Carly Michelle Delahoussaye Tajmir, co-owner of East Coast Animal Hospital and a tireless advocate for animals and her community, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at the age of 38. While her life was far too short, the compassion, generosity, and determination she shared with thousands of people—and countless animals—will leave a lasting legacy across Flagler County.
Born in Louisiana and raised in New Iberia, Carly’s passion for helping others was evident from an early age. As Miss Iberia LXVI in 2007, she organized a Thanksgiving food program to help feed families in need, an early glimpse of a lifetime devoted to service.
Her career eventually brought her into veterinary medicine, managing a Banfield Pet Hospital before meeting her husband, Dr. Michael Tajmir. Together, they built both a family and a dream.
In 2020, the couple opened East Coast Animal Hospital in Palm Coast. What began in a modest clinic quickly became one of the area’s busiest veterinary hospitals, eventually relocating into a beautifully renovated former Denny’s restaurant to meet the growing needs of local pet owners. Under Carly’s watchful eye, the practice became known not only for exceptional veterinary care but also for its unwavering compassion toward families facing difficult circumstances.
Beyond the walls of the hospital, Carly’s impact reached throughout the community.
For nearly six years, she partnered with SMART (Saving Missing Animals Response Team), helping rescue abused, abandoned, and lost animals throughout Flagler County. The organization remembered her not simply as a veterinary partner, but as family.
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Carly,” SMART shared. “For nearly six years, she was not just a partner, but a cherished friend, embodying the essence of family as we united in our love for every rescue that entered our lives. She stood by our side, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to rescuing countless abused and abandoned dogs. Carly’s spirit will forever resonate in our work.”
Few understood the depth of Carly’s commitment more than longtime animal advocate Caroline Johnson, who worked alongside her on countless rescues.
“Carly will forever be an inspiration for so many,” Johnson said. “I will miss her every day. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers, especially her two young children.”
Johnson also reflected on Carly’s role in bringing the Rainbow Bridge memorial to Holland Park to life earlier this year—a place where grieving pet owners can honor beloved companions. During the January dedication, Carly chose not to speak about herself but instead celebrated the people around her.
“First, I just want to say to Caroline, thank you for dreaming,” Carly said. “Thank you so much for dreaming because without her dreams, this is not possible. All of the animals that she helped over the 4.5 years that we’ve been working together would not have had the help that they’ve gotten, the homes and the love that they’ve gotten. And so, I just want to tell her, thank you and keep dreaming.”
Those words now carry even greater meaning.
Even while battling Stage 4 breast cancer, Carly refused to let her diagnosis define her. In one of her most remarkable accomplishments, she completed a full 26.2-mile marathon alongside her younger brother, Colby Delahoussaye, crossing the finish line surrounded by family.
Her strength inspired many, including fellow breast cancer survivor Courtney Akel.
“This is devastating,” Akel wrote. “She was an incredible human, an advocate in so many ways, and I know she loved her family more than she could communicate. I’m so sad right now. RIP beautiful.”
Above all, Carly was devoted to her family. She and Michael created not only a thriving veterinary practice but also a home filled with love for their two children, Emersyn and Pierce.
Whether comforting a grieving pet owner, helping rescue an abandoned dog, encouraging a friend, or supporting a community project, Carly led with kindness. Her generosity extended far beyond veterinary medicine—it became the standard by which so many came to know her.
Palm Coast has lost a remarkable advocate, but her legacy lives on in every rescued animal, every family she comforted, every colleague she inspired, and every life she touched.
In the words she once offered to encourage another dreamer, perhaps the greatest tribute the community can offer is simply this:
