In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in rural Michigan surrounded by pets of all kind. I always knew that animals would be a large part of my life, but my fate was cemented when I volunteered at a small animal clinic while attending Albion College. Upon graduation from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, my husband and I started our migration south - first spending several years in the Washington D.C. area and then settling in Savannah, Georgia for 12 years to raise our family. We returned to our Midwestern roots in the summer of 2019. I have always loved medicine- my areas of special interest include dentistry/oral surgery, internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice care. I am particularly passionate about client education and fostering a team approach with owners when it comes to patient care. 

During my many years in private practice, I realized that providing peace with dignity at the end of a beloved animal’s life was something that I believed strongly in; protecting the “human-animal bond” from beginning to end is my priority.  Having lost one of the great loves of my life several years ago, I found such peace in being able to say goodbye in our backyard beneath her favorite tree; she was surrounded by her family in a place she loved.  I will always hold this memory in my heart and have dedicated myself to help others find the same comfort when they make that most selfless decision of all to let a loved one go.  I am always humbled when a family allows me to be a part of this final moment and am thankful to be able to serve them in this way. 

I love this poem written by my daughter (then age 10) after we let our beloved Maizy go.  This is what it is all about- my daughter will forever have this special memory of getting to be a part of this beautiful circle of life.

“Letting Go”- by Addyson Czarnecki 

My mood was dark that summer day 

She got too old to even play 

My heart ached as I drew her near 

All I wanted was to ease her fear 

On a blanket under her favorite tree 

We made the choice to set her free 

I buried my face in her soft, orange fur 

I had never known my life without her 

As minutes passed her heart began to slow 

It was so hard to finally let her go 

I sat there in silence, not knowing what to say 

Then my dad gently picked her up and carried her away 

I know she is at peace now up above 

My sweet old Maizy will never lose my love 

I was born in Monterey, California and grew up in Towson, Maryland. I have always had an interest in working with animals, and during my schooling I spent many summers exploring various veterinary-related careers, including the zoo, wildlife centers, and private practices.

After completing my undergraduate degree at Tufts University in Massachusetts, and obtaining my veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania, I discovered that working with companion animals and their families was my passion. 

I returned to Maryland after completing veterinary school and worked as a general practitioner for many years, co-owning my own practice for seven. During my time as a general practitioner, I assisted countless pets in their passing, aiming to make it as peaceful and dignified as possible. I always aimed to make the process go smoothly, which can be challenging in a stressful veterinary clinic environment. An unfamiliar environment often triggers stress and fear in pets, and that is the last thing I wanted my patients and their families to experience during their final moments. 

After attending lectures at a veterinary conference on in-home veterinary hospice and euthanasia, I knew I wanted to be involved in this field—I just needed the avenue. I was excited that an opportunity with Lap of Love aligned with my plan to move to Indianapolis so I officially relocated to the Midwest to join their team. It is an honor to help families and their pets with end-of-life care.

I currently share my home with three cats: Bitty, Oscar, and Tut, and enjoy spending my free time exploring bike trails, as well as experiencing new restaurants and adventures. 

I grew up in a small one-stoplight town in Arkansas just outside of Little Rock. Our town was so small that it was a huge deal when we got a Sonic. I was one of those kids that always wanted to be a veterinarian. We had a lot of stray dogs that would get dropped off in our neighborhood and I always found a way to get them to follow me home and beg my parents to keep them. They never did, but we found good homes for every one of those dogs! One night at a childhood sleepover, the family’s horse got into some sweets in the dumpster and began to colic. At the time I had no idea what was happening, just that the horse was sick and somebody showed up to treat the horse and make it feel better. It was then that I remember making the decision that I wanted to be the person that came to fix the animals. That desire stuck with me and became my life goal. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas and received my bachelor's degree in agriculture business. I developed a soft spot for large animals, despite staying focused on becoming a small animal veterinarian.  I married my high school sweetheart one week after graduating from ATU, and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma the next week to attend veterinary school. 

After graduating vet school, I started a grueling rotating internship at an emergency and specialty hospital. I soon realized the stressful environment of emergency medicine was not my path, but I went on to open and run a new urgent care department.

The experience of losing my own dogs gave me the greatest insight into end-of- life-care, and specifically the variety of ways families can memorialize their pet. When my heart dog, Quiglet, was hit by a car at just 2 years old, we did not have the clarity of mind to save things like a fur clipping or paw print, or know that we could do beautiful things with his ashes if we had him cremated. I wish that I had something to remember Quigley by, and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way. Through my work at Lap of Love, I  can give pets a peaceful and painless end-of life experience and provide families with support during a difficult time. 

Outside of work, I enjoy painting, especially pet portraits. I also love baking, hiking—we have a goal to visit every U.S. National Park—watching movies, and playing Catan with friends.

I grew up in North Royalton, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, surrounded by Cleveland’s cultural belief that anything is possible. This belief stems from the city’s sports teams, but it inspires everyone who lives there to dream big and fosters a sense of community among its citizens regardless of whether or not they have anything else in common. I was close with my family—both blood and those who became part of the family along the way—and enjoyed everything my hometown offered, especially the Cuyahoga metro parks, an extensive system of parks and nature preserves where I spent much of my time. 

As a child, I struggled with dyslexia and worried I wouldn’t be able to successfully become a veterinarian. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I realized that I was made to be a veterinarian. Those around me noticed how well animals interacted with me—I seem to have a special way with animals, and even the grouchiest pets allow me to touch and interact with them, and seem to enjoy my presence. Hence I began my journey to becoming a veterinarian, knowing that I would let nothing stand in my way. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Findlay in Ohio, and I don’t know where I would be without the amazing people I met there. After graduation, I attended The University of Illinois, where I received my veterinary degree. 

As an exotic, aquatic, companion, and wildlife animal veterinarian, I have worked in general practice and emergency medicine. I love being a veterinarian because I get to help creatures who have such pure souls and teach us how to be better humans.

I know how difficult it is to lose a pet, and my role at Lap of Love allows me to support pet owners as they make the decision to let go of their faithful friend. 

Outside of work, I love running and spending time outdoors with my German shepherd, Jethro. But most of all, I love Disney! I agree with Walt that it's fun to do the impossible, never stop dreaming, and remain a kid at heart.