In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Montgomery County

Growing up in Montgomery County with a menagerie of pets taught me how special the human-animal bond can be. From a young age I knew I not only wanted to be surrounded and enriched by pets for the rest of my life, but I also wanted to give back to them by being an advocate and voice for their needs. 

My journey in the veterinary field started in Northeastern Pennsylvania and continued in Columbus, Ohio where I attended The Ohio State University and graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology with a focus in pre-veterinary medicine. I then went on to attend The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. During veterinary school I was a volunteer for the pet loss support hotline through which I supported families during the end of life process. This experience opened my eyes to the meaningful and important service we provide in this field. 

After graduation, I went back to Southeastern Pennsylvania and for over a decade practiced general medicine in multiple hospitals and clinics. During my career I grew especially drawn to caring for geriatric pets and educating their families about this life stage. I always enjoyed hearing stories that families would share with me about their pets and their lives together. Throughout this time, I was also an adjunct instructor teaching veterinary nurses at the Manor College, Program of Veterinary Technology; and was a veterinarian in the pet insurance industry. I value my varied experiences as a veterinarian advocating for all pets and the veterinary profession; however, I always found myself being called back to the field of veterinary end of life care. 

I decided to pursue this calling after I experienced my own beloved Kitty’s end of life journey. That experience and her passing made it clear to me that I wanted to dedicate my life to help pets and their families by walking with them through the hardest part of any life journey, a loved one’s end of life. 

I believe our pets deserve the best care and all available options, knowledge, and support at the end to honor the lives they live. It is truly an honor for me to help preserve the human-animal bond between pets and their families during this difficult time.

Growing up on a cherry farm in rural Northern Michigan, my family always had at least one golden retriever running around the house and through the orchards. We also had many other animals, and they instilled in me a deep love and respect for nature and all animal species that I carry with me to this day. 

I adopted my first cat, Missy, during vet school, and my first puppy, Abby, after graduating. Over the years we made several big moves together across the country. One move took us to North Carolina, where I worked as an emergency veterinarian. I would occasionally come home stressed or depleted, and they would provide me comfort and love when I most needed them. That is why I am grateful that we can honor our animals and relieve them of their pain and suffering with a loving and peaceful passing when they most need us. Being able to provide this service in an animal’s home as a Lap of Love veterinarian is an honor. Offering medical counseling and end-of-life care for beloved animals is something I hold sacred for the families I work with. 

I am currently very close to my little dog, Hairy. He is old in years, but in action and at heart he is still the naughty puppy I adopted 15 years ago. I treasure every minute I get to spend with him. If nothing else, our pets teach us that no matter how long our time together, it is never enough, and that life is to be lived with lots of treats, long walks, snuggles, and as much play time as we can squeeze in together. 

When I’m not practicing veterinary medicine you will likely find me with Hairy on an adventurous road trip, snacking on vegan treats, followed by a long hiking trek in search of rare birds, while we both find awe and replenishment in nature.