Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in rural Michigan surrounded by pets of all kind. I always knew that animals would be a large part of my life, but my fate was cemented when I volunteered at a small animal clinic while attending Albion College. Upon graduation from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, my husband and I started our migration south - first spending several years in the Washington D.C. area and then settling in Savannah, Georgia for 12 years to raise our family. We returned to our Midwestern roots in the summer of 2019. I have always loved medicine- my areas of special interest include dentistry/oral surgery, internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice care. I am particularly passionate about client education and fostering a team approach with owners when it comes to patient care. 

During my many years in private practice, I realized that providing peace with dignity at the end of a beloved animal’s life was something that I believed strongly in; protecting the “human-animal bond” from beginning to end is my priority.  Having lost one of the great loves of my life several years ago, I found such peace in being able to say goodbye in our backyard beneath her favorite tree; she was surrounded by her family in a place she loved.  I will always hold this memory in my heart and have dedicated myself to help others find the same comfort when they make that most selfless decision of all to let a loved one go.  I am always humbled when a family allows me to be a part of this final moment and am thankful to be able to serve them in this way. 

I love this poem written by my daughter (then age 10) after we let our beloved Maizy go.  This is what it is all about- my daughter will forever have this special memory of getting to be a part of this beautiful circle of life.

“Letting Go”- by Addyson Czarnecki 

My mood was dark that summer day 

She got too old to even play 

My heart ached as I drew her near 

All I wanted was to ease her fear 

On a blanket under her favorite tree 

We made the choice to set her free 

I buried my face in her soft, orange fur 

I had never known my life without her 

As minutes passed her heart began to slow 

It was so hard to finally let her go 

I sat there in silence, not knowing what to say 

Then my dad gently picked her up and carried her away 

I know she is at peace now up above 

My sweet old Maizy will never lose my love