In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Fort Worth & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I grew up in Southern California, surrounded by animals. My grandmother owned all types of small animal pets, and when I was a little older, I got my first horse. A veterinary career seemed the most natural choice for me, and was the only path I considered. I majored in dairy science at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, and obtained my veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. After veterinary school, I moved to the midwest to be closer to family, and I practiced equine medicine for many years before transitioning to small animal practice. 

It was while practicing small animal medicine that I developed a love for hospice and end-of-life care for my clients’ beloved family members. I have always believed that doing whatever I can to make life’s transition as peaceful as possible for pets and their families is the most important gift I can provide as a veterinarian. 

A new life adventure brought me to Texas, which immediately felt like home. I jumped at the opportunity to join Lap of Love, where I am able to spend my days guiding families through the challenge of losing their beloved pets. Joining the Lap of Love family was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. 

When I am not helping Lap of Love clients, you can find me spending time with my family at our home in Fort Worth, where two greying Brussels Griffons run the household. 

I was born and raised in Roanoke Virginia, which sits in the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. It is breath-taking, and you can see mountains in every direction. While I've moved from my childhood town, I take pride in coming from such a beautiful and hospitable city. 

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. Like most vets-to-be, I had a love for all animals, as well as a fascination for science and nature. I remember reading the James Herriot novels (over, and over, and over) and thinking what an awesome job he had. There is a big difference between early 20th century farm animal medicine and the type of medicine I practice, and I like today’s methods better! 

After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, then went on to attend veterinary school at Tufts University in Massachusetts. After deciding the snow just wasn’t for me, I moved to sunny Florida to pursue an internship in emergency medicine. Although my sojourn across the east coast was fun, the warm weather and beautiful beaches convinced me to finally put down roots in West Palm Beach.

During a decade of emergency work, I found that end-of-life care was just as important as the steps leading to that point. I’ve helped countless families with hospice and end-of-life decisions in emergency room and ICU settings. Many of these conversations are tragic, occurring in the aftermath of a fatal illness or serious trauma, but many others are with family members who have watched their pet decline over days, weeks, or months.

My childhood dog, an English setter named Katie, was my world, and everything I do—to this day—is to honor her. Katie’s body began failing when she was 15, while I was still in veterinary school. Over the next two years, I moved her across the country to manage her weight loss, poor appetite, incontinence, dementia, and other problems. With the experience I have gained since then, I look back on that time and feel I did her a disservice by not keeping her overall quality of life in mind. When I finally made the decision to let Katie go, I sat with her for a long time afterwards, holding her in my lap and petting her silky fur. I took solace in the fact that she was more peaceful than at any point in the previous years. That is the feeling I hope pet families feel when they are with their pets during their last moments. This experience also taught me important lessons about knowing when it is okay to say goodbye. 

Outside of veterinary medicine, I love kayaking, and taking my dogs to the beach. At home, I spend a lot of time in my garden—although my thumb is more gray than green. I can also often be found attempting to fix something in my house, when I probably should have called a professional. 

Pronouns: She/Her 

I grew up in Colleyville, Texas and have always had a close connection with animals. Since I was a kid, there’s never been a time when I was without a furry companion—even at college, I secretly kept a pet gerbil named Raider, despite the “no pets” rule. 

It was in college that I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian, when I realized I could use my passion for science to care for and protect animals. I received my bachelor's degree in animal science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and then went to Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine in College Station, where I received my veterinary degree. 

I have practiced general medicine since graduation, and I truly enjoy connecting with pet owners in my community and educating them about how to keep their companions happy and healthy with preventative care. What better way to reciprocate the love and support that I’ve received from so many four-legged companions throughout my life. 

As my own dogs enter their golden years, I've developed a great love and appreciation for geriatric medicine. I'm privileged to be able to provide medical and surgical care when they are needed, and I understand the weight that is carried when deciding to humanely euthanize a pet.  

In my role at Lap of Love, I have the unique responsibility and honor of helping animals pass in a dignified and peaceful manner. I am privileged to help families through this difficult process and honored to help pets transition surrounded by love, in the comfort of their homes. 

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three pups—Rico, Italia, and Maya. I love to travel and never turn down an opportunity to soak up the sun while beachside. I'm an avid Dallas sports fan and enjoy going to games—how 'bout them Cowboys! 

I was born in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, where I lived until we moved to my mother’s tiny hometown—with a population of less than 600 people— in upstate New York when I was 10. From a young age, I wanted to help animals who couldn’t help themselves. When I was 8 years old, I found a puppy with an infected wound, which I cleaned the best I could before nursing them back to health. That's when I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to veterinary medicine. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at Binghamton University in Upstate New York before attending Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree. Since graduating from veterinary school, I’ve worked in emergency medicine, and while I enjoy caring for pets when they most need me, I also enjoy educating clients on preventive care, so they may be able to avoid a future emergency visit. Empowering clients with the tools and resources to care for their special pets is one of my biggest joys. 

One of the greatest gifts we can give our pets is a dignified end of life that is free from pain and suffering. I feel fortunate to be able to help pets pass peacefully, which also provides families with a sense of relief, knowing their pet’s life ended comfortably without confusion or pain. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at home with my partner and our five animals. I love all water activities, including swimming, boating, and sunbathing on the beach.