Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

Raised in rural New York, I was one of those children that attracted stray animals like bees to honey, and I loved it! Of course my heart-wrenching story telling became legendary as I created saga after saga about why it was imperative that my parents allow these animals to join our family. One of the most cherished additions was a Samoyed that I had rescued at the Humane Society and named Snow White. The 12 years we shared together were wonderful, and we had grown to be intricate parts of one another's lives.

But in 1999 fate dealt me a shattering blow as she unexpectedly passed due to a systemic infection. The only positive I can take away from this tragic event is that I was able to say good-bye to my best friend as she lay in my arms and breathed her last breath. I was her last glimpse of a life that was filled with love, compassion and companionship. Although stricken with grief as I mourned my loss, I knew at that very moment that I wanted to follow a long held dream of becoming a veterinarian in order to help people care for their cherished animal friends.

While practicing small animal medicine, my most enjoyable moments are creating close relationships with the families of the pets I treat. Early on I had recognized this dynamic kinship between animal, owner and practitioner and was bestowed with the most distinguished Human-Animal Bond award in Veterinary school. The awareness of this bond makes the task of assisting clients with the difficult decision to euthanize their pets all the more arduous. I've come to appreciate the very fragile balance of a pet having a good quality of life and knowing when it's time to be selfless and let your pet pass with dignity and without suffering. Although a difficult task, I am always honored to be a part of the family's last moments with their beloved pets.

Over 10 years later, I still think of and miss my lovely Snow White every time I must help a family say goodbye to their pet. I've chosen to focus on this aspect of Veterinary medicine because helping families say goodbye to a beloved pet is a difficult yet important part of the human-animal bond. Creating a loving and nurturing environment for both pets and owners is instrumental in helping them to find closure at such a difficult time. While I comfort the families left behind, I like to think that every pet that I help is greeted by my Snow White as they cross the rainbow bridge.