Mary Gardner

Dr. Gardner's greatest passion revolves around caring for elderly animals, whether they are dogs with grey muzzles or slender old cats. Her main goal is to raise awareness and improve medical care for geriatric veterinary patients, ensuring their final life stage is peaceful, dignified, and well-supported. A University of Florida graduate, she found her calling in end-of-life care and co-founded Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a nationwide organization of over 325 veterinarians dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary hospice and euthanasia services in the comfort of pets' homes. Dr. Gardner is also an accomplished author, having published two books: "It's Never Long Enough" for dog owners and "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" for cat lovers, offering invaluable insights on caring for aging pets. Moreover, her dedication to helping families cope with pet loss led to the co-authorship of "Forever Friend," a children's activity book focused on saying goodbye to a beloved dog or cat. She was awarded VMX Small Animal Speaker of the Year in 2020!