Home | Lap of Love

In-home
euthanasia

Quality-of-life assessment

Testimonials

Pet memorials

Blog articles

Family resources

Our veterinarians

Helping you and your pet is our passion

Viewing Lap of Love Vets

Loading

Dr. Michelle

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Cleveland & Surrounding Area

I grew up in Aurora, Illinois, which provided the perfect feeling of community within reach of the wonderful experiences Chicago offered. I have always loved animals, especially horses, and I dreamed of one day being a zookeeper. However, my college biology classes inspired me to pursue medicine, and veterinary medicine proved to perfectly blend my passions.

I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame (go Irish!), where I was an active saxophone player in the Notre Dame marching band. I attended veterinary school at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

I love exotic pet medicine—specifically caring for small mammals (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs)—and my career has led to wonderful opportunities, including working at The Bronx Zoo, being a barn manager at a children's museum, traveling to Belize for a month of research, and working at Tufts Wildlife clinic.

I love being a veterinarian because of the connections I am able to build with animals and their families. I have most recently worked as a general practice vet in Cleveland, Ohio, and I have formed beautiful connections with the people of Cleveland and their pets.

I have walked my own family through the loss of our first dogs, April and Rusty, and know first-hand the difficulty of letting a family member go. I wish my family could have had the experience of our pets passing in their favorite spots in our house. I hope to provide owners an experience that allows them to grieve their beloved family members while being at peace with their decision, in a familiar location that provides calming for everyone involved.

I have two cats and two rabbits who I adore. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and infant daughter, and we love trying new restaurants and attending concerts performed by the Cleveland Orchestra.

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.

This video content is currently blocked by your cookies settings. You can at any time.

Loading

Debi

Sayville, New York

My dog Baylee lived a good life, so at 13-1/2 years old when she was having multiple issues with her health we knew her time was getting close. Labrador retrievers like Baylee are known to be tough to read at times, no matter what kind of discomfort or symptom she may have had, her tail was aways wagging, appetite always great and her happy go lucky, soulful presence never changed much. Baylee was a dog who truly loved everyone and life. But the signs were there at night, there in the backyard when she would go out to the bathroom. As much as the though of saying goodbye was too much to bear we knew she was in pain or uncomfortable and couldn't let this continue much longer, it was the right time. This happening at a time when we were chartering a new course in history, a pandemic made this even harder as many veterinarians were not letting people in their businesses, some had tents set up outside, some would let people in but it was too quick for goodbye. We also didn't want Baylee's last moments on this earth to be in a place she was getting hesitant to even go since her health was getting worse she was becoming afraid to go to our vets. We put one of our cats to sleep in the home years back but our vet wasn't doing that anymore. I started to research online to see if anyone was doing this and found "Laps of Love". I read everything on their website as well as YouTube videos and liked what I saw. They seemed very knowledgeable, professional as well as compassionate. We took their advice of getting a "Bucket List" going and started the next day. On Baylee's last day we took her to a local beach that she loved to go to and just sat with her for as long as we could then followed up with a trip to Carvel for a cup of vanilla ice cream. It was the saddest day I have ever had in my life but again we did just about everything on that list for her. This photo is her last day. Dr Heather Manfredi was the vet who performed the euthanasia at our home later that day. Unfortunately it was raining and had to be done inside. We were all in masks but so grateful we chose this route. She guided us every step of the way, very professional and warm. Baylee passed very peaceful surrounded by all of those who loved her most, my husband, son and his girlfriend, we all were kissing her and telling her what a good girl she was and how much we loved her, the tears were plentiful and still are at times. I would highly recommend such a beautiful goodbye as the one Laps of Love provides. Thank You Dr Manfredi for helping us get through one of the toughest days of our lives.

Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Dr. Amy Parrish showed great care and kindness in helping Mocha transition. Dr. Amy also spent some time with Mocha when she first arrived so Mocha became acquainted and comfortable with her. It was not stressful for Mocha because she was in familiar surroundings and was resting on her favorite pillow on the couch, with Dr. Amy sitting next to her. Mocha's transition was painless and peaceful, and freed her from the suffering she was experiencing during her last few days. We were greatly relieved to see how the initial sedative shot put Mocha into a deep sleepy state, just like how she used to sleep so deeply and was the first rest and peace she had in days. There is no question that in-home end-of-life transitioning was the best thing for Mocha. Because Mocha did not like to travel and became more skittish in her later years, and she usually needed two days to get back to normal from a trip to the vet, we could not imagine the extreme stress from driving her to a clinical setting. It would have been unbearable for us to see Mocha in such stress in her final moments. This is not intended to disparage end-of-life transition support at vet clinics and their important critical care services, but simply that it was not the best approach for Mocha.

Peggy

Westminster , Colorado

It brought great comfort in a very difficult time to have someone time to our home. Mini hated cars and it would have caused her more stress then she was already feeling. Dr Sean gave us all the time we needed and helped us though the process. For that we are thankful

Tereasa

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Today Dr. Carly came to help us send our beloved Gabe, a fabulously loved by so many Golden Retriever, pass on to the other side. She was so compassionate and comforting to us all and she was patient with us as we experienced our boy’s deliverance from the devastation a brain tumor had done to him. Gabe was a magnificent dog, a loyal friend, a caretaker, and the most amazing friend anyone could ever be fortunate enough to get. He experienced love and respect and a peaceful and loving passing on to the rainbow bridge, and we are eternally blessed to have had her here for us.

Melissa & James

Moore, Oklahoma

We are truly grateful to Lap of Love for assisting us during such a time of grief. They've assisted us now with 2 beloved family members and we can't sing their praises enough. Dr. Lisa is so kind and understanding. She's now witnessed two very intimate and emotional times in our family's life; and we deeply appreciate her.

Karen

Huntington Beach, California

Dear Dr. Amanda… We just wanted to thank you for making Macie‘s transition to being an Angel as peaceful and as comforting as possible given the situation. Not only are you kind, compassionate, empathetic and authentic you are also blessed with the gift of comfort… We were so thankful that you were the veterinarian who came to our home to help us and we will never forget that day and the pure kindness we felt from you. Navigating the process with Macie’s 11-year-old mother was something we were unsure about...but you made it just perfect. Macie was born and died in the same room on the same floor in the same spot ...we were all there when she was born and were lucky enough to say goodbye in the comfort of our own home… Which is what was so beautiful about letting her go in a familiar, stress-free, loving, calm environment.. Thank you for your lovely, soft-spoken, gentle manner in which we all felt the love and pure tenderness that you so embrace. May you always know that you have a gift and those who are lucky enough to be touched by it are blessed … Thank you for loving animals enough to help them move on from pain and suffering. Forever in our thoughts and in our hearts, and with our memories of our dear sweet Macie. Love, The Dorman family Jeff, Karen, Ashley, Jack, Kevin, and Charlotte(Macie’s mom)

DEBORAH

MARGATE, Florida

VETERINARIAN DR. JORDAN. WHAT A KIND AND TALENTED DR. WE FEEL VERY BLESSED HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR US AND OUR LITTLE ONES. DR JORDAN IS A VERY KIND AND GENTLE SOUL. WE WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR US TIME, AFTER TIME ,AFTER TIME. WE FIND GREAT COMFORT. KNOWING DR JORDAN KINDLY ASSISTED OUR LITTLE ONES TO THE FOOT OF THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. WHERE THEY AWAIT OUR ARRIVAL ONE DAY. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE LAP OF LOVE. REST ASSURED THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO GIVE YOUR LITTLE ONES THEIR ETERNAL FREEDOM. THANK YOU DR.JORDAN. WE TRULY FEEL YOU ARE GOD SENT.

Tonya

Sevierville, Tennessee

Our vet gave us the information for Laps of Love and we can not express how much it meant to us to be able to say goodbye to our sweet Lily at home. We were able to grieve with our family in private. Dr. Allie was compassionate and made a sad day a little easier. It touched our hearts how kind and gentle she was with Lily. Although this process is not something you ever want to think about with your fur babies I could not imagine doing it differently

Debi

Sayville, New York

My dog Baylee lived a good life, so at 13-1/2 years old when she was having multiple issues with her health we knew her time was getting close. Labrador retrievers like Baylee are known to be tough to read at times, no matter what kind of discomfort or symptom she may have had, her tail was aways wagging, appetite always great and her happy go lucky, soulful presence never changed much. Baylee was a dog who truly loved everyone and life. But the signs were there at night, there in the backyard when she would go out to the bathroom. As much as the though of saying goodbye was too much to bear we knew she was in pain or uncomfortable and couldn't let this continue much longer, it was the right time. This happening at a time when we were chartering a new course in history, a pandemic made this even harder as many veterinarians were not letting people in their businesses, some had tents set up outside, some would let people in but it was too quick for goodbye. We also didn't want Baylee's last moments on this earth to be in a place she was getting hesitant to even go since her health was getting worse she was becoming afraid to go to our vets. We put one of our cats to sleep in the home years back but our vet wasn't doing that anymore. I started to research online to see if anyone was doing this and found "Laps of Love". I read everything on their website as well as YouTube videos and liked what I saw. They seemed very knowledgeable, professional as well as compassionate. We took their advice of getting a "Bucket List" going and started the next day. On Baylee's last day we took her to a local beach that she loved to go to and just sat with her for as long as we could then followed up with a trip to Carvel for a cup of vanilla ice cream. It was the saddest day I have ever had in my life but again we did just about everything on that list for her. This photo is her last day. Dr Heather Manfredi was the vet who performed the euthanasia at our home later that day. Unfortunately it was raining and had to be done inside. We were all in masks but so grateful we chose this route. She guided us every step of the way, very professional and warm. Baylee passed very peaceful surrounded by all of those who loved her most, my husband, son and his girlfriend, we all were kissing her and telling her what a good girl she was and how much we loved her, the tears were plentiful and still are at times. I would highly recommend such a beautiful goodbye as the one Laps of Love provides. Thank You Dr Manfredi for helping us get through one of the toughest days of our lives.

Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Dr. Amy Parrish showed great care and kindness in helping Mocha transition. Dr. Amy also spent some time with Mocha when she first arrived so Mocha became acquainted and comfortable with her. It was not stressful for Mocha because she was in familiar surroundings and was resting on her favorite pillow on the couch, with Dr. Amy sitting next to her. Mocha's transition was painless and peaceful, and freed her from the suffering she was experiencing during her last few days. We were greatly relieved to see how the initial sedative shot put Mocha into a deep sleepy state, just like how she used to sleep so deeply and was the first rest and peace she had in days. There is no question that in-home end-of-life transitioning was the best thing for Mocha. Because Mocha did not like to travel and became more skittish in her later years, and she usually needed two days to get back to normal from a trip to the vet, we could not imagine the extreme stress from driving her to a clinical setting. It would have been unbearable for us to see Mocha in such stress in her final moments. This is not intended to disparage end-of-life transition support at vet clinics and their important critical care services, but simply that it was not the best approach for Mocha.

Tereasa

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Today Dr. Carly came to help us send our beloved Gabe, a fabulously loved by so many Golden Retriever, pass on to the other side. She was so compassionate and comforting to us all and she was patient with us as we experienced our boy’s deliverance from the devastation a brain tumor had done to him. Gabe was a magnificent dog, a loyal friend, a caretaker, and the most amazing friend anyone could ever be fortunate enough to get. He experienced love and respect and a peaceful and loving passing on to the rainbow bridge, and we are eternally blessed to have had her here for us.

Karen

Huntington Beach, California

Dear Dr. Amanda… We just wanted to thank you for making Macie‘s transition to being an Angel as peaceful and as comforting as possible given the situation. Not only are you kind, compassionate, empathetic and authentic you are also blessed with the gift of comfort… We were so thankful that you were the veterinarian who came to our home to help us and we will never forget that day and the pure kindness we felt from you. Navigating the process with Macie’s 11-year-old mother was something we were unsure about...but you made it just perfect. Macie was born and died in the same room on the same floor in the same spot ...we were all there when she was born and were lucky enough to say goodbye in the comfort of our own home… Which is what was so beautiful about letting her go in a familiar, stress-free, loving, calm environment.. Thank you for your lovely, soft-spoken, gentle manner in which we all felt the love and pure tenderness that you so embrace. May you always know that you have a gift and those who are lucky enough to be touched by it are blessed … Thank you for loving animals enough to help them move on from pain and suffering. Forever in our thoughts and in our hearts, and with our memories of our dear sweet Macie. Love, The Dorman family Jeff, Karen, Ashley, Jack, Kevin, and Charlotte(Macie’s mom)

DEBORAH

MARGATE, Florida

VETERINARIAN DR. JORDAN. WHAT A KIND AND TALENTED DR. WE FEEL VERY BLESSED HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR US AND OUR LITTLE ONES. DR JORDAN IS A VERY KIND AND GENTLE SOUL. WE WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR US TIME, AFTER TIME ,AFTER TIME. WE FIND GREAT COMFORT. KNOWING DR JORDAN KINDLY ASSISTED OUR LITTLE ONES TO THE FOOT OF THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. WHERE THEY AWAIT OUR ARRIVAL ONE DAY. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE LAP OF LOVE. REST ASSURED THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO GIVE YOUR LITTLE ONES THEIR ETERNAL FREEDOM. THANK YOU DR.JORDAN. WE TRULY FEEL YOU ARE GOD SENT.

Tonya

Sevierville, Tennessee

Our vet gave us the information for Laps of Love and we can not express how much it meant to us to be able to say goodbye to our sweet Lily at home. We were able to grieve with our family in private. Dr. Allie was compassionate and made a sad day a little easier. It touched our hearts how kind and gentle she was with Lily. Although this process is not something you ever want to think about with your fur babies I could not imagine doing it differently

Debi

Sayville, New York

My dog Baylee lived a good life, so at 13-1/2 years old when she was having multiple issues with her health we knew her time was getting close. Labrador retrievers like Baylee are known to be tough to read at times, no matter what kind of discomfort or symptom she may have had, her tail was aways wagging, appetite always great and her happy go lucky, soulful presence never changed much. Baylee was a dog who truly loved everyone and life. But the signs were there at night, there in the backyard when she would go out to the bathroom. As much as the though of saying goodbye was too much to bear we knew she was in pain or uncomfortable and couldn't let this continue much longer, it was the right time. This happening at a time when we were chartering a new course in history, a pandemic made this even harder as many veterinarians were not letting people in their businesses, some had tents set up outside, some would let people in but it was too quick for goodbye. We also didn't want Baylee's last moments on this earth to be in a place she was getting hesitant to even go since her health was getting worse she was becoming afraid to go to our vets. We put one of our cats to sleep in the home years back but our vet wasn't doing that anymore. I started to research online to see if anyone was doing this and found "Laps of Love". I read everything on their website as well as YouTube videos and liked what I saw. They seemed very knowledgeable, professional as well as compassionate. We took their advice of getting a "Bucket List" going and started the next day. On Baylee's last day we took her to a local beach that she loved to go to and just sat with her for as long as we could then followed up with a trip to Carvel for a cup of vanilla ice cream. It was the saddest day I have ever had in my life but again we did just about everything on that list for her. This photo is her last day. Dr Heather Manfredi was the vet who performed the euthanasia at our home later that day. Unfortunately it was raining and had to be done inside. We were all in masks but so grateful we chose this route. She guided us every step of the way, very professional and warm. Baylee passed very peaceful surrounded by all of those who loved her most, my husband, son and his girlfriend, we all were kissing her and telling her what a good girl she was and how much we loved her, the tears were plentiful and still are at times. I would highly recommend such a beautiful goodbye as the one Laps of Love provides. Thank You Dr Manfredi for helping us get through one of the toughest days of our lives.

Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Dr. Amy Parrish showed great care and kindness in helping Mocha transition. Dr. Amy also spent some time with Mocha when she first arrived so Mocha became acquainted and comfortable with her. It was not stressful for Mocha because she was in familiar surroundings and was resting on her favorite pillow on the couch, with Dr. Amy sitting next to her. Mocha's transition was painless and peaceful, and freed her from the suffering she was experiencing during her last few days. We were greatly relieved to see how the initial sedative shot put Mocha into a deep sleepy state, just like how she used to sleep so deeply and was the first rest and peace she had in days. There is no question that in-home end-of-life transitioning was the best thing for Mocha. Because Mocha did not like to travel and became more skittish in her later years, and she usually needed two days to get back to normal from a trip to the vet, we could not imagine the extreme stress from driving her to a clinical setting. It would have been unbearable for us to see Mocha in such stress in her final moments. This is not intended to disparage end-of-life transition support at vet clinics and their important critical care services, but simply that it was not the best approach for Mocha.

Helpful resources

Informational resources to help you navigate your pet’s quality of life

Explore all of our resources

Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

Find a veterinarian near you

Have questions? Give us a call. One of our Veterinary Care Coordinators would love to help.

Our Lap of Love Support Center is available 24/7, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.