Serena was a runner. A greyhound by breed, she was born into the world of parimutuel racing and ran 125 races before retiring into her second life as a lapdog and beloved companion to Cindy McConnell (pictured above).
But after seven years together, McConnell knew the time had come. Serena had been battling bone cancer, and in January, McConnell called and asked Dr. Lauren Silvesti, a veterinarian, to come to her Sterling home.
Silvesti arrived, the women talked – soothingly – to each other and to Serena as Silvesti administered euthanasia medicine. Her final race run, the greyhound slipped away in McConnell’s arms.
“It was peaceful,” McConnell said. “I will never forget holding my sweet girl and telling her how much I loved her – and always would love her – as she took her last breath.”
Silvesti, who lives in Ashburn’s Farmwell Hunt neighborhood, is a vet with a very specific specialty – end-of-life care for pets with the option of in-home euthanasia.
To read the rest of the story including the Wenger family of Ashburn and their beloved dog, Glory – click here and head over to the Ashburn Magazine website.