MARBLEHEAD — It started two years ago, when veterinarian Lindsey Rynk, of Marblehead, said goodbye to her first dog, Brickley.

Brickley grew anxious during trips to the veterinary clinic. She struggled to leave the house and had mobility issues in her final days. When it came time to let her go, a colleague came to Rynk’s home to perform euthanasia.

“It made me realize how important and powerful that was to have someone come over to our house,” said Rynk. 

The experience reshaped her work. Now, alongside her role as an animal shelter veterinarian, Rynk founded Tranquil Transitions, an in-home pet euthanasia service for families navigating one of the most difficult decisions in pet ownership.

“I wanted to be able to provide for my community and to be able to help them with these really tragic times, which everybody goes through when you have a pet in your house,” Rynk said. 

Rynk began her career in California, working in traditional small-animal clinics before developing an interest in shelter medicine. She later served as medical director for a small animal shelter on California’s Central Coast. Seven years ago, she became medical director at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.

Through her work, Rynk said she hopes to demystify euthanasia and reduce the guilt many pet owners feel when considering it.

“You don’t want to feel you’re killing your pet — you want to feel you’re making a compassionate decision,” said client John Nugent. 

Earlier this year, on a Sunday evening as a snowstorm approached Marblehead, local veterinary resources were limited. John Nugent and his wife feared they were running out of options for their aging boxer, Sebastian. Sebastian was struggling with a stomach tumor and could barely stand. 

Through recommendations, the couple contacted Rynk, who provided more than a medical service. 

“We never felt rushed, never felt pressured,” he said. “It was our decision.” For the couple, Rynk turned a painful goodbye into one that felt peaceful and gracious. 

“I think some people feel guilty overthinking that maybe making that decision is selfish. I want them to realize that the decision brings relief to some of the guilt,” Rynk said.

When clients reach out, Rynk starts with a conversation about the pet’s health, current treatments, and quality of life. She also discusses options owners may not have considered.

“I like to remind people: if your pet is unhappy for 70% of the time, they might live another six months,” Rynk said. “During these months, it’s important to prevent your pet from experiencing further pain and being miserable.”  

Not every consultation leads to an appointment. Some families decide to wait.

 “Sometimes people say, ‘you know I’m not really ready based on our conversation and I’m still thinking about it,’” Rynk said.

For those who are ready, Rynk schedules a visit, often within the same week. At home, she focuses on creating a calm and supportive environment. Families are encouraged to share stories, and pets are given treats to help them relax.

Rynk begins by administering a sedative so the animal becomes sleepy and calm before the final injection.

“The actual procedure is very fast, and it doesn’t cause them any stress or pain,” Rynk said. “I allow the pet owners to sit as long as they like with their pet.” 

“Sometimes families want me to sit with them and tell stories, or families want to grieve by themselves, and then in most cases I take the animal away to help with aftercare,” she said.

“The professionalism and compassion were unbelievable, and she was a great companion to have there,” said Nugent.  

Despite the emotional weight of the work, Rynk said it is deeply meaningful.

“Most people will say to me, I can’t imagine you doing this, this must be so challenging for you,” she said. “It’s emotionally heavy when I leave the household. I do have to take some time to take some deep breaths myself. But knowing I provide that sort of relief for the pet and the family — it’s valuable to be able to provide that.”  

Her goal, she said, is to keep the service personal.

“I want it to be very personal because it’s a very personal thing to go through,” Rynk said. 

Julia Rockler is a student at Endicott College studying journalism.

This story is written in partnership with the Massachusetts News Service.