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Dr. Danya

Virtual Support Only

Danya is an Ohio resident geographically, but a New England-er at heart. She moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1989 to attend Ohio State Veterinary School, and subsequently graduated in 1993. She immediately started her first official job as a veterinarian, thus fulfilling her child-hood dream that never subsided. Danya was in private practice until 2006, when she transitioned into teaching and curriculum development in the veterinary technology program, and other animal welfare-related programs. She is also a part-time shelter veterinarian, at a local feline shelter.

As she fell in love with her work, she simultaneously fell in love with her best friend and fellow animal advocate, Mike Parks. He ultimately became her husband in 2001 and continued to be her partner in animal rescue, feline behavior, TNR and essentially all things cat related. In 2017, they founded a non-profit organization called Felines in Need, (FIN), and their home became the FIN sanctuary for 18 permanent resident cats. The validation of non-profit status made the couple’s crazy cat house seem just a little less crazy.

Danya considers her varied work in the animal field to be one of her strongest passions. In addition, she loves spending time hiking in the woods, writing, hanging out at the horse barn, and tap dancing. Until his death in January 2018, Mike Parks was truly her number one love. Mike’s cancer diagnosis, their incredible experience with human hospice care, and his untimely death were all catalysts for her decision to join the Lap of Love family.

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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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Regina

East Northport, New York

I am writing to all the animal lovers at the crossroads between loving a beloved pet and losing a beloved pet. My family was grateful to welcome out baby Peanut into our home in 2006 when he was 10 weeks old. We were heartbroken to have let him go in March of 2019. During those 13 wonderful years, he was truly my baby. I walked him every day and he was the mascot of the neighborhood – all the kids would run from their houses yelling Peanut’s coming, Peanut’s coming. He would love the attention and then, when our walk was through, we would sit together on the porch, weather permitting. He would lounge in the sun and I would read until he was ready to go back inside. He was my shadow and would follow me from room to room even if I was only going for a minute. I always tried to remember this thought - we have friends, work, church, acquaintances - our pets only have us. I was mindful of giving my baby the best possible life for the time he was here. In January of 2018, Peanut tore his ACL. Since he was already 12, the vet treated him medically and he did well on the medication. We could see, however, that there was a steady decline. He was slowing down and had more difficulty doing all the things that were so easy for him in the past. I was really struggling to know what the right thing for him would be. In August, I contacted Lap of Love to gather information and to find out the procedure when the time came. They were absolutely wonderful. Everything was explained to me and they sent me literature that would help us know when it was time. I knew I did not want to take him to a vet’s office – he hated the vet and I did not want his last memories to be there. In November, Peanut could no longer make it around the block but, every day he would still stare at his leash ready to venture out. I started walking him just in front of the house, but he still would pull to go all the way around. His spirit was there but his little leggies couldn't manage. We knew the end was near, but he seemed, still to be comfortable on the meds. We had a last Christmas with him and on February 21st we had a big 13th birthday party for him. The last month, things were getting worse almost by the day. We made the heartbreaking decision to free him from his pain. Through the tears, I called Lap of Love. Their understanding and compassion was really amazing as I made the appointment that would change our lives forever. I was extremely grateful that we had a last glorious day together. It was beautiful outside and we spent the day in the back yard. He rummaged in the leaves that remained from fall and I picked up sticks. In the past, I would throw him his ball or a toy or a stick and he would chase it for hours. This time, he just enjoyed his yard and his last day in the sun. I was happy to watch him lie in the grass. Later on, his special magic-belly petter, Maria (my daughter) and I walked him in front of the house a final time. He was happy but he was shuffling toward the end. It was heartbreaking to take him back in the house for the last time. He didn't even want to sit on the porch - he just wanted to go home. It was surreal when the sun set that day knowing my baby would not see another one. The night before he died, he was walking around and around the house panting and panting until he finally settled down around 2 am. It broke my heart when the vet told us that his panting was a sign of pain, stress and anxiety. It took him so long to settle down because he knew it would hurt him to lie down and get comfortable. I was only so grateful that it was only one night that he had to deal with that. Dr. Heather came on March 20, 2019 to help our baby cross over. She was wonderful and calming. She wanted to hear all about Peanut, what he liked to do and the fun times we had together. She explained what would happen, what he would feel. Interestingly, when she gave him the first injection to relax him – a completely different look came over him. His face reverted back to puppyhood as if he could finally let go of all his pain. Dr. Heather was calm when she told us he had his angel wings. I am so, so grateful that we were able to let Peanut transition from this life in his own home surrounded by his family that loved and cherished him. It is a peace that I will never forget and that I owe to Lap of Love. We have struggled with my baby’s loss, but I just keep remembering that, in the end – it was not really a decision, at all. It would have been selfish to let him continue in pain. We know we will meet him again at the Rainbow Bridge and he will be waiting for us. Rest easy, my Peanut. I can share this with animal lovers, because I know you know. God bless you all and your most beloved pets. Regina Cosenza

Brentwood, New York

Heather was kind and thoughtful during our very difficult time. She took great care to explain the entire experience and made Sandy feel safe & comfortable. She did a terrific job. She made a very difficult time bearable. Thank you ! ❤️

Erin

Jacksonville, Florida

Dr. Katie Green was such a friend to us during one of the worst days of our lives. She was gentle and kind and took all the time we needed to say goodbye to our Flyer. Flyer was a huge golden retriever (135 lbs) so we were worried about how she would handle him, but it was not an issue at all. We lost him too young, he was only seven years old and got cancer, so this was particularly difficult compared to losing some of our previous older dogs who declined in a much more standard way. Dr. Katie was so sympathetic and it was really sweet that she helped us understand the entire process. Our baby boy went to heaven with ease because of Dr. Katie Green - thank you Dr. Katie for your supreme sweetness and absolute professionalism.

Ellie

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I honestly can't believe how beautiful Dr Bates made my cats passing. Dr. Bates is a Love Pro. On the day Princess Noodle needed to be transitioned, he was incredibly reassuring, he was ultimately kind, he was did everything PERFECTLY. Said the PERFECT THINGS. He was exactly what Princess Noodle needed because he was a pro vet and he was also exactly what we needed because he was a LOVE PRO. He gets it. He really does. And that is priceless. What a beautiful transition for all creatures Dr Bates provided us with. I am so incredibly grateful to him and will always remember how beautiful and peaceful he made things. Thank you Dr Bates.

Joe

New Port Richey, Florida

Loren Today you walked into our lives during a very difficult time for Jackie and I, as we had to make a difficult decision on our precious Allie of 15 years. You compassion, kind words, and calming presence will never be forgotten, and we cant thank you enough for getting us through this very difficult time. Thank you for comforting Allie, and ensuring her passing was done with dignity, respect, while in our home where Allie felt most comfortable. Thank you from the bottom our hearts!

Ryan & Jessica

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Dr. Kara helped us say goodbye to our wonderful dog, Pepper, from the comfort of her favorite bed. Our little Pepper was not the friendliest dog and was usually wary of strangers. Pepper loved Dr. Kara immediately. Dr. Kara's calm, serene presence was exactly what we needed during this heartbreaking time. She was patient with us and Pepper, allowing us to say goodbye at our own pace. She was very respectful of Pepper after she passed. We could not have asked for a better way to say goodbye to our little girl. Thank you for all your help.

Gordon

Dayton, Ohio

I am truly thankful for Lap of Love and the sincere empathy that Dr Georgeanne Croskey provided when we knew we had to say “goodbye” to our beloved Dino. This is truly one of the most difficult decisions that a pet parent ever has to make and Lap of Love made the experience as comfortable as possible for our family and pet during this emotional experience. Dr Georgeanne’s patience with our whole family, the explanations of everything she was doing, the engagement of my daughter in this process and her post care of our cherished pet was appreciated far more than we can put into words. We also were also amazed at how quickly our beloved pet was returned to our home. He was hand delivered back in his home the next day in urn engraved with his name, birthdate and passing date. It was such a pleasure to have him home, where he belonged, so quickly. I cannot have a higher recommendation than Lap of Love to assist any pet owner in the difficult process of saying goodbye to their cherished friend and companion.

Regina

East Northport, New York

I am writing to all the animal lovers at the crossroads between loving a beloved pet and losing a beloved pet. My family was grateful to welcome out baby Peanut into our home in 2006 when he was 10 weeks old. We were heartbroken to have let him go in March of 2019. During those 13 wonderful years, he was truly my baby. I walked him every day and he was the mascot of the neighborhood – all the kids would run from their houses yelling Peanut’s coming, Peanut’s coming. He would love the attention and then, when our walk was through, we would sit together on the porch, weather permitting. He would lounge in the sun and I would read until he was ready to go back inside. He was my shadow and would follow me from room to room even if I was only going for a minute. I always tried to remember this thought - we have friends, work, church, acquaintances - our pets only have us. I was mindful of giving my baby the best possible life for the time he was here. In January of 2018, Peanut tore his ACL. Since he was already 12, the vet treated him medically and he did well on the medication. We could see, however, that there was a steady decline. He was slowing down and had more difficulty doing all the things that were so easy for him in the past. I was really struggling to know what the right thing for him would be. In August, I contacted Lap of Love to gather information and to find out the procedure when the time came. They were absolutely wonderful. Everything was explained to me and they sent me literature that would help us know when it was time. I knew I did not want to take him to a vet’s office – he hated the vet and I did not want his last memories to be there. In November, Peanut could no longer make it around the block but, every day he would still stare at his leash ready to venture out. I started walking him just in front of the house, but he still would pull to go all the way around. His spirit was there but his little leggies couldn't manage. We knew the end was near, but he seemed, still to be comfortable on the meds. We had a last Christmas with him and on February 21st we had a big 13th birthday party for him. The last month, things were getting worse almost by the day. We made the heartbreaking decision to free him from his pain. Through the tears, I called Lap of Love. Their understanding and compassion was really amazing as I made the appointment that would change our lives forever. I was extremely grateful that we had a last glorious day together. It was beautiful outside and we spent the day in the back yard. He rummaged in the leaves that remained from fall and I picked up sticks. In the past, I would throw him his ball or a toy or a stick and he would chase it for hours. This time, he just enjoyed his yard and his last day in the sun. I was happy to watch him lie in the grass. Later on, his special magic-belly petter, Maria (my daughter) and I walked him in front of the house a final time. He was happy but he was shuffling toward the end. It was heartbreaking to take him back in the house for the last time. He didn't even want to sit on the porch - he just wanted to go home. It was surreal when the sun set that day knowing my baby would not see another one. The night before he died, he was walking around and around the house panting and panting until he finally settled down around 2 am. It broke my heart when the vet told us that his panting was a sign of pain, stress and anxiety. It took him so long to settle down because he knew it would hurt him to lie down and get comfortable. I was only so grateful that it was only one night that he had to deal with that. Dr. Heather came on March 20, 2019 to help our baby cross over. She was wonderful and calming. She wanted to hear all about Peanut, what he liked to do and the fun times we had together. She explained what would happen, what he would feel. Interestingly, when she gave him the first injection to relax him – a completely different look came over him. His face reverted back to puppyhood as if he could finally let go of all his pain. Dr. Heather was calm when she told us he had his angel wings. I am so, so grateful that we were able to let Peanut transition from this life in his own home surrounded by his family that loved and cherished him. It is a peace that I will never forget and that I owe to Lap of Love. We have struggled with my baby’s loss, but I just keep remembering that, in the end – it was not really a decision, at all. It would have been selfish to let him continue in pain. We know we will meet him again at the Rainbow Bridge and he will be waiting for us. Rest easy, my Peanut. I can share this with animal lovers, because I know you know. God bless you all and your most beloved pets. Regina Cosenza

Erin

Jacksonville, Florida

Dr. Katie Green was such a friend to us during one of the worst days of our lives. She was gentle and kind and took all the time we needed to say goodbye to our Flyer. Flyer was a huge golden retriever (135 lbs) so we were worried about how she would handle him, but it was not an issue at all. We lost him too young, he was only seven years old and got cancer, so this was particularly difficult compared to losing some of our previous older dogs who declined in a much more standard way. Dr. Katie was so sympathetic and it was really sweet that she helped us understand the entire process. Our baby boy went to heaven with ease because of Dr. Katie Green - thank you Dr. Katie for your supreme sweetness and absolute professionalism.

Ellie

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I honestly can't believe how beautiful Dr Bates made my cats passing. Dr. Bates is a Love Pro. On the day Princess Noodle needed to be transitioned, he was incredibly reassuring, he was ultimately kind, he was did everything PERFECTLY. Said the PERFECT THINGS. He was exactly what Princess Noodle needed because he was a pro vet and he was also exactly what we needed because he was a LOVE PRO. He gets it. He really does. And that is priceless. What a beautiful transition for all creatures Dr Bates provided us with. I am so incredibly grateful to him and will always remember how beautiful and peaceful he made things. Thank you Dr Bates.

Joe

New Port Richey, Florida

Loren Today you walked into our lives during a very difficult time for Jackie and I, as we had to make a difficult decision on our precious Allie of 15 years. You compassion, kind words, and calming presence will never be forgotten, and we cant thank you enough for getting us through this very difficult time. Thank you for comforting Allie, and ensuring her passing was done with dignity, respect, while in our home where Allie felt most comfortable. Thank you from the bottom our hearts!

Ryan & Jessica

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Dr. Kara helped us say goodbye to our wonderful dog, Pepper, from the comfort of her favorite bed. Our little Pepper was not the friendliest dog and was usually wary of strangers. Pepper loved Dr. Kara immediately. Dr. Kara's calm, serene presence was exactly what we needed during this heartbreaking time. She was patient with us and Pepper, allowing us to say goodbye at our own pace. She was very respectful of Pepper after she passed. We could not have asked for a better way to say goodbye to our little girl. Thank you for all your help.

Gordon

Dayton, Ohio

I am truly thankful for Lap of Love and the sincere empathy that Dr Georgeanne Croskey provided when we knew we had to say “goodbye” to our beloved Dino. This is truly one of the most difficult decisions that a pet parent ever has to make and Lap of Love made the experience as comfortable as possible for our family and pet during this emotional experience. Dr Georgeanne’s patience with our whole family, the explanations of everything she was doing, the engagement of my daughter in this process and her post care of our cherished pet was appreciated far more than we can put into words. We also were also amazed at how quickly our beloved pet was returned to our home. He was hand delivered back in his home the next day in urn engraved with his name, birthdate and passing date. It was such a pleasure to have him home, where he belonged, so quickly. I cannot have a higher recommendation than Lap of Love to assist any pet owner in the difficult process of saying goodbye to their cherished friend and companion.

Regina

East Northport, New York

I am writing to all the animal lovers at the crossroads between loving a beloved pet and losing a beloved pet. My family was grateful to welcome out baby Peanut into our home in 2006 when he was 10 weeks old. We were heartbroken to have let him go in March of 2019. During those 13 wonderful years, he was truly my baby. I walked him every day and he was the mascot of the neighborhood – all the kids would run from their houses yelling Peanut’s coming, Peanut’s coming. He would love the attention and then, when our walk was through, we would sit together on the porch, weather permitting. He would lounge in the sun and I would read until he was ready to go back inside. He was my shadow and would follow me from room to room even if I was only going for a minute. I always tried to remember this thought - we have friends, work, church, acquaintances - our pets only have us. I was mindful of giving my baby the best possible life for the time he was here. In January of 2018, Peanut tore his ACL. Since he was already 12, the vet treated him medically and he did well on the medication. We could see, however, that there was a steady decline. He was slowing down and had more difficulty doing all the things that were so easy for him in the past. I was really struggling to know what the right thing for him would be. In August, I contacted Lap of Love to gather information and to find out the procedure when the time came. They were absolutely wonderful. Everything was explained to me and they sent me literature that would help us know when it was time. I knew I did not want to take him to a vet’s office – he hated the vet and I did not want his last memories to be there. In November, Peanut could no longer make it around the block but, every day he would still stare at his leash ready to venture out. I started walking him just in front of the house, but he still would pull to go all the way around. His spirit was there but his little leggies couldn't manage. We knew the end was near, but he seemed, still to be comfortable on the meds. We had a last Christmas with him and on February 21st we had a big 13th birthday party for him. The last month, things were getting worse almost by the day. We made the heartbreaking decision to free him from his pain. Through the tears, I called Lap of Love. Their understanding and compassion was really amazing as I made the appointment that would change our lives forever. I was extremely grateful that we had a last glorious day together. It was beautiful outside and we spent the day in the back yard. He rummaged in the leaves that remained from fall and I picked up sticks. In the past, I would throw him his ball or a toy or a stick and he would chase it for hours. This time, he just enjoyed his yard and his last day in the sun. I was happy to watch him lie in the grass. Later on, his special magic-belly petter, Maria (my daughter) and I walked him in front of the house a final time. He was happy but he was shuffling toward the end. It was heartbreaking to take him back in the house for the last time. He didn't even want to sit on the porch - he just wanted to go home. It was surreal when the sun set that day knowing my baby would not see another one. The night before he died, he was walking around and around the house panting and panting until he finally settled down around 2 am. It broke my heart when the vet told us that his panting was a sign of pain, stress and anxiety. It took him so long to settle down because he knew it would hurt him to lie down and get comfortable. I was only so grateful that it was only one night that he had to deal with that. Dr. Heather came on March 20, 2019 to help our baby cross over. She was wonderful and calming. She wanted to hear all about Peanut, what he liked to do and the fun times we had together. She explained what would happen, what he would feel. Interestingly, when she gave him the first injection to relax him – a completely different look came over him. His face reverted back to puppyhood as if he could finally let go of all his pain. Dr. Heather was calm when she told us he had his angel wings. I am so, so grateful that we were able to let Peanut transition from this life in his own home surrounded by his family that loved and cherished him. It is a peace that I will never forget and that I owe to Lap of Love. We have struggled with my baby’s loss, but I just keep remembering that, in the end – it was not really a decision, at all. It would have been selfish to let him continue in pain. We know we will meet him again at the Rainbow Bridge and he will be waiting for us. Rest easy, my Peanut. I can share this with animal lovers, because I know you know. God bless you all and your most beloved pets. Regina Cosenza

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