Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

The son of two incredible veterinarians, my life growing up in Ballentine, SC was one filled with many animal companions. Some of these four-legged family members we raised from birth, while others we welcomed later in life. As a result, I have been lucky to share distinct bonds with more pets than most. These characteristics of my childhood were integral parts of my development, making my career path an afterthought. Through it all, I’ve learned that like a shooting star, an animal’s light burns brightly but fades all too quickly. While their lifespan may be short, our pets’ abilities to provide unconditional love, laughs, and adventure, make them just as much a part of our family as the rest of the household. This bond overwhelms our hearts with joy, while also creating one of the toughest challenges when it comes time to say ‘good-bye,’ emphasizing why the end-stage of life deserves special attention and care.

After graduating from the Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department at Clemson University, I moved to Athens, GA for four years of training at The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. While there, I met and fell in love with a classmate who moved to San Diego with me, where we both survived rotating internships in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. Upon completion, we practiced emergency medicine in California before moving back to my hometown. Tara took a job at a local veterinary emergency hospital while I worked part-time at two general practices. We share our home with three wonderful mixed breed dogs; Kona, Brynn, and Lily, as well as an elderly Cockatiel who rules the roost. In our free time, we enjoy water sports, rock climbing, hiking, and traveling to see family as much as our schedules allow.

While I have found the diverse challenges of general practice and wellness care rewarding, I have come to recognize an expanded need for hospice and end-of-life care in the Columbia, SC area. Because our pets’ lives are disproportionately short compared to how quickly they work their way into our hearts, I feel an overarching desire to focus on helping families and their pets in this delicate phase of their lives, especially in the comfort of their home. My goal is to guide families and their beloved pets through this difficult and emotional time with as much peace and dignity as possible.