of losing our feline fur-member, Jilly Bean, to cancer. It all happened fast, and she was only 11 years old. Within one week of identifying sudden weight loss and diagnosing her with lymphoma, my round-the-clock, doctor-mom efforts were no longer providing her with any relief or comfort. I remember most vividly the stressful drive getting her to the vet hospital with James to say goodbye, taking her to a setting that wasn’t familiar to her for euthanasia, and then an even worse drive home for us without her. We were heartbroken, and I wanted desperately to never have that same experience again. Unexpectedly one year later, I found my light and purpose with the arrival of a scruffy stray kitten, Polly. As her doctor-mom, I wanted to ensure her story would have a sweeter ending one day. This begins our journey to spread peaceful goodbyes to other pet families, one tail at a time.
~Love,
Dr. Mel