Martin Short’s daughter Catherine had been keeping a service dog to help with her “mental illness” for several years before his heartbreaking death.
On Kathryn’s professional website, which has since been deleted, she shared a photo and bio of her service dog, Joni, whom she named after singer Joni Mitchell.
“Joni is my amazing service dog who has helped me battle my own mental illness for the past five years,” Katherine wrote.
“Joni is often with me in the office and cuddling in bed,” Katherine continued. “She’s a really sweet person and just loves people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wag of her tail…and maybe even a kiss.”
Her website also had a section detailing her impressive career as a social clinician and private practice with dozens of specialties, including anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
She also became active in Bring Change 2 Mind, a charity whose mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.
According to TMZ, Katherine was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her home in Hollywood Hills, California, around 6pm local time on Monday. She was 42 years old.
“At 6:41 p.m., we responded to a report of shots fired at that address,” the Los Angeles Fire Department told Page Six, confirming that the 911 call was received.
A representative for the “Murder in the Building” actor confirmed Katherine’s death to Page Six in a statement Tuesday.
“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 to the world.”
Katherine was the adopted daughter of the 75-year-old comedian and his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died of cancer in 2010. The couple also have adopted children Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
Katherine graduated from New York University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gender and Sexuality Studies, and then earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
Before opening her private practice, she worked in several psychiatric hospitals and outpatient programs aimed at helping a variety of groups, including veterans, low-income families, and youth caregivers, according to her website.
Although Katherine has mostly stayed away from the spotlight, she has attended several events with her famous father over the years.
The father-daughter duo was last seen in public at Katherine’s 40th birthday celebration at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood in 2023.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
