Martin Short’s Daughter Had Support Dog for ‘Mental Health’ Before Her Passing
Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, reportedly had a service dog to assist her in managing “mental illness” before her tragic passing at age 42.
Katherine is said to have shared a photo and biography of her dog Joni, named after singer Joni Mitchell, on her now-deleted professional website, according to Page Six.
“Joni is my amazing service dog, who has been supporting me through my own challenges with mental illness for the last 5 years,” Katherine allegedly wrote on her site, as reported by the outlet. “Joni often stays in the office with me, snuggled up on her bed.”
Katherine described her pet as “an absolute sweetheart” who “loves people,” adding that visitors shouldn’t be “surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail … and maybe even a kiss.”
Katherine’s website reportedly included details about her career as a clinical social worker, highlighting her private practice’s focus on issues such as anxiety, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder, according to Page Six.
The outlet also noted that Katherine was involved with the Bring Change 2 Mind charity, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering “a world where mental illness is met with understanding and care — never judgment,” as stated on the organization’s website.
Us Weekly has reached out to Martin’s representative for a comment.
Katherine’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday, February 24. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is heartbroken by this loss and requests privacy at this time,” Martin’s representative told Us in a statement. “Katherine was cherished by everyone and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
No additional details were provided, but the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us that “officers responded to a report of a possible suicide attempt in the 2800 block of Westshire Drive” on Monday, February 23, at 6:43 p.m. PT.
Upon their arrival, “Officers discovered a deceased female at the scene,” the LAPD added. Katherine’s official cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
A few of Katherine’s neighbors exclusively told Us on Tuesday, “It’s incredibly sad” to hear of her passing.
A neighbor recalled Katherine as a “wonderful neighbor and gardener,” noting the beautiful orange tree at the front of her home as a testament to that.
“She was very kind, but this is a quiet neighborhood, and honestly, we don’t see many neighbors out often,” remarked a neighbor from two doors down, noting that Katherine didn’t host parties, wasn’t loud, and mostly kept to herself.
A third resident told Us that while they didn’t see much of Katherine, she seemed friendly. They remembered her occasionally sitting on her porch and waving, saying, “Hi.”
Katherine is survived by her father, Martin, 75, and her two brothers, Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36.
The Only Murders in the Building actor shares all three of his children with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away in August 2010 after battling ovarian cancer.
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