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Dr. Suzy

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in The Twin Cities: Minneapolis & St. Paul Area

My love for animals began at an early age. I grew up in St Paul, Minnesota, surrounded by a menagerie of pets including hamsters, guinea pigs, and a beloved black Lab named Ollie. Some of my fondest childhood memories include visits to my Uncle Mase’s sheep farm in Ohio. He would put me to work everyday helping him care for the sheep and young lambs. It was hard work but I loved it, and it solidified my desire to spend my life helping animals.

My passion led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and then a veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.

I spent the next 26 years working in a small animal clinic north of St Paul. I really enjoyed my job, especially the close relationships I developed with my clients and their furry family members. I loved seeing them year after year, and watching them grow from a puppy or kitten into old age. My special interests include behavioral medicine, geriatric health, and Fear Free handling techniques. Over the years, I found I especially enjoyed working with elderly pets, and helping their owners keep them healthy, happy, and comfortable for as long as possible.

When the time came for my clients to say goodbye to their beloved companions, I always considered it an honor and a privilege to provide a dignified and peaceful transition from this life to the next. Lap of Love’s dedication to peaceful in-home euthanasia and hospice aligns perfectly with my philosophy, and I am happy to have the opportunity to focus on this important and sacred aspect of veterinary medicine.

In my free time, I volunteer with our local Street Dog Coalition and with Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs, and volunteer with two organizations in Negril, Jamaica: Negril Pup Rescue and Negril Spay/Neuter Clinic. I enjoy spending time with my husband and teenage daughter at our cabin on the Gunflint Trail, and hanging out with a continued menagerie of pets, including our two sweet, mischievous cats and two lovable Labrador retrievers.

Our services

We’re here to support you when you need it

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

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Joelle

Cornelius, North Carolina

My dog, Crow, was the most important teacher and soul in my life for over ten years. Letting him go in April was and still is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I am so thankful for Dr. Jodie Joseph’s calmness and understanding on that day. She brought an incredible energy into our home and asked me questions about Crow and his life. Crow and I both felt understood. I know he appreciated Dr. Jodie as much as I did.

Michelle

Wake Forest, North Carolina

We had an afternoon appointment with Lap of Love expecting our sweet boy Harrison to still be with us, but he sadly passed that morning. We called at 6:45 AM, and they quickly moved the appointment earlier. Dr. Olivia arrived and was wonderful during the aftercare process. She made multiple paw prints for our family—even letting my youngest help—was patient as we grieved, and gave us time to say our final goodbyes. Her basket and car were filled with beautiful flowers and comforting touches, and she treated Harrison with the utmost care, as if he were her own. We couldn't have asked for a better, private, at-home experience during this difficult loss.

Hannah

Castle Rock, Colorado

Anyone who loves their pet knows this day is one of the worst. We knew our 16 year old cat was sick, and needed to be peacefully put down, but had no clue where to look. That’s when I found Lap of Love, and the experience could not have been better (considering the circumstances). From the time Liz B. arrived, she was compassionate, calming, and not rushed at all. She explained everything very well so we knew what to expect, but was so kind and professional in her way. She definitely made a hard day better by assuring us our decisions were right and made with love. She even made paw impressions out of clay and decorated that for my 5 year old son. I hope you don’t have a need for their service any time soon, but if/when you do, I would recommend her in a heartbeat! Thank you Dr. Liz Braasch!

Jill

Irwin , Pennsylvania

Thank you for allowing Coco the privilege of leaning this world in the comfort of the sand home she was born and lived her life.

Devonne

Sacramento, California

Our beloved kitty Clancy blessed us with his life and spirit for almost 20 years. When we saw how quickly he was deteriorating from the combination of old age and kidney failure, we knew we wanted to help him cross over as soon as we could so he wouldn't be in pain anymore. Luckily for us, Dr. Chesebro was able to come on the same day we contacted her, which meant so much to us. She contacted us several times before arrival to get background on Clancy, and also to keep us apprised of when she would be arriving. Once she arrived, she was kind and patient, explaining the procedure and what to expect. She never made us felt rushed, and gave us plenty of time to pet and hold and talk to Clancy through the whole process. Her soft demeanor and comforting words helped us to cope with the loss of our sweet baby boy. When it was time to leave, she first shaved off a bit of Clancy's black and white hair (he was a tuxedo cat) and placed it in a little plastic tube for us to keep. Next, she made a plaster cast of his paw print, so we will also have that by which to remember him. Lastly, she brought in a nice little lined basket, in which we placed Clancy's body, then covered him in another blanket, like he was getting put to bed. For some reason, that act really touched me and I so truly appreciated it. Dr. Chesebro was respectful and professional and a comfort in our difficult time. Thank you so much.

Jessica

St. Louis, Missouri

As I write this testimonial, my emotions are still very raw. Less than 24 hours ago, Dr. Dawnetta came into our home and helped set our sweet little mini-schnauzer, Pepper, free from his earthly discomfort. I can't begin to explain the peace and serenity our entire family felt throughout her visit. Having the opportunity to lovingly let our little buddy go in the comfort and safety of his own home, on his own couch, with his own blankie and with everyone who cherished him present, is something you can't put a price tag on. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our special baby, but our hearts are so very grateful for Lap of Love and Dr. Dawnetta. Her compassion, kindness and respect for our sweet Pepper will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Gretchin & Sydney

Kouts, Indiana

Having to make this decision and come to terms is the hardest thing to do. We had to go through it together with our pup, Lexie so we were able to prepare a little better. We didn’t want to stress him out anymore with bringing him in so our vet recommended Laps of Love. We were so surprised by how everyone we spoke to was so caring and helpful. Jess was so amazing and let us take our time. We couldn't have asked for someone more perfect to be there in such a difficult time. We are so incredibly thankful for her and Laps of Love. I really don’t know how you guys do it but it means so much to us and many others. ♥️

Ruth

Palm Bay, Florida

My sweetheart was my little Susie. She was 20 years and 6 months old. I contacted Lap Of Love about a week before she went into failure, knowing the end was near. I found them by an online search. She has been terrified of every Vet office we ever visited. I decided this would be the best gift I could give her, and I wasn't wrong. Dr. Sheena was compassionate and skilled. She made her last stage of life peaceful. I'm so satisfied with my decision.

Joelle

Cornelius, North Carolina

My dog, Crow, was the most important teacher and soul in my life for over ten years. Letting him go in April was and still is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I am so thankful for Dr. Jodie Joseph’s calmness and understanding on that day. She brought an incredible energy into our home and asked me questions about Crow and his life. Crow and I both felt understood. I know he appreciated Dr. Jodie as much as I did.

Michelle

Wake Forest, North Carolina

We had an afternoon appointment with Lap of Love expecting our sweet boy Harrison to still be with us, but he sadly passed that morning. We called at 6:45 AM, and they quickly moved the appointment earlier. Dr. Olivia arrived and was wonderful during the aftercare process. She made multiple paw prints for our family—even letting my youngest help—was patient as we grieved, and gave us time to say our final goodbyes. Her basket and car were filled with beautiful flowers and comforting touches, and she treated Harrison with the utmost care, as if he were her own. We couldn't have asked for a better, private, at-home experience during this difficult loss.

Hannah

Castle Rock, Colorado

Anyone who loves their pet knows this day is one of the worst. We knew our 16 year old cat was sick, and needed to be peacefully put down, but had no clue where to look. That’s when I found Lap of Love, and the experience could not have been better (considering the circumstances). From the time Liz B. arrived, she was compassionate, calming, and not rushed at all. She explained everything very well so we knew what to expect, but was so kind and professional in her way. She definitely made a hard day better by assuring us our decisions were right and made with love. She even made paw impressions out of clay and decorated that for my 5 year old son. I hope you don’t have a need for their service any time soon, but if/when you do, I would recommend her in a heartbeat! Thank you Dr. Liz Braasch!

Devonne

Sacramento, California

Our beloved kitty Clancy blessed us with his life and spirit for almost 20 years. When we saw how quickly he was deteriorating from the combination of old age and kidney failure, we knew we wanted to help him cross over as soon as we could so he wouldn't be in pain anymore. Luckily for us, Dr. Chesebro was able to come on the same day we contacted her, which meant so much to us. She contacted us several times before arrival to get background on Clancy, and also to keep us apprised of when she would be arriving. Once she arrived, she was kind and patient, explaining the procedure and what to expect. She never made us felt rushed, and gave us plenty of time to pet and hold and talk to Clancy through the whole process. Her soft demeanor and comforting words helped us to cope with the loss of our sweet baby boy. When it was time to leave, she first shaved off a bit of Clancy's black and white hair (he was a tuxedo cat) and placed it in a little plastic tube for us to keep. Next, she made a plaster cast of his paw print, so we will also have that by which to remember him. Lastly, she brought in a nice little lined basket, in which we placed Clancy's body, then covered him in another blanket, like he was getting put to bed. For some reason, that act really touched me and I so truly appreciated it. Dr. Chesebro was respectful and professional and a comfort in our difficult time. Thank you so much.

Jessica

St. Louis, Missouri

As I write this testimonial, my emotions are still very raw. Less than 24 hours ago, Dr. Dawnetta came into our home and helped set our sweet little mini-schnauzer, Pepper, free from his earthly discomfort. I can't begin to explain the peace and serenity our entire family felt throughout her visit. Having the opportunity to lovingly let our little buddy go in the comfort and safety of his own home, on his own couch, with his own blankie and with everyone who cherished him present, is something you can't put a price tag on. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our special baby, but our hearts are so very grateful for Lap of Love and Dr. Dawnetta. Her compassion, kindness and respect for our sweet Pepper will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Gretchin & Sydney

Kouts, Indiana

Having to make this decision and come to terms is the hardest thing to do. We had to go through it together with our pup, Lexie so we were able to prepare a little better. We didn’t want to stress him out anymore with bringing him in so our vet recommended Laps of Love. We were so surprised by how everyone we spoke to was so caring and helpful. Jess was so amazing and let us take our time. We couldn't have asked for someone more perfect to be there in such a difficult time. We are so incredibly thankful for her and Laps of Love. I really don’t know how you guys do it but it means so much to us and many others. ♥️

Ruth

Palm Bay, Florida

My sweetheart was my little Susie. She was 20 years and 6 months old. I contacted Lap Of Love about a week before she went into failure, knowing the end was near. I found them by an online search. She has been terrified of every Vet office we ever visited. I decided this would be the best gift I could give her, and I wasn't wrong. Dr. Sheena was compassionate and skilled. She made her last stage of life peaceful. I'm so satisfied with my decision.

Joelle

Cornelius, North Carolina

My dog, Crow, was the most important teacher and soul in my life for over ten years. Letting him go in April was and still is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I am so thankful for Dr. Jodie Joseph’s calmness and understanding on that day. She brought an incredible energy into our home and asked me questions about Crow and his life. Crow and I both felt understood. I know he appreciated Dr. Jodie as much as I did.

Michelle

Wake Forest, North Carolina

We had an afternoon appointment with Lap of Love expecting our sweet boy Harrison to still be with us, but he sadly passed that morning. We called at 6:45 AM, and they quickly moved the appointment earlier. Dr. Olivia arrived and was wonderful during the aftercare process. She made multiple paw prints for our family—even letting my youngest help—was patient as we grieved, and gave us time to say our final goodbyes. Her basket and car were filled with beautiful flowers and comforting touches, and she treated Harrison with the utmost care, as if he were her own. We couldn't have asked for a better, private, at-home experience during this difficult loss.

Helpful resources

Informational resources to help you navigate your pet’s quality of life

Explore all of our resources

When to put a dog down — Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Home pet euthanasia — Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Cat euthanasia — Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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