Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Orono, Minnesota, and my parents still reside in the same house on Lake Minnetonka, where I enjoy spending time in the summer. My grandfather was a veterinarian and I knew from a young age that I also wanted to be a vet. I was the typical animal-crazy kid who wanted to keep everything with fur, feathers or scales. I was especially in love with horses and spent as much time with them as I could. I started riding at the age of 10 and still enjoy riding and spending time with my horse, mule, and donkeys. 

I went to Otterbein University outside of Columbus, Ohio, where I earned degrees in equine science and veterinary technology. I worked for two years in Ohio as a veterinary technician before moving back to Minnesota, where I continued working as a technician while I went back to school to complete the prerequisite requirements for vet school. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts. I loved the education I received from the veterinary school and from living in another country. 

After veterinary school, I moved back to Minnesota and started my own mobile equine veterinary practice. It was a very busy lifestyle and I found the work rewarding and fun. I also provided some in-home, end-of-life care for clients’ pets and found it a true honor to provide the pet and their family dignity and peace in the comfort of their own home. 

I adopted my own first dog from my undergraduate research program. She was my companion through undergrad, veterinary school, and the years between. The summer after I graduated veterinary school, it became clear she was in pain, and my efforts could no longer keep her comfortable. I brought her to her favorite place—my parent's house—and said goodbye on the shore of the lake that she adored. Although it was one of the hardest days of my life, it made me realize what a blessing we can give to animals, and that it made a difference to have her in a place where she was happy and calm. I think it is an honor to give animals a dignified and peaceful ending. I take pride in being able to help families navigate the end-of-life process and I always aim to make a really difficult day a little bit better. 

When I am not working, I love to travel, hike and scuba dive. I live on a small farm and also enjoy spending time with my animals.