Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Kirkland, Washington, about 30 minutes outside of Seattle. Growing up I had a prized stuffed dog named DoDo who went everywhere with me, and experienced a lot of wear and tear as a result. Every time he would split open and start oozing stuffing my mom and I would perform “surgery”—she would grab her sewing kit, and we would save his life! These experiences sparked my love for veterinary medicine, and DoDo now lives in my daughter’s crib, where she cuddles him every night. 

I studied animal science at Washington State University, and worked for the university after graduation, conducting dairy cattle nutrition research trials. Two years later, I started veterinary school at WSU. Pullman, Washington was the best place to go to school, and I miss it very much! 

After graduating from veterinary school, I moved to Tillamook, Oregon where I worked as a mixed animal practitioner, treating mostly small animals and dairy cows. My husband—boyfriend at the time—is also a veterinarian, and he moved to Oregon from New York, and began working at a different practice in the same small town. After two years, we moved closer to Portland, got married, had our daughter, and I took a job at a small animal hospital specializing in dentistry. 

During my time as a general practitioner, I have guided many families through the process of making end-of-life decisions for their pets. I have been there to support families and pets in those last moments, many of which were in a home setting or special place, such as the beach or a pet’s favorite dock. A calm, peaceful environment to say “goodbye” is truly a gift, and I look forward to offering this vital service to pets and families in my community. 

In my free time, I love being a mom to my daughter Atlee, experiencing new things with her, and watching her learn. We also love to spend time outside as a family with our two dogs, Ace and Petrie.