In-home
euthanasia

Quality-of-life assessment

Testimonials

Pet memorials

Blog articles

Family resources

Our veterinarians

Helping you and your pet is our passion

Viewing Lap of Love Vets

Loading

Dr. Laurie

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Columbus & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, which is about 90 minutes Northwest of Chicago. I have wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember and I never considered other career options. During my childhood, my family fostered puppies and kittens for a local shelter, so I was constantly surrounded by animals, and I loved their companionship. When I left for veterinary school, I took my childhood dog, Moses, and he then accompanied me to Pennsylvania for my first veterinary job.

I attended the University of Illinois—go Illini!—and then earned a PhD from the Ohio State University. I loved science and animals, but when I first started my veterinary career, I did not know how to enjoy the owners. Therefore, I left a great small animal and exotics practice, obtained a doctorate degree in toxicology, and spent 12 years in research. I also taught at the local community college. I eventually returned to clinical practice, spending some time in shelter medicine and then at a small animal practice.

I have lost many pets over the years but two are close to my heart. My first dog, Moses, passed away with the help of a colleague who came to my house. My children's cat, Maxi-cat, was helped by Dr Nellie with Lap of Love. I love working with senior pets and I want to give them the best possible end of life. I am honored to help pets pass comfortably in their own homes, thereby providing comforting last memories for their owners.

When I am not working, I love to garden— I am an Ohio Master Gardener volunteer. I also enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and biking. When it is cold, I read and quilt.

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.

Loading

Lorraine

Westfield , New Jersey

I cannot say enough about Lap of Love & Dr. Lauren. We are so deeply grateful to her for the gentle, loving way she helped our 14-yr old Snoopy pass on. She also helped us immensely, was patient & kind, & it made a heartbreaking experience as bearable as possible. Many thanks to Dr. Lauren, & to Ashley, the kind lady who answered the phone when I called the day before. Today we had to say goodbye to Snoopy, and our hearts are heavy, trying to grapple with the loss. 💔 Snoopy, we will miss and love you forever.❤ We are so grateful that we had you in our lives for so many years, but it still feels like we lost you too soon. May you have endless treats and belly rubs in doggie heaven.

Megan

Fort Worth, Texas

Dr. Janie was amazing. She was caring and compassionate during the entire process. She made sure that my super anxious cat was as comfortable as possible. She made me feel very comfortable with the procedure. I will never do this again at the vet's office because it was much better for my cat to pass peacefully at home than at the vet's office. After she had passed, Dr. Janie put her in a basket and covered her with a soft blanket. She let me carry her to the car which I absolutely needed for my own grieving. I didn't have to worry about her taking care of her in a respectful way after leaving my hours. I would absolutely recommend Lap of Love 110%. It's absolutely worth the extra money for yourself and your animal.

George

Battle Ground, Washington

For you, if you're looking for this service, you needn't look further. Here's why. When is a business more than a business? And how often, these days, does a business actually care about something more than revenue? We arranged for our beloved golden retriever Charlie to be put down at home. We thought we had a day or two left before he really started to suffer. But it became clear he was slipping faster than we thought. Lap of Love was instantly flexible in helping us schedule a time sooner for him. So we rescheduled. In the end, we couldn't wait; he started really suffering so we took him to an emergency vet nearby, and while they were really helpful and gracious, it would have been so much better for Charlie to ease into the next life at home. So...Lap of Love spent a lot of time and effort on us over multiple phone calls and a change in schedule, and ultimately a cancellation, and they got nothing for it. But there's more: they called and expressed their concern for us after Charlie died, directed us to resources to help in our grieving, etc. Every single communication with them has been filled with compassion and empathy in a time when we desperately needed that. And just today, we got a card! They literally sent us a sympathy card! Again, they don't know us, and they got no business from us. But the level of compassion and professionalism and empathy has just blown me away. Thank you so much!!

Mindy

Davie, Florida

You were so sweet and gentle. Thank you so much for letting me have a beautiful passing of my sweet baby. It means the world to me ❤

Elsa

Houston, Texas

My family and I would like to thank you for being there with us and for us on our last day/moments with my love, Bofo Bravo. We are grateful that you were the one that was present with us on our last day together. Bofo was loved dearly and is ever so missed. Your patience, compassion, and understanding gave so much comfort at a time of pain and sorrow. What I thought was going to be so painful became a sense of peace. My handsome boy went to sleep peacefully and was back home within one week. I would like to share with you some pictures of Bofo's memorial garden and how his memory lives in our home and in our lives. I also want to thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness for the card you sent to our family. It is a blessing to have someone like you to be with one in such a time of desperation, fear, pain, and sorrow. I can definitely say that what I imagined to be the worst day of my life came to be peaceful because of you. My handsome boy is running free. Also, on another note, I have definitely been visited by Bofo.❤️🐾🌈 Thank you again and much respect to you.

David

Havertown, Pennsylvania

I cannot begin to express how much my family and I appreciate the work that Lap of Love provides. The amount of compassion and love that each receptionist and the vet gives to you and your pet is incredibly comforting and soothing during a time of overwhelming despair. In the past I have had the unfortunate experience with the cold and sterile environment that the local vet provides. One where the vet pops in, forgets the pets name and pops out again like it was just another routine exam. Lap of Love is an eye opening discovery that however hard and difficult this decision is, there are professionals out their that truly care about what you and your pet are going through. My family and I had the distinct pleasure of a visit from Dr. Abby. When I first meet her, I knew everything was going to be okay. She had such a genuine warm and comforting demeanor. Not only was it a comfort to us, but I could tell our little Luna was also comfortable around her... to the point she was even purring (which never happens with strangers!) One of the greatest opportunities Lap of Love provides though is the ability for your pet to pass at home. Our Luna fell asleep peacefully in her favorite spot (our plant window) surrounded by chirping birds on a gorgeous sunny day. What was destined to be a horrible and tragic event, ended up being a beautiful moment that was full of love and peace... all thanks to Dr. Abi and Lap of Love. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so very much.

Shani

Charlotte , North Carolina

Yesterday we transitioned B to doggy heaven. Although it hurt for her to leave, it was time. She died at home in my arms, surrounded by her family like we promised her. It was a beautiful transition. If you are in Charlotte and your dog is in need of Hospice care… I recommend #lapoflove. Dr Emilee was so kind, and compassionate. She educated me on the process and we were given the time and space to love on B until we were ready to let go…with her favorite song Eternal flame by the bangels playing in the background Welp. I Pray she behaves (IYKYK) I luv u long time B🥹

Lorraine

Westfield , New Jersey

I cannot say enough about Lap of Love & Dr. Lauren. We are so deeply grateful to her for the gentle, loving way she helped our 14-yr old Snoopy pass on. She also helped us immensely, was patient & kind, & it made a heartbreaking experience as bearable as possible. Many thanks to Dr. Lauren, & to Ashley, the kind lady who answered the phone when I called the day before. Today we had to say goodbye to Snoopy, and our hearts are heavy, trying to grapple with the loss. 💔 Snoopy, we will miss and love you forever.❤ We are so grateful that we had you in our lives for so many years, but it still feels like we lost you too soon. May you have endless treats and belly rubs in doggie heaven.

Megan

Fort Worth, Texas

Dr. Janie was amazing. She was caring and compassionate during the entire process. She made sure that my super anxious cat was as comfortable as possible. She made me feel very comfortable with the procedure. I will never do this again at the vet's office because it was much better for my cat to pass peacefully at home than at the vet's office. After she had passed, Dr. Janie put her in a basket and covered her with a soft blanket. She let me carry her to the car which I absolutely needed for my own grieving. I didn't have to worry about her taking care of her in a respectful way after leaving my hours. I would absolutely recommend Lap of Love 110%. It's absolutely worth the extra money for yourself and your animal.

George

Battle Ground, Washington

For you, if you're looking for this service, you needn't look further. Here's why. When is a business more than a business? And how often, these days, does a business actually care about something more than revenue? We arranged for our beloved golden retriever Charlie to be put down at home. We thought we had a day or two left before he really started to suffer. But it became clear he was slipping faster than we thought. Lap of Love was instantly flexible in helping us schedule a time sooner for him. So we rescheduled. In the end, we couldn't wait; he started really suffering so we took him to an emergency vet nearby, and while they were really helpful and gracious, it would have been so much better for Charlie to ease into the next life at home. So...Lap of Love spent a lot of time and effort on us over multiple phone calls and a change in schedule, and ultimately a cancellation, and they got nothing for it. But there's more: they called and expressed their concern for us after Charlie died, directed us to resources to help in our grieving, etc. Every single communication with them has been filled with compassion and empathy in a time when we desperately needed that. And just today, we got a card! They literally sent us a sympathy card! Again, they don't know us, and they got no business from us. But the level of compassion and professionalism and empathy has just blown me away. Thank you so much!!

Elsa

Houston, Texas

My family and I would like to thank you for being there with us and for us on our last day/moments with my love, Bofo Bravo. We are grateful that you were the one that was present with us on our last day together. Bofo was loved dearly and is ever so missed. Your patience, compassion, and understanding gave so much comfort at a time of pain and sorrow. What I thought was going to be so painful became a sense of peace. My handsome boy went to sleep peacefully and was back home within one week. I would like to share with you some pictures of Bofo's memorial garden and how his memory lives in our home and in our lives. I also want to thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness for the card you sent to our family. It is a blessing to have someone like you to be with one in such a time of desperation, fear, pain, and sorrow. I can definitely say that what I imagined to be the worst day of my life came to be peaceful because of you. My handsome boy is running free. Also, on another note, I have definitely been visited by Bofo.❤️🐾🌈 Thank you again and much respect to you.

David

Havertown, Pennsylvania

I cannot begin to express how much my family and I appreciate the work that Lap of Love provides. The amount of compassion and love that each receptionist and the vet gives to you and your pet is incredibly comforting and soothing during a time of overwhelming despair. In the past I have had the unfortunate experience with the cold and sterile environment that the local vet provides. One where the vet pops in, forgets the pets name and pops out again like it was just another routine exam. Lap of Love is an eye opening discovery that however hard and difficult this decision is, there are professionals out their that truly care about what you and your pet are going through. My family and I had the distinct pleasure of a visit from Dr. Abby. When I first meet her, I knew everything was going to be okay. She had such a genuine warm and comforting demeanor. Not only was it a comfort to us, but I could tell our little Luna was also comfortable around her... to the point she was even purring (which never happens with strangers!) One of the greatest opportunities Lap of Love provides though is the ability for your pet to pass at home. Our Luna fell asleep peacefully in her favorite spot (our plant window) surrounded by chirping birds on a gorgeous sunny day. What was destined to be a horrible and tragic event, ended up being a beautiful moment that was full of love and peace... all thanks to Dr. Abi and Lap of Love. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so very much.

Shani

Charlotte , North Carolina

Yesterday we transitioned B to doggy heaven. Although it hurt for her to leave, it was time. She died at home in my arms, surrounded by her family like we promised her. It was a beautiful transition. If you are in Charlotte and your dog is in need of Hospice care… I recommend #lapoflove. Dr Emilee was so kind, and compassionate. She educated me on the process and we were given the time and space to love on B until we were ready to let go…with her favorite song Eternal flame by the bangels playing in the background Welp. I Pray she behaves (IYKYK) I luv u long time B🥹

Lorraine

Westfield , New Jersey

I cannot say enough about Lap of Love & Dr. Lauren. We are so deeply grateful to her for the gentle, loving way she helped our 14-yr old Snoopy pass on. She also helped us immensely, was patient & kind, & it made a heartbreaking experience as bearable as possible. Many thanks to Dr. Lauren, & to Ashley, the kind lady who answered the phone when I called the day before. Today we had to say goodbye to Snoopy, and our hearts are heavy, trying to grapple with the loss. 💔 Snoopy, we will miss and love you forever.❤ We are so grateful that we had you in our lives for so many years, but it still feels like we lost you too soon. May you have endless treats and belly rubs in doggie heaven.

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

Find a veterinarian near you

Have questions? Give us a call. One of our Veterinary Care Coordinators would love to help.

Our Lap of Love Support Center is available 24/7, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.