Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Simi Valley, California, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. The Simi Valley hills were a beautiful place to explore, and the beach was just a short drive away. I miss the Southern California weather and trips to Disneyland, but I don’t miss the LA traffic! 

I received my bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in biomedical sciences from the University of Arizona. During college, I volunteered at the humane society in Tucson. I was struggling with my mental health and an eating disorder at that time, but I found solace and peace while working with animals. I firmly believe that the dogs and cats at the humane society played a vital role in my recovery. I decided to become a veterinarian in order to give back to animals, since they helped me so much. 

I received my veterinary degree from Oregon State University's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. I have worked in general practice for several years. I try to emphasize caring and compassionate communication with pet owners so that we can work together to do what is best for the pet. I like being a vet because it allows me to help preserve and cherish the human-animal bond, which I believe is precious. 

My first experience with pet loss occurred when I was a teenager and I had to say goodbye to my cat, Mumfy, who had end-stage renal failure. He was a beloved family member and my best friend, and the pain of losing him was excruciating. I now understand that saying goodbye was the kindest thing at that time. End-of-life care allows me to ease suffering, which I believe is so important. If I can relieve an animal's suffering, I believe I have done a kindness to that pet and put some good into the universe. End-of-life care also allows me to help families through an incredibly difficult experience, providing comfort and relieving pain associated with the loss of their loved one. 

When I am not working, I enjoy distance running, reading, and exploring the neighborhood with my Chihuahua-pug mix, Penny. Nowadays, most of my time is spent caring for our young twins, Jackson and Josie, who keep us very busy!