Providing end-of-life care and bereavement care with distinction
Serving Middlesex, northern Monmouth and the surrounding counties in Central Jersey
Testimonials
Dr Smith’s work through Journeys to Peace touches hearts. Here are the reflections families wanted to share about their Journeys.
To share your thoughts, please submit them here.
December 2024
“We are so appreciative of Dr. Smith. She was so kind and caring. She made one of the hardest decisions we had to make feel so comforting. Our beloved Shayla was able to pass on with us at home, her home with her family who loves her. Dr. Smith was so compassionate and explained every step. We felt at peace when Shayla was at peace. We did not want her to feel pain and that’s what Dr. Smith provided. It was done with respect, love and the dignity that our Shayla deserved. Anyone considering making this decision, please talk with Dr. Smith and she will guide you through it and answer your questions and let you make that final decision on your own. She truly cares about our fur babies and the people that are their family. Thank you for helping Shayla over the rainbow bridge where she is probably running in fields of wild flowers and dancing on her hind legs again.” Angela R.
“Dr. Smith was a Godsend when it came time to say goodbye to our beloved greyhound, Thomas. He passed with dignity and surrounded by the love of his family. Thank you Dr. Smith!” Sheryl S.
“We had to say goodbye to our beautiful boy Kyle. I was very happy that I chose to be with him at home, where it was very comfortable and peaceful for him. It was the best way to say goodbye. Dr Smith is so compassionate and took the time for Kyle’s peaceful journey.” Jennifer F.
“From the first phone call we made to Dr Smith, I knew she was the one to work with us on one of the hardest decisions we ever had to make. My dog was very high anxiety and getting her into a vet was not going to be possible. Dr Smith worked with our vets to be able to have her stay at home and keep her very calm on her last days. She is a true professional and a very caring woman who works with the concerns of the humans in the family while ensuring the furry members of the family are treated with kindness and dignity as we said goodbye.
I can’t thank her enough for all of her help.” Debbie P.
November 2024
“Dr. Smith was exactly who we needed at the end of Rosie’s life. Rosie was with us for 10 years and we loved her so much. She was diagnosed with gastrointestinal lymphoma. She quit eating her food which prompted us to take her to the Vet, so it was a very quick decline, but when I saw that she wasn’t improving with the medication they provided I knew we had to make a very difficult choice. I contacted Dr. Smith through her website in the early hours of the morning thinking if I didn’t hear from her by 8am I would call but she texted me before 8am, and was at our house that morning. I knew if I was going to have to put Rosie down I wanted her to be home in her own bed, with her family around. Dr. Smith was compassionate and informative and walked us through each step. As heartbreaking as it was to lose Rosie to cancer I will always be grateful that those last minutes were peaceful and she was home. Thank you Dr Smith.” Sheri C.
“Our cat Stevie hated the cat carrier and vet visits. When her nasal tumor impacted her quality of life enough to know it was time, we arranged for Dr Smith to come to the house and help her pass. Handling a cat who is in physical discomfort is challenging. Dr Smith was calm, professional and compassionate so that Stevie passed as peacefully as possible. We’re grateful we were able to spend her final days and hours focused on loving her instead of worrying about the stress we would cause her with a final trip to the vet’s office.” Laury W.
September 2024
“Dr. Smith helped us through one of the most difficult days and decisions we’ve ever had to make. She was a compassionate angel and put all of our fears at ease.
We decided we did not want to take our dog, Finn back to his Vet’s office to be euthanized but we wanted to give him peace at home in his final moments. It was the best decision to have Dr. Smith come to our house and afterward, take Finn for cremation. His ashes just arrived in a beautiful wooden box and a clay imprint of his paw. Even though no one wants to go through this agony, we felt very comforted knowing Dr. Smith was taking care of our precious Finn. I gave her a hug through my tears and couldn’t get the words out at the time, but “thank you from the bottom of our hearts” for being so compassionate towards us and taking care of Finn in his final moments and afterwards. We will never forget your kindness and love.” Colleen L.
“We recently contacted Dr. Smith (Robyn) to assist us with our end of life care with our beloved dog Lucy. Robyn responded right away and walked us through how she could support us. When we come to these decisions we generally can’t wait days to follow through and Robyn was able to provide her caring support within hours of our contacting her. End of life care is a much better experience in your home and I can’t speak more highly on how Robyn assisted us with confirmation of our decision and with providing warm and supportive care to all of us. If you need to come to this decision with your pet I would recommend highly to have Robyn assist you and your family.” Mark L.
“While visiting elderly relatives in the central N.J. area recently, their large labrador retriever became very ill. After a visit to their Vet, we learned that their dog Blue, had not one, but two terminal illnesses. We spent his last few days making him comfortable, while also trying to make final arrangements for him. Trust me when I tell you, it isn’t easy to make these arrangements for a very large dog, on Labor Day weekend.
However, from my very first phone call to Dr. Robyn Smith, at Journeys To Peace, I was instantly relieved. The compassion and empathy that Dr. Smith radiates, from the very beginning, is just amazing. She assured me she would make room for us, and gently walked me through the procedure for the appointment the next afternoon. I felt very relieved.
I stayed up with this sweet dog all night long, and sadly, he passed away during the early morning hours. I texted Dr. Smith around 7:00 am that morning, and she graciously re-arranged her schedule, so she could come out within a couple of hours and pick up Blue’s body, and handle the cremation end of the process. She generously spent so much time with my elderly relatives, allowing them to go on and on about what a great dog Blue was, and share stories about him. Dr. Smith was kind, gracious, and extremely compassionate. Losing a sweet dog like Blue was a very difficult experience, but having Dr. Smith to help guide us through part of it, made the experience so much easier. My relatives kept referring back to her. “Where did you find her?” “She was so nice.”
If you are ever in need of such services, I am sorry for your loss, but the very best decision you can make going forward, is to use Dr. Smith. Her compassion and care will make this decision much easier.” Sandy L.
August 2024
“It has taken me a solid year and a half to be able to write a testimonial without the keyboard becoming blurry and having to stick my device in rice due to the onslaught of waterworks. So, here it is. Well over a year and a half later and I just cannot say enough about how Dr. Smith put my heart at peace knowing I was making the right choice. My Cassie was 17 years old. She had been through so many milestones in my life that I wasn’t sure I would be able to say goodbye. Dr. Smith talked me through my emotional highs and lows of the 2 day [decision] process. I would text her with questions, and without hesitation, she responded and supported my heartache and my fears. She gave me signs to be aware of that would indicate it was time. My kitty had been in kidney failure and I had done it all to try and have a few more months with her. When it became clear that I had exhausted all my efforts, that’s when Dr. Smith swooped in and allowed me comfort in letting her go with everyone who loved her around her and in the comfort of her own home.
Thank you so much for being there during that time Dr. Smith – I’m sorry I couldn’t say it sooner I’m afraid my snot bubbles and tears would have gotten in the way!” Keely Lyn H.
“My dog Dallas was happy to meet Dr. Smith, He even wagged his tail and perked up. She made me and Dallas feel at ease as she inquired about Dallas and learned about his condition. Dr. Smith explained everything she was going to do and while I was petting and telling Dallas what a Good Boy he was he went to sleep, then Dr. Smith gave me some time alone with Dallas. Everything went smoothly and was very peaceful and when it was all done I knew I had done the right thing by not bringing Dallas in to his vets office to put him to sleep. Thank you Dr. Smith for your Compassion and Caring that you showed Dallas and me.
” Larry B.
June 2024
“Thank you Doctor Smith for coming to us on short notice to help Maggie through her end time. She is a wonderful person to be providing this service. Maggie went on a long journey from stray to shelter to rescue to be with us in her forever home as our beloved, mellow hound.” Jeffrey, Janet, Samantha N.
“Dr Smith was amazing. She was able to come the day after I called her. Once the decision is made, I can’t wait long. It’s too torturous. Maggie was a beautiful 12 yr old Lab/Great Dane that we rescued from Texas when she was 6. She was always a good girl at the vet – but got so anxious in the exam room. So I knew the at home option was the right way to go.
Dr Smith was so kind, considerate and thoughtful. She even pulled her van into our garage so the nosy neighbors wouldn’t see what was happening.
Maggie made her journey laying in her own bed being fed bacon and peanut butter. It’s a horrible thing we have to confront as pet parents – but Dr Smith’s empathy and experience was a huge help. We could not thank her enough for her loving care.” Mary Beth R.
April 2024
“Dr. Smith is truly an angel that helped our family as well as our beloved dog transition to a better place. She answered all of our questions and treated our family with the utmost respect and compassion. We are grateful for the invaluable role she played with the passing of our dear Winston. There are not enough words to express our gratitude. Thank you!” Franci M.
“After days of trying to make end of life arrangements for our sweet boy Tyson, we were blessed to receive a recommendation from Red Bank Animal Hospital that brought us to Dr. Robyn Smith. From the moment my husband and I spoke with her to Tyson’s peaceful ending, we knew we were in the right hands.
Our big boy greeted her at the door with a once over as he did with anyone that came to visit. She immediately put him and us at ease with her kind, patient, and gentle nature. Her passion is tangible which combined with her knowledge and experience made an extremely difficult time bearable.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Dr. Smith you truly are a blessing.” Gina, Wayne, & Scott L.
“Sedona was with us for 16 wonderful years. My son was little more than 2 when she joined our family, after much begging for a dog from him and his older sister. I was against the added responsibility but one, fateful day, I saw Sedona from afar at a festival and told the kids that if they really want a dog, that’s the one. They ran to her and she was part of the family instantly. Sedona never tired of my son’s somewhat rough attention and inspired at least 4 families we know to bring a dog into their lives.
Dr. Smith and this process were exactly the beautiful, loving, honorable way to say goodbye to Sedona that I did not know existed!! We were all there with Sedona, who was cradled in my arms, outside in the sunlight of a beautiful Spring morning. Thank you Dr. Smith; from the whole family, to you. What you have chosen to provide is such a blessing. Bless you :)” Charles F.
March 2024
“I am in awe of Dr. Robyn Smith, who was recommended to me by Dr. Jennifer DeMeo, from Atlantic Highlands Veterinary Hospital.
I am thankful for the compassionate care, kindness, and dignity that Dr. Smith gave as she helped sweet Arlo transition. She was so gentle with him and it brought me peace as I watched him look at me for the last time.” Lois C.
February 2024
“Dr. Smith, thank you so much for your kindness in helping me do the hardest thing – saying goodbye to my cat, my Jedi, Luke – my best friend.
I was never going to be ready but sadly, it was time. In retrospect, Valentine’s day was fitting since he was my heart. I still miss him every day but you helped make a difficult day something I cherish given he was home where he felt safe & loved.
Your kindness & empathy will never be forgotten.” Cathleen D.
“It is difficult to express how kind and gracious Dr. Smith was to my family. We had a beloved pet who was suffering immensely. This is never an easy decision for anyone, but she walked us through it, took her time, and she was compassionate and understanding. It was so hard, and if you’re looking at this page you’re probably asking questions the same way we did. She will listen, she will offer counsel, and you will not be sorry if you need her expertise. Our pets are sometimes extensions of our own souls. Saying goodbye, and the grief that comes with it, are hard enough when you’re facing it alone. Thank you, Dr. Smith.” Jerry P.
January 2024
December 2023
“Dear Dr Smith, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being there for me when it was time to say goodbye to Tucker. I appreciate that you patiently talked with me about his condition and quality of life and helped me to accept that letting him cross was the right thing to do for him. You were so kind and caring to both me and Tucker. I know Tucker felt that too because for him to come and lay down between us on his own and be so calm was unusual. He didn’t like to interact with many people so laying near you and not being anxious, spoke volumes. Although I wish we met for different reasons, I am so grateful for you. You were gentle, caring and reassuring. Tucker was able to peacefully pass in my arms at home where he felt secure and comfortable. Thank you for your kindness, sensitivity and consolation from our first phone call and all the way until you left my home. Although my heart is still aching from losing Tucker, the kindness and compassion you showed made such a difficult day a little easier.” Tracey M.
“Dear Dr Smith, Words cannot even describe how thankful we are for all your help on Abbie’s final day. Your compassion and grace helped us give her the sendoff she so rightfully deserved. She was just the best dog. So loving and protective, we didn’t want her to suffer any longer and you helped us provide her with the peace she so deserved. Thank you for being there in our time of need, for having all the right words to say and for helping us say goodbye to our beloved girl with dignity.” The L. Family
November 2023
“We made the very tough decision of giving our beloved Saint Bernard, Kaia, an end to her pain, after fighting so hard. Dr. Robyn Smith was referred to us to perform this service. We were told that there was nobody that could perform this service, with the love and empathy, that our family needed so desperately, as she could. Love and empathy were an understatement. Dr. Robyn not only gave that to us, but gave us peace of mind, reassurance, explanation. She showed us an amount of compassion that we simply did not expect from a stranger.
For us, this is like losing our child and for our children, a sibling. Our three children, ages 12 through 20, all expressed over and over, afterward, that we could not have had a better person fit our family’s needs on that very hard day.
We have two other dogs, and she even advised us on how to handle the situation with them so that they could be at peace with what was happening because it was a loss for them as well. This was not a quick in and out, she took the time for all of us. To us, it seemed, in those moments, that Dr. Robyn was part of our grieving family. This is not her job, this is her calling and we are grateful that we chose her. Thank you, Dr. Robyn, you are a special soul.” Donna D-S.
October 2023
“As with most people, this decision is one of the hardest and most heartbreaking you will ever have to make. I dreaded the day we even had to look up this service online. A quick google search for my area turned up Doctor Smith and Journeys to Peace. She was the first person to call and text me back and I could tell she knew we were in a world of pain. She was an hour away but got to our house as fast as possible. Her kind soul really helped us through this unimaginable time. I can tell our boy felt truly safe with her and she really helped us get through it. I couldn’t picture using anyone else for my boy’s final moments. Doctor Smith truly cared about our dog and talked us through the procedure and helped us feel that we were making the correct decision. Thank you Doctor Smith.” Vincent T.
September 2023
“Thank you so very much. We really don’t think he could have left us under better circumstances. Knowing you were there to help us provided some comfort during this very sad time. We are ever so grateful for you.” Truman’s mom
“Thank you Dr Smith for your compassion and helping us to say goodbye to our beloved Rocky.” Margie & Dominick D.