Katherine Short has spoken publicly about living with a “mental illness” and the support she received from her service dog in the years before her death.
She was a clinical social worker based in Hollywood Hills, California and was found dead in her home on Monday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On her now-deleted professional website, Katherine wrote about her dog, Joni – named after singer Joni Mitchell, saying: “Joni is my incredible service dog, who has helped me with my own struggles with mental illness over the past five years.”
“Joni will often be in my office cuddled up on her bed. She is an absolute sweetheart and just loves people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail… and maybe even a kiss,” she further wrote.
The website also details Katherine’s career as a clinical social worker and her private practice, with dozens of areas of specialization, including anxiety, psychotic disorders and borderline personality disorder.
Her tragic death was confirmed Page six by her father, Martin Short’s representative, via a statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time. Katherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of cancer in 2010.
