Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

As a native Floridian born and raised in Tampa, Florida, attending Busch Gardens adventure camp was the highlight of my summer. Working with the animals thrilled me, but what I loved most was connecting with them. From this connection, I developed a strong appreciation and respect for the human/animal bond. My passion for animals grew as I attended camp for eight years and helped care for a menagerie of family pets including a dog, rabbit, iguana, sugar glider, turtle, and numerous gerbils and fish. I realized that I not only wanted to work with animals, I wanted to treat them. 

My quest to become a veterinarian led me to Auburn University, where I earned a Zoology degree in 2007, followed by my doctorate at Mississippi State University in 2011. After graduation, I practiced in San Antonio, Texas for four years before returning home to Tampa. 

I was in high school the first time I witnessed a pet being euthanized. It was my first day volunteering at a veterinary hospital, and a very sweet Dalmation was diagnosed with bone cancer. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the dog's decreased quality of life, the vet recommended euthanasia. I wanted to be brave for his parents, so I fought back tears and repeated “it’s what’s best for the pet” over and over in my head. These words have become my mantra and are the foundation upon which I practice medicine.

While veterinarians are needed throughout a pet’s life, I believe we are most needed in times of illness and injury. My calling as a vet is to support and advocate for my patients in their greatest time of need. I strive to give your furry family member the high quality of life he or she deserves and to ensure the best possible experience for you both when it’s time to say good-bye.

When I’m away from the “office,” I love spending time with my wonderful husband and our family of five furry children. We have two domestic short haired cats (Dolce and Duncan), a terrier mix named Rusty, a cairn terrier named Scooter, and a chihuahua named Dixie. They are a fun, goofy group of best friends that light up my world every day. I also enjoy cheering on the Bucs, Lightning, and Rays and attending theatre at the Straz Center. 

Pronouns: She/Her