In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Los Angeles

Born and raised in Southern California, I grew up in a household not only with sisters, but also a bevy of canine and feline siblings. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of sneaking out into the backyard after bedtime to run and dance with my four legged family under the stars. My journey towards veterinary medicine started at the University of California - Berkeley where I attained a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology. I then attended and graduated from Western University of Health Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine.

Since then, I have been sharing my love for companion animals in general practice. During this time, I have had the privilege of witnessing the depth and richness of the human-animal bond. From sharing the memories of a pet's first moments at home to the trials of saying goodbye, I've always felt honored to play a role in my patient's life story. No doubt that role is most important when it comes time to guide families on end-of-life care for their loving animal companions.

While I have always known the importance of our pet's final visit at the hospital, it wasn't until my own personal experience saying goodbye to my heart dog Louie, that I realized there was another way to help our pet's transition with peace and dignity. Louie was my devious yet loveable yellow Labrador Retriever who had a zest for life and never met food he didn't want to devour. That five pound bag of gummy bears? Gone in 60 seconds. So when it came time to say goodbye to my beloved friend, I did the only thing that I thought would be worthy of Louie's last day... I threw him a party at home.

His last day was filled with friends, family, and forbidden foods. When he was sated with good food and belly rubs, with the help of an in-home euthanasia veterinarian, I held him in my arms as he took his last breath. It was the best of endings for Louie's life story. An ending filled with happiness, tears, and most of all, love.

I am so grateful to have had the compassion and support of an in-home veterinarian so that I could provide Louie with a dignified passing surrounded by the things he loved. With Louie's memory in my heart, I feel honored to bring the same comfort and guidance to all those families giving selflessly to provide a peaceful passing and loving last memory for their pets. 

I grew up in Southern California, where my love for nature and animals was cultivated by vacations spent exploring National Parks and museums. During college, I volunteered my spare time at the local shelter which led to landing a summer internship at a marine mammal rehabilitation facility. Caring for these animals helped me realize my desire to pursue veterinary medicine.

While in veterinary school at Western University, our family dog became ill. Taking care of her through these final months showed me the importance and the struggles of hospice care. I understand wholeheartedly the worry and fear families experience when their beloved pets are sick.

Through Lap of Love, I aim to support and comfort families as they navigate the end-of-life process and are faced with difficult decisions. Our pets love us unconditionally and bring daily joy to our lives, so when the time comes to say good bye, my goal is to honor each with the gift of a peaceful passing.

I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, a place that is very special to me. In Providence, you can go from city life to beach life in less than an hour, and like most of us who grew up there, I prefer to live near the ocean. My siblings and I loved animals growing up, and one of us was always bringing home a stray kitten or puppy—or hamster or mouse. In school, I excelled in biology and the life sciences, and I felt that becoming a veterinarian was the best way to merge my love of science and animals. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Massachusetts Amherst before attending Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine (now Cumming's School), where I received my veterinary degree. Years later, I earned my master’s degree in veterinary forensics from the University of Florida.

My career in small animal medicine has been full of variety. I’ve spent time in general practice, emergency medicine, and relief work, and I owned my own practice in Los Angeles. I appreciate all aspects of veterinary medicine, but my greatest passion has been working as a forensic veterinarian in the animal welfare field, which I dedicated my life to for 15 years. 

Many years spent working in animal shelters has provided me with a lot of experience with end-of-life care. Unfortunately, most shelter animals don't have families to be with them when they pass, and I always try to give them the most comforting experience possible. 

I have lost many pets over the years and have comforted many friends, family, and clients through their losses. I cherish being able to give people the space and time to say goodbye in the way that is best for them. I feel honored to be able to help pets and their families during that difficult time. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my kids, reading, walking on the beach, and enjoying nature as much as possible.