About Compassionate Care
At CC Pet Services, we recognize the significance of the bonds we share with the animals in our lives. Our pets offer us companionship, loyalty, protection, entertainment, emotional support, and perhaps most importantly, unconditional love. They become integral parts of our lives – like family and friends.
As such, they bring us great joy and fill a unique place in our hearts. But when that bond is broken, the pain involved can be devastating. Whether we lose a pet through euthanasia or natural death, the time leading up to the loss and immediately after is filled with challenges. We are often called to make difficult decisions in the midst of emotional turmoil. We must deal with our pet’s condition as well as our emotions (not to mention the opinions and emotions of friends and family).
We are here for you and your pet – to support you and your family through this process. Things may happen very quickly or it may be months from the diagnosis of a terminal condition to the resolution of the grief that follows a pet’s death. Each situation is unique, but all can be eased with appropriate care and support.
Our Team
Founder & veterinarian
Dr. Fiona McCord - BVM&S, MS, JD
Dr. McCord has practiced veterinary medicine in the Dallas area for over 30 years. She grew up in Scotland and graduated from the University of Edinburgh Veterinary College in 1981. Upon graduation she moved to Texas and attended Texas A&M University earning a Masters degree in Veterinary Cardiovascular Physiology. She lives with her husband, Doug, and their energetic Airedales, Dexter and Dixie. She enjoys regular visits and sleepovers by her young two grandchildren.
While she has saved many lives and relieved significant suffering during her years in practice, she will tell you that the most pain she has witnessed is the emotional pain experienced by clients when euthanizing their beloved pets. It is also the time she has witnessed the most courage and selflessness in pet ownership. It is her goal to honor this courage and ease this pain.
Activities & Affiliations
AAH-ABV
APLB
IAAHPC
AVMA
Certifications
Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian - IAAHPC
Pet Loss & Grief Companioning - TPLC
Bereavement Counseling - APLB
Education
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Bachelors of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, 1981
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
MS in Veterinary Physiology, 1984
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
Juris Doctorate, 1996
aftercare concierge
Allison Remy - MSPAS, PA-C
Allison has always had a passion in her heart for animals. Throughout her life she has worked with animals in a number of ways, including as a kennel tech, pharmacy vet tech, small and large animal vet tech, and dairy student worker. She then took a detour into human medicine and became a certified Physician Assistant. She has been an actively practicing Physician Assistant since 2008 but never forgot her passion for animals. After going through different end of life experiences with her own pets and experiencing a peaceful end of life journey (through Dr. Fiona) with her 18 year old cat, Barley, she knew she wanted to be a part of Compassionate Care Pet Services.
As an Aftercare Concierge, Allison strives to provide others with services she would want for her own pets’ end of life journeys. Entrusting your pet’s aftercare journey to Compassionate Care Pet Services ensures that your pet is treated with respect and dignity, even in death. Allison will closely follow your pet’s personalized aftercare journey to make certain that your wishes are carried out all the while celebrating/memorializing your pet’s story for the endearing tale that it is.
Education
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
BS in Animal Science, 1998
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
MPAS, Surgical Physician Assistant, 2007
Counselor & pet loss support group facilitator
Denise Donofrio - MSSW, LPC, LCSW, AHPCSW
Denise has been licensed as a clinical social worker since 1992 & licensed professional counselor since 1994. While earning her licenses, she worked with eating disorder & addiction populations. Following that, she served over 6 years in hospice work as a social worker and bereavement coordinator. In private practice she specializes in grief (especially as result of losing a beloved pet), depression and women’s issues, as well as speaking to various audiences about the grieving process. Most recently, Denise completed a social work certification program through The International Association of Animal Palliative and Hospice Care. She is also trained in critical incident debriefing. Denise received a B.S. in Psychology from Oral Roberts University & a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Licensure
• Professional Counselor
• Clinical Social Worker
Education
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY
BS in Psycholocy,1987
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
MS in Social Work,1991
Office Manager & Graphic designer
Sam Martin
Sam is a graphic designer and marketing specialist who traded in her full-time, day job to chase around her two small children and help her mom (Dr. Fiona) by managing the back end and administrative aspect of running Compassionate Care. She enjoys bringing order and creating processes that enable Dr. Fiona to do what she does best.
Education
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
B.S. in English Literature, 2011