Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Pinole, California with my brother and parents, who ran an online business selling swords. When I was a senior in high school and looking for a job outside the family business, my mom suggested that I apply at our vet’s office, and to my surprise, I was offered a vet assistant position. After six months of cleaning kennels, but also observing the vets diagnosing and treating sick pets, I was hooked and wanted to know more. 

I went to Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, and then transferred to the University of California, Davis, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in animal sciences. I went to vet school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies, and completed my clinical year at Oklahoma State University. I arrived and left in winter, which was a huge contrast to the Caribbean! After graduating, I started my first job as a veterinarian in Concord, where I still live. 

Preventive care is my favorite part of veterinary medicine because I love educating owners about how they can best care for their pets. Animals enhance our lives, and I enjoy being able to help them live long, healthy lives.  Although I’ve worked with dogs and cats for many years, my heart still soars every time I see one. 

I have lost many pets over the years. In some cases, I waited too long before deciding to euthanize my own pet, and I regret that. I try to keep that in mind when assessing my pets and clients’ pets. It’s difficult, but I enjoy helping families make the best decision for their pets. Although every time is hard, the joy and love leading up to that point makes it all worthwhile. 

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, son, and daughter, and we can often be found at the park with our dog, Mitzi. When the kids are asleep, we enjoy watching movies or TV shows. I also like crocheting, sewing, and organizing our monthly adult game night.