In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Toledo & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in the small Northern Michigan town of Gaylord. We had many dogs and cats when I was growing up, whom I loved from afar because I was severely allergic to them! Thankfully, I grew out of my allergies and was able to pursue a career involving my love for animals. I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate work and veterinary school and achieved my dream in 2001. I practiced small animal medicine in the area, including clinics in Kalamazoo, the eastern Detroit area, and Howell, where I was able to help, heal and treat my furry clients.

While working in one small animal practice, we were getting several requests for in home euthanasias, and I was wiling to help. As I started to perform in home euthanasias, I found it was such an honor and privilege to help clients with their beloved pets in their home. To allow a pet to remain in the comfort of their home, surrounded by their loving family for their final moments was a feeling I can't describe.

Although I found myself drawn to helping families for end of life care, I understand the enormity of this decision as a pet parent. I had to endure the heartbreaking decision-making process as a pet parent with our dog, Quimby. Even though I'm a veterinarian, I'm also a pet parent, so I felt the anxiety and helplessness of making this difficult decision. I hope I can bring you some comfort and assurance that this decision can be your last gift to your pet. I performed Quimby's euthanasia at home with my family hugging him and loving on him as he took his final breath.

I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful children and share our loving home with a myriad of pet children including our crazy German Shorthaired Pointer, named Monty, who can't sit still. We also have two cats, named Frodo and Jess, who love to lounge in the sun on the screened-in porch as I read, which is how I love to spend my time.

I grew up out in the country in a suburb of Dayton, where I enjoyed the companionship of a dog, many outdoor cats, and a few hamsters throughout my childhood. My deep love of pets and my desire to serve the community inspired me to become a veterinarian. I earned my bachelor's degree in Biology and Pre-Veterinary Sciences from the University of Findlay and my doctorate from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I focused on small animal companion general medicine and surgery at Banfield Pet Hospital.

Being able to build a bond with families in their time of need and help ease their loved one’s pain is a privilege to me and I’m honored to have the opportunity to expand Lap of Love's services to our community. I currently have two golden retrievers and three guinea pigs. Turner, my male golden, was rescued as a puppy and was named after the Atlanta Brave's baseball stadium. Taylor, my female golden, is named after Taylor Swift.  My guinea pigs are named Pooh Bear, Junebug, and Wookie. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and in 2017, I visited Thailand and the world-famous Elephant Nature Park.