In-Home Pet Euthanasia in SeaTac

I was raised in Phoenix, Arizona with my dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snakes and even a rat here and there. As long as I can remember, I have loved animals and needed them to be a part of my life. Even though Phoenix was a large city, we were very close to the desert environment which meant different types of wildlife animals. Helping wildlife animals in need also became a big part of my childhood and helped drive me toward a career with animals.

However, that career didn’t start in veterinary medicine. I spent a lot of time working with zoo animals and wildlife before deciding that being a veterinarian was my calling. I attended the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in hopes of one day becoming a wildlife veterinarian. However, during my internship working with cats and dogs, I was reminded of how important our household pets can be. Every animal in the world is special, but our pets are a huge part of our FAMILY.

The hardest part starting out in the veterinary profession was the thought of putting an animal to sleep. I quickly learned that this task was not a burden, but a gift. As an emergency veterinarian for many years, I have had the privilege of helping lots of animals and this includes helping end an animal’s suffering in the last moments of their life. The struggle to make the tough decision in the final moments will always be the hardest part of the human animal bond. It is not something that gets easier with time and it is my honor to be able to help families say goodbye when this time comes.

I have always found it easy to connect with animals, and I knew I would become a veterinarian long before I could pronounce the word. I was born in Clovis, New Mexico, but I spent most of my childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada after my dad was transferred by the Air Force. Most people don’t realize how beautiful Nevada’s desert ecosystem is, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by interesting wildlife throughout my childhood. I also had many pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. They quickly became part of my family, and reinforced my desire to pursue veterinary medicine. 

I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, where I gained experience teaching animal anatomy and assisting on the university farm. I was part of the first graduating class of the joint Utah State University-Washington State University veterinary program.

Following graduation, I worked in general practice, helping pets live long, happy, and fulfilled lives. I developed a passion for working with older pets, keeping them comfortable and happy during their final years. I am very interested in using a variety of methods to manage pain in senior pets and am currently training in veterinary acupuncture. 

I still remember the loss of my first dog, a yellow Lab named Sunny. I was in first grade and running late to school on the day he passed, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. I was heartbroken that I wasn’t there for his final moments. I am now dedicated to helping families and their pets say goodbye, while surrounded by love in the comfort of their homes. 

During my free time, I enjoy time outdoors. One of the reasons I moved to the Pacific Northwest was the abundance of incredible trails, and I spend a lot of time hiking and backpacking, especially with my dog. I also enjoy swimming and hope to one day complete the swim race from Alcatraz to San Francisco. I’m not always on the go—I also love watching shows and movies while cross stitching. 

Growing up in the small town of Van Alstyne, Texas, I discovered my love for animals during my many visits to my grandfather’s farm in Louisiana. Watching his hard work and the way he cared for his animals inspired me, and led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington before earning my veterinary degree from Ross University. After graduation, I worked in small animal medicine and surgery, which allowed me to help animals live healthy lives, and support their families with information and resources to take the best care of their pets. I had a unique opportunity to care for military working dogs during my deployment as an Army veterinarian. Through this experience, I saw the strength of the human-animal bond firsthand, as well as the importance of providing a peaceful environment for pets during their final moments.

Losing a beloved pet after 18 years together showed me just how difficult it can be to assess your own pet’s quality of life. Having someone else there to help you make that difficult decision and guide you through the process is so special. I enjoy providing that support for families and pets, to ensure the transition is peaceful. 

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with my dog and cat, hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, rock climbing, and traveling. 

I grew up in the friendly, small town of Monroe, Michigan which is tucked between Detroit and Toledo. Monroe is an historical town as it is home to the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Growing up, there were always as many animals as people in our family. From a young age it was apparent that I was passionate about animals—combined with my love for science and medicine, this passion made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology and my veterinary degree from Michigan State University—you can say that I bleed green and white! While in veterinary school, I worked closely with a vet who was passionate about holistic veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on end-of-life care. I also volunteered heavily with the Pet Loss Support Hotline, which allowed grieving pet owners a safe space to express their feelings. We received training from professional grief counselors that helped enhance personal grief coping mechanisms and improve communication skills to better serve the needs of the callers.

Following graduation from veterinary school, I joined the US Army, where I worked for six years as a Veterinary Corps Officer, with my focus divided between companion animal care, military working dog care, and public health responsibilities. My unique military experience helped me achieve board certification from the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine where veterinary professionals come together and address public health and preventive medicine endeavors nationally and internationally. 

Saying goodbye to a furry companion is one of the most difficult times for pet owners. It is a blessing to be able to provide the gift of end-of-life care to an animal in need and to also comfort their family through this challenging time. Lap of Love allows me to do this work in a place of comfort for both the owner and pet, making this vulnerable time a bit more peaceful. 

I love spending time with my husband, Charles, and our two Labrador Retrievers, Braxxe and Guinness. We enjoy being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. When we aren't adventuring we enjoy trying new restaurants and binge watching TV shows.