In-Home Pet Euthanasia in San Diego & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended The Ohio State University. Initially, my focus was not veterinary medicine, but I realized my calling after I found myself spending more time at the local animal shelter. Although I was pursuing a finance degree when I started, I quickly changed my major and never looked back. I went on to earn my undergraduate and doctoral degrees in animal sciences and veterinary medicine, respectively.

After graduation, my internship year was spent in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I went on to practice emergency and general medicine in Sacramento and San Diego for six years. After losing my own Irish Setter, Molly, to cancer I found a passion in hospice and palliative care. That passion took me to Lap of Love. I’m honored to serve the area as a mobile hospice veterinarian. I have always felt that pets are most comfortable at home with family and friends, so I feel grateful to be able to provide this gift to the wonderful pets and their families in San Diego.

I was raised in Florida and always had animals around growing up. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a voice for those that could not speak. The natural progression of that was caring for various animals. Adopting different kinds of wildlife and helping them back to health is what guided me towards a career working with animals.

Before deciding to go to veterinary school, I worked as a rhino keeper in Florida, a veterinary technician in New York City, and a marine mammal observer in Hawaii. I left Hawaii to attend the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I returned home to Hawaii to begin a career in emergency medicine.

Working as an emergency veterinarian forced me to confront the reality of loss on a daily basis. I quickly learned that being there for families during their loved one's last moments was something that was probably the most important part of my job as a veterinarian. The struggle to make the decision of when to say goodbye will always be the most challenging part of that relationship between human and non-human loved one. It is my privilege to be there for families during this difficult time.

Growing up in a suburban town outside of Kansas City, Missouri, I immediately connected with the natural world around me, and particularly with the fellow creatures we inhabit it with. My first pet was a dachshund named Lucky, and although our family soon experienced an influx of dachshunds, Lucky definitely played a large role in my path towards veterinary medicine.

I spent 8 formative years at the University of Missouri, in which triathlon racing, sand volleyball, exotic and zoo animal care, and global travel all found a way to transition into my life, but the heart and soul of my time at the University centered around veterinary medicine. It was during these years that I also faced the loss of my beloved Lucky, and that I came to appreciate the impact our pets have on our life. I’ve been fortunate to share life’s journey with a variety of other animal companions over the years, and each of them has had their own special and unique impact on who I am today.

Following graduation, I moved to San Diego, California, and started work in both general and emergency veterinary practices. Amidst the sunshine, beaches, hiking, and quality time I get to spend with my own personal cat, I enjoyed the opportunity to serve many pets and help continue to keep them happy and healthy. I also quickly realized that some of the most impactful moments I get to share with a pet and their family is during the end of life process. It was this realization that led me to Lap of Love.

Our animal companions consistently offer us unconditional love and undivided attention, no matter what obstacles or challenges we face in our life. Honoring that dedication and special bond with an equally impactful end of life experience is what I strive to offer through our services here at Lap of Love. While I may never fully comprehend how much your pet has meant to you, I promise you that I will do my all to ensure their final moments with you are ones that you can cherish forever.

I grew up in Oswego, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. In junior high, I was intrigued and challenged by my science classes, and in high school, I fell in love with anatomy and physiology. My passion for science and love for animals made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. I have worked in a small animal emergency practice, caring for pets and their families during the most stressful and critical times. I also worked at a small animal general practice, where I provided wellness and preventive care, and helped manage pets with a variety of illnesses. My favorite part of being a veterinarian is connecting with clients on a personal level, and the most rewarding and intimate moments have come from helping families. Each pet and family is different, and I value the ability to give each the time and type of support they need and deserve.

When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and taking my dog to the beach.