Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, reportedly had a service dog to help her navigate“mental illness” prior to her untimely death at age 42.
Katherine reportedly shared a photo and bio for her dog Joni, named after singer Joni Mitchell, on her since-deleted professional website, according to Page Six.
“Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years,” Katherine reportedly wrote on the site, per the outlet. “Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed.”
Katherine reportedly called her pet “an absolute sweetheart” that “loves people,” adding that people shouldn’t be “surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail … and maybe even a kiss.”
Katherine’s website reportedly included a section about her career as a clinical social worker detailing her private practice’s areas of focus, including anxiety, psychotic disorders and borderline personality disorder, according to Page Six.
The outlet noted that Katherine was also involved with the Bring Change 2 Mind charity, a nonprofit dedicated to creating“a world where mental illness is met with understanding and care — never judgment,” per the organization’s website.
Us Weekly has reached out to Martin’s rep for comment.
Katherine’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday, February 24. “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time,” Martin’s rep told Us in a statement. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
No further details were given, but the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us that “officers responded to a radio call of a possible suicide attempt in the 2800 block of Westshire Drive” on Monday, February 23, at 6:43 p.m. PT.
Once authorities arrived, “Officers found a deceased female at the location,” the LAPD added. Katherine’s official cause of death has yet to be revealed.
A few of Katherine’s neighbors exclusively told Us on Tuesday, “It’s incredibly sad,” to hear about Katherine’s death.
A next door neighbor remembered Katherine as a “great neighbor and gardener,” which an eyewitness told Us was evident based on the beautiful orange tree located at the front of her home.
“She was very nice but this is a quiet neighborhood and to be fair, we don’t see too many neighbors usually out,” a neighbor from two doors down said of Katherine, noting she did not throw parties, wasn’t loud and pretty much kept to herself.
A third resident told Us they didn’t see much of Katherine, but she seemed friendly. The neighbor recalled Katherine sitting on her porch every now and then and waving to say, “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 shared all three of his children with late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died in August 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
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