In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Kansas City & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, wishing for a farm full of animals but settling for an amazing family dog and barn time whenever possible. As a horse-crazy teenager and young adult in college, I envisioned myself as a mobile equine vet with a ride-along dog. I always pictured myself caring for any type of horse, from broodmares to foals and racehorses to backyard ponies.  

Throughout vet school, my interests began to weigh more heavily towards small animal medicine, mainly due to the increased client interaction. I truly enjoyed clinical rotations where I was able to focus on each individual pet and give the family reassurance that their pet was being cared for like he or she was my own.  

After graduating from vet school at Kansas State University, I focused on small animal general practice. I found myself thankful for the preventive care I was able to provide, but mostly enjoyed focusing on increased quality of life for pets at home and in the veterinary clinic. To me, this included physical and mental well being. After completing multiple Fear Free courses, I am still constantly looking to learn more about relieving anxiety for our pets. Attending lectures given by Lap of Love’s Co-Founder, Dr. Mary Gardner, was my first glance into the world of veterinary hospice and end of life care.  Her tips on comfort care changed the way I practiced in the clinic - for the better! 

I am now grateful to have the opportunity to combine my love of small animal medicine, client connecting, mobile practice, and above all, comfort care for our pets into this career with Lap of Love. 

I was raised in rural Jefferson City, Missouri and have been an animal lover all of my life. I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. Like many others, I had one pet who changed my life. My father raised waterfowl hunting Labrador Retrievers who were outrageously disciplined and determined. As my parents saw myself and my brother become more responsible, we were allowed to raise a puppy of our own (with the help of our parents, of course!). We chose Bruno. He was a beautiful, strong yellow Labrador Retriever. He and I spent endless time together fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks, hiking through the woods and snuggling up to a good book. Bruno understood everything about me.

One evening as I arrived home from high school, I received a call from my father. He delivered the most devastating news to me – Bruno was hit by a car and passed away. It was in these moments of hurt that I realized the true impact a pet can have on someone’s life. Bruno was my most loyal friend and loved me unconditionally. I think of his charming personality often and am grateful for the adventures we shared.

I have worked with animals of all shapes and sizes throughout my veterinary career and most enjoy witnessing the unions animals create with their human counterparts. It is amazing to me the endless love, joy and compassion our pets give us. It is for this reason that I consider providing comfort care to our most beloved family members a true honor. Saying goodbye to a devoted friend is so difficult. It is through Lap of Love that I hope to provide you and your furry family member compassionate end of life care.

I was raised on a farm near Kansas City and always loved being with our family pets - they were my closest companions. As I grew up my daily life revolved around animals. My chores included feeding the baby calves their bottles of milk and walking the cows out to the pasture. By the time I finished grade school, I knew ​I wanted to be a veterinarian.

I went to college at the University of Missouri in Columbia and completed my degree in Agricultural Economics before applying to veterinary school. ​I ended up continuing my veterinary school journey at the University of Missouri ​l where I finally accomplished my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. Five years after graduating, I opened my first veterinary practice in my hometown of Weston, Missouri.

Over the next few years, I bought ​my own​ farm and had two children. As the years passed, and after finding limitations in conventional medicine, my interest grew in holistic medicine and I took many courses studying alternative and holistic modalities. I simply wanted more options when my patients ran into problems that conventional treatments couldn’t solve. I eventually became certified in veterinary acupuncture and in 2004 opened my very own holistic practice. Most of my cases at this practice were older and had chronic problems. The elderly dogs and cats touched my heart deeply and I found an uncommon satisfaction helping families care for, then peacefully and lovingly say goodbye​ to them​.

I have cared for thousands of pets​ over my 35 years in practice, and believe that helping families peacefully and lovingly say goodbye to their special ​companions​​​​​​ is extremely important. I joined Lap of Love to devote the remainder of my career to this important service and I sincerely feel that it is an honor and a special privilege for me to be present during the last moments of a beloved pet’s journey.

I grew up in Zionsville, Indiana but we visited Kansas City so often to see family and friends that I have always considered it my second home—and I now live in this amazing city. I felt drawn to animals throughout my childhood, and in school, I developed a love for science. It only made sense to bring those two passions together by practicing veterinary medicine. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and I received my veterinary degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

I spent the first four years of my career working in a small animal practice where I developed a passion for advocating for my patients to ensure they received the best care possible. I understand the importance of the human-animal bond and am so grateful I have been able to help so many pets and owners during my time in small animal practice. 

Sometimes you just feel a calling that is hard to fully understand and explain, and this is how I would explain the journey to hospice and end of life care. Providing families with a stress-free end-of-life experience for their pet is very fulfilling and gives me a sense of purpose. A peaceful goodbye is the best gift we can give our beloved furry family members, and I feel grateful that I can be a part of that. 

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. I also like sewing and needlepoint while watching Kansas City sports. I love spending time with my long-haired cat and little Chihuahua.

Pronouns: She/Her

I was raised on a small beef cattle and hay farm in a town named California, in the middle of Missouri. But, don’t get confused by the name—I’m a Midwest girl through and through. Growing up on a farm with many family members who were agriculture educators taught me the importance of caring for animals of all kinds from a young age. My entire childhood was filled with cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs. I was very involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA), and spent my summers raising show lambs.

I attended the University of Missouri, where I received my bachelor’s degree in animal science, agricultural leadership, and entrepreneurship before completing veterinary school and earning my veterinary degree. During college, I developed an interest in cow-calf management, and I conducted many research projects that focused on preventing dystocia (i.e. prolonged, difficult labor) with interventional technology. 

Despite my extensive experience with larger animals, I found that I also enjoyed caring for small animals, and I began working in a general practice setting. I appreciate the relationships I form with pets and their people while educating pet owners to ensure a high quality of life for their pets. 

I grew up with a collie mix named Dottie who had been around since before I was born. No matter what life changes occurred, Dottie was a constant for us all, and saying goodbye to her was difficult, yet special. Our local vet came out to the farm, and I’ll never forget the compassion he showed Dottie as she laid in my mom’s arms for the last time. We were thankful Dottie was able to pass peacefully at home without leaving her turf, and I believe it is a part of my life's purpose to provide that same end-of-life experience to other pets and their families. 

Outside of work, much of my spare time is spent with my cats or helping out with feline rescue efforts. I also love spending time on the water, fishing, crafting, trying new foods, and gardening.