Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Spokane, Washington. I’ve been intrigued by the biology and behavior of pets, wildlife, and domestic farm animals since I was a kid. I was part of a 4-H club and showed my cats at county, state, and interstate fairs from elementary through high school.  I was also given the opportunity to show other animals—from chickens to rabbits, pigs, dogs, cows, sheep, and goats—in Round Robin competitions. This nurtured my desire to dedicate my life to helping animals and supporting the human-animal bond.

I attended the University of Washington, where I majored in zoology and was given the opportunity to spend a summer studying howler monkey behavior in the Costa Rican rainforest. I then attended veterinary school at Washington State University. During vet school, I was part of the pet loss hotline club. This is where I had my first experiences providing families with support during the difficult loss of a beloved pet.

I love animals and enjoy supporting and guiding other like-minded people who enjoy animal companionship. In my career, I have worked in small animal general practice, where I had a special affinity for feline medicine, animal behavior, and surgery. I have more recently worked in the field of small animal genetics, improving the lives of pets and enhancing the human-animal bond.

I have lost several pets over the years. When my childhood cat passed, I was advised not to be present, and I regretted not saying a proper goodbye that honored our special relationship. When the time came for my vet school dog and cat to be euthanized, I was able to say goodbye at home, with my husband and kids. We had the time we needed to make it a comforting experience that honored our bond and cherished memories. After experiencing this difference myself, I feel honored to be able to provide the same comfort and peace of mind for other families..

When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, crafting, and photography. My biggest passion is traveling to see different places and experience different cultures and foods. I especially love making friends with and photographing street cats during my world travels!