Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. Our neighborhood was surrounded by woods with toads to catch, trees to climb, and a creek to explore. I loved learning about the birds I would see on my walks in the woods. It was those hours spent in nature that fostered my love of animals and the natural world. I was one of those kids who always knew they would be a vet when they grew up. My parents could see that a girl who kept tadpoles in her bedroom would be happiest in a career involving animals, and they supported my decision to attend veterinary school. In high school and college, I was fortunate to work with the vet staff as a keeper at the Saint Louis Zoo. 

I did my undergraduate work and veterinary training at the University of Missouri. After vet school, I  moved to Seattle and worked in small animal practice. In addition to treating cats and dogs, my patients included birds, pocket pets, and reptiles. I was occasionally able to make house calls for families who wanted their pets to pass at home, which was particularly fulfilling.

I love being able to connect with families and learn how their pets fit with the family. That way, my recommendations can better reflect what will be most helpful in their situation. The scientist in me loves solving a good medical mystery, but I also have a soft spot for geriatric pets. 

Alleviating animal suffering is the foundation of veterinary medicine, and end-of-life care is an important part of that. After taking some time off to raise my family, I felt called to return to work in veterinary hospice care. Having had many pets over the years, I can appreciate how difficult end-of-life decisions can be when a beloved pet is in pain or struggling. The experience of having my pet pass while snuggled up in my lap, in a place where they feel the most safe and secure, is something I feel honored to be able to provide to the families I work with. A pet's final moments can be a memory that we carry with us for many years, and making that experience as peaceful as possible is very rewarding for me. 

I love spending time in nature in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or walking on the beach with my dog, Roger. I also enjoy traveling, reading historical fiction, and volunteering as a forest steward with Seattle Parks.