Tampa & St. Petersburg

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.

I’m often asked why I do what I do. Growing up I was surrounded by horses, cows, dogs, cats, birds, and various other animals, and I never thought I could put an animal to sleep. After almost a decade of education with hours spent in the veterinary school ICU, something changed. I wanted to be with those pets whose owners weren’t there to comfort them. I never wanted an animal to pass alone; I always thought how much warmer the experience would be if these animals were at home surrounded by family.

As an emergency veterinarian, I constantly witness owners' struggles as they are forced to make tough decisions quickly. They have no time to adjust to the life changing choices they are about to make, no time to come to terms with the acute illness or trauma that is completely unplanned. For many of these owners, all they want is time... even a few more hours. Lap of Love was born after witnessing a euthanasia in which the owner held tightly to her beloved dog, curled lovingly in her lap. It was such a beautiful sight, a woman and her companion sharing those last moments wrapped in each other. I knew I had to try to provide that opportunity to more people; it is what all owners and their pets deserve.

For me this is not a job, this is a calling. I do this because it is my gift to the animals I serve through my veterinary oath. I feel I have found my place in this vast veterinary world, quietly helping tighten the bond between owner and pet.

As a native Floridian born and raised in Tampa, Florida, attending Busch Gardens adventure camp was the highlight of my summer. Working with the animals thrilled me, but what I loved most was connecting with them. From this connection, I developed a strong appreciation and respect for the human/animal bond. My passion for animals grew as I attended camp for eight years and helped care for a menagerie of family pets including a dog, rabbit, iguana, sugar glider, turtle, and numerous gerbils and fish. I realized that I not only wanted to work with animals, I wanted to treat them. 

My quest to become a veterinarian led me to Auburn University, where I earned a Zoology degree in 2007, followed by my doctorate at Mississippi State University in 2011. After graduation, I practiced in San Antonio, Texas for four years before returning home to Tampa. 

I was in high school the first time I witnessed a pet being euthanized. It was my first day volunteering at a veterinary hospital, and a very sweet Dalmation was diagnosed with bone cancer. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the dog's decreased quality of life, the vet recommended euthanasia. I wanted to be brave for his parents, so I fought back tears and repeated “it’s what’s best for the pet” over and over in my head. These words have become my mantra and are the foundation upon which I practice medicine.

While veterinarians are needed throughout a pet’s life, I believe we are most needed in times of illness and injury. My calling as a vet is to support and advocate for my patients in their greatest time of need. I strive to give your furry family member the high quality of life he or she deserves and to ensure the best possible experience for you both when it’s time to say good-bye.

When I’m away from the “office,” I love spending time with my wonderful husband and our family of five furry children. We have two domestic short haired cats (Dolce and Duncan), a terrier mix named Rusty, a cairn terrier named Scooter, and a chihuahua named Dixie. They are a fun, goofy group of best friends that light up my world every day. I also enjoy cheering on the Bucs, Lightning, and Rays and attending theatre at the Straz Center. 

Pronouns: She/Her

I have wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Kansas as the oldest of six children in a house with at least three animals running around at a time. There were always several cats, a dog, and a small animal (mouse, lizard, fish, frog, etc.) for us to play with. I studied animal science and veterinary medicine at Kansas State University. During my studies, I gained a huge respect for farmers and ranchers, so there will always be a special place in my heart for farm animals. I also learned that I love all species! I had the good fortune to work with everything from lions to bearded dragons to fish before I graduated in 2015. After veterinary school, I moved to Florida where I practiced general medicine and studied acupuncture therapy. We never stop learning!

My passion for end-of-life care started during my last year at veterinary school. I had the honor of taking care of an older dog who developed cancer that spread to his lungs and limbs. I spent 12-14 hours a day giving him everything that he needed while managing my other cases. I kept this up for about a week, while we were waiting for his family to come together at the hospital for his final goodbye. He had the best goodbye ever! As exhausting as his treatments were, I felt such peace. Giving this old dog the ultimate respect fulfilled something beyond myself.

Animals give to us unconditionally. Therefore, with Lap of Love, I hope that I give them the most comfortable passing possible.

Born and raised in northwest Indiana, I was the youngest of 5 kids. I witnessed my siblings grow up and leave the nest, often moving far away, for the military or their spouse’s job. The idea of traveling and moving to a new state always intrigued me, and in my family, seemed like the natural thing to do. I later realized that most people stay close to where they grow up; however, my path would be different, and my career would take me to several states.

My entire life, I have wanted to be a veterinarian. In fact, when I started college and saw people changing their majors after the first year, I was utterly confused. I thought, didn’t everyone know what they wanted to be when they grow up? I found out that was, of course, not the case for many, even though my road never wavered. The moment I realized cat-only hospitals existed, I was further drawn in that direction.

Throughout vet school at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, I explored various options within veterinary medicine. The day of graduation I reflected on my experiences and reverted to my original vision of becoming a cat vet. My primary attraction to working at a cat-only clinic wasn’t necessarily because I had an exceptional love for cats. My draw to this environment was due to the ability it brought me to focus on one specific species. In fact, I’ve always personally had a dog, and have raised pet gerbils, parakeets and guinea pigs throughout my life. I have such an appreciation of the human-animal bond, regardless of the species. I’ve noticed that in my career I enjoy a position that allows me to maintain a narrower concentration though.

This same focus led me across the country from Las Vegas, NV to sunny Tampa, FL to join Lap of Love. As a hospice veterinarian, I can dedicate myself to one very important facet of veterinary medicine: helping people and their beloved pets when it is time to say good-bye. I’ve also held the role of pet parent and have personally lost pets throughout the years. I have experienced both the comfort of a peaceful in-home euthanasia and the anxiety associated with a pet’s final moments being in a clinic. It is a privilege to work with pets in their own, relaxed environment, and to honor families’ bonds with their pets by offering a compassionate experience when it is time to say good-bye.

After graduation from the University of Illinois, I served as an extern at the Anti-Cruelty Society and went on to become a veterinarian at Blum Animal Hospital before moving to Naperville, Illinois. That is where I raised three sons alongside my husband Andrew, spent time working in shelter medicine as well as at a private, small animal practice, and volunteered with my Golden Retriever at the local hospital in their animal-assisted therapy program. 

In 2007, I founded a house call service, providing in-home care including end-of-life services to pets across the Chicagoland suburbs but life and opportunity (and a search for fewer polar vortexes) landed us in Tampa, Florida. 

Through Lap of Love, I’m incredibly appreciative to continue serving families and their beloved pets during one of life’s most challenging but beautiful transitions. In the role of a gentle guide and medical professional, I am constantly in awe of the human-animal bond and richness it provides to our lives.

I return regularly to Chicago to visit my college-aged twins, root for the Cubs, and run along the lakefront.

Growing up just outside of St. Louis, MO, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 6 years old. I received a degree in Animal Science from Mizzou and continued there to achieve my doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. After obtaining my degree, I began working at a Small Animal practice with cats and dogs for 3 years. I then moved to the Tampa area to begin helping families with Lap of Love.

I have been inspired throughout my life and career by the strength of the human-animal bond. During my time in veterinary school my own ferret, Slinky, became very ill and deteriorated quickly until I had to make the choice to let him go. At that point it became clear to me how important end of life care is. I have been dedicated to making the passing of each patient I help peaceful and dignified.

When not helping families, much of my spare time is spent with my husband and our furry (and scaly) family of eleven. We have two German Shepherds (Max and Petra), a cat named Gadget, three ferrets (Mr. Bones, Noodle, and Oliver), and five hermit crabs. When not caring for our pets, you can find us at the beach or visiting family.

Born and raised in Florida, I spent most of my childhood in the Lakeland area. I have always enjoyed having animals and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we had several pets in our family, including: our dog (the most patient pup you'd ever meet!), two snakes, and my cat, which I begged my parents for when he decided to adopt us.

In college, I never wavered from my dream of wanting to become a veterinarian. I received a Bachelors in Science from Florida State University and then attended the University of Florida, where I obtained my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, I completed a two-week externship with Lap of Love and was amazed by the compassion and peace that I witnessed at one of the most difficult times in these families lives. That experience remained in the back of my head, and heart, as I graduated and became a veterinarian. After graduating, I moved to Tampa with my husband and three cats, where I worked at a feline-only practice. As much as I loved seeing kittens, I found the utmost fulfillment helping the senior cats and their families as they navigated their golden years and final moments.

It is truly a gift we have as veterinarians to be able to relieve suffering and provide a peaceful passing to the pets we love. I am honored to provide support, care, and comfort for both you and your pet through these delicate moments.

I am a Florida–born native raised in beautiful Pinellas County. Like many of my colleagues, I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian from an early age. I always felt that special bond with animals and quickly realized my passion for taking care of them. I sought out every type of experience I could find – joining FFA to learn large animal husbandry, volunteering at the SPCA, taking veterinary assisting classes, and working in the kennel at our local clinic throughout high school. I went on to attend the University of South Florida in Tampa and earned my bachelor’s degree in biology. My journey then brought me to the University of Florida in Gainesville where I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I stayed at UF for an internship with food animals before returning to St. Petersburg to work as a small animal general practitioner. Big or small, I love them all!

My own personal experiences with euthanasia are what inspired me to join Lap of Love. During veterinary school, I had the misfortune of saying goodbye to two of my beloved family dogs after their battles with chronic conditions. Agreeing on when to say goodbye was one of the most challenging decisions we had to make as a family and, sadly, we learned the Lap of Love motto, “better a day too early, than a second too late” the hard way. I have since made it my mission to never let another family feel guilt for not knowing the "right” time by providing them with non-judgmental guidance and helping them find peace and comfort with their final choice. Gifting them the release to enjoy those precious last moments with their loved one has been one of the most cherished aspects of my career as it allows me to witness the human-animal bond in its purest form. It is an incredible honor to give furry family members a dignified, tranquil passing in the setting where they are the happiest, just as I would want for my own.

When I’m not helping families, my free time is spent with my husband Matt and our dog Slick. We enjoy hanging in the pool, baby-sitting our niece, game nights with friends, and cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning. I also love reading, arts & crafts/woodworking projects, and trying new vegetarian recipes.

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up in Mankato, Minnesota. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, at the tip of Lake Superior, which as a typical Minnesota college town, hockey is very important- go Bulldogs! I then completed my veterinary degree at Michigan State University.

I became a veterinarian because I enjoy learning something new everyday, and medicine is constantly changing. That, and providing a voice for animals, made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice. I didn’t know that working with people would be such an important part of my job, but I quickly realized how much I enjoy working with pet families —it is the best part! 

I lost my heart dog, Leo, in January, 2020. He was a huge part of my adult life, which I willingly adjusted for him. We lived in an RV for a year while I was completing an internship that required me to travel throughout the state of Florida because it was the only way I could bring him everywhere I went. I didn't realize how hard it would be to make decisions about his end-of-life care. The experience gave me a new perspective on how difficult it is for people to make the decision to euthanize a pet they have had for many years and have grown a deep connection with. It is an honor to be able to provide comfortable and peaceful end-of-life care to my patients, and support the people that so dearly love them. 

When I am not working, I enjoy swimming, scuba diving, hiking with my dog, kayaking, and spending time at the gym and beach. 

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up in the small town of Moab, Utah, which is home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and is surrounded by some of the most stunning red rock landscapes on earth. Nestled below the Manti LaSal mountain range, my little town offers the heat of the southwestern desert, and the cool oasis of the Rocky Mountains. 

I have always had a passion for helping animals, and my parents recognized my special connection with God's creatures from an early age. When I was 12, my parents introduced me to our local veterinarian, Dr. Paul Bingham, who became my life-long mentor. I spent every Saturday, and full summers, working with him. I wanted to follow in Dr. Bingham’s footsteps, so set my sights on Colorado State University. We have stayed in close contact for nearly 35 years, despite living nearly two thousand miles apart. 

I earned a bachelor's degree in zoology, followed by my doctorate degree at Colorado State University. Since graduating in 2003, I have practiced small animal medicine, but I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine. I've been blessed with unique opportunities to assist with wildlife work in Africa, and offer assistance to researchers studying black bears in the Rocky Mountains. 

I have had to say goodbye to several pets, but saying goodbye to my beloved dog Foster was probably the hardest. I got Foster during my first year of veterinary school, and he was my test subject for practicing physical exams and many other skills during vet school. Since Foster was my “first child, first love,” the grief I felt when I had to say goodbye gives me insight into families struggling to say the same goodbye. Loss is one of the hardest parts of being a pet parent, but ending a pet’s suffering in a manner that is kind, compassionate, and peaceful is the greatest gift veterinarians are privileged to uniquely give.

I truly feel honored stepping into clients’ homes to assure their beloved family members have a peaceful, comfortable, passing with family and loved ones nearby. 

I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and two beautiful teenage daughters. I enjoy gardening, and have a small obsession with orchids—my kids often joke that my orchids are my other "babies." I also enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing in the great outdoors. 

I grew up in Minnesota in a small town surrounded by lakes and woods. In the winter, the lakes would freeze and we would go ice fishing or snowshoeing. I remember going with my family into the wooded acres we owned to cut down our own Christmas tree! When I was 13, our family dog, Bunny, was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and we felt hopeless. At that time, there wasn't much offered to try to slow the disease’s progression or to help us determine when Bunny was in pain. I remember leaving the vet's office thinking that I could do better for the profession, the families, and the animals. It also helped that I loved math and science classes from a very early age. I attended the University of Minnesota for undergraduate school and for a combined master’s of public health and doctorate of veterinary medicine degree. 

I have enjoyed practicing in a variety of veterinary positions, including private practice, shelter medicine, academia, and working in medically underserved areas. My particular interests include the human-animal bond, disease pathology, animal toxins, and parasites that affect people and animals. I have been fortunate to have been able to travel to parts of Central and South America to provide vaccinations, basic medical care, and spay/neuter services with a non-profit organization. 

Just before my family moved to Florida, our 13-year-old dog, Conrad, developed cancer. While he was happy to go for car rides and accompany me to work, it became increasingly difficult for him to move. We knew it would be easier on him to pass peacefully at home. My husband and I hugged our gentle boy in the backyard and played the song "Here Comes the Sun" as he passed away. Allowing our pets to pass in the comfort of a familiar environment and surrounded by their family is one of the most loving things we can do for them. I am honored to be there for the animals and the people who love them. 

When I am not working, I love spending time outside, walking our pomeranian through the neighborhood, cooking and baking, rollerblading, traveling, and spending time with my family. 

I'm also a huge bookworm! I love reading—both fiction and nonfiction—and I read 75 to 100 books a year. 

Growing up in a family of three boys in northeast Kansas, I was surrounded by dogs, cats, and farm animals. I was often admonished by my parents, who emphasized the importance of returning to the wild the turtles, frogs, and snakes I caught.

After graduating from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, I worked in a rural practice, serving families and farms by caring for their pets and livestock. We moved to Florida in 2004, where I joined a small animal practice. My favorite part of veterinary medicine has always been helping people understand how to better care for their pets. 

Over the years I’ve been able to follow patients and family pets from their very first visit, through life, to old age. I have found that it is uncommon for our pets to pass away naturally due to “old age” in their sleep, with grace and peace. I believe we have been given a stewardship responsibility to develop a plan for care and quality of life, as well as to help pets avoid pain and suffering in their final moments. 

I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife and four grown kids, each with their own menagerie of dogs and cats. As veterinarians, making end of life decisions for our own family pets involves a lot of consideration and tears, so we are passionate about helping others navigate this process as well.