Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in California in a house that always had pets - dogs, cats, guinea pigs and even rats. From an early age, I had an affinity towards animals and science. When my parents got me a Dachshund puppy, Joey, for my 11th birthday I officially made the decision to become a veterinarian. Joey was my constant companion and support through turbulent teenage years and made the move with me when I went to Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. I met my husband there and we got married shortly before I started applying to veterinary schools. Joey moved with us to West Lafayette, IN where my husband and I both continued our educations at Purdue University.   

During our time at Purdue, we welcomed more pets into our home: the sweetest Labrador, Rosie and three cats - Orion, Riku, and Goliath. It was also while in Indiana, in my third year of veterinary school, when I had my most memorable experience with pet loss. Joey was sitting next to me on the couch while I studied and in an instant, he was gone. While I was devastated to lose my devoted companion, I was also thankful that he went quickly and without suffering. However, I know that this was a relatively rare outcome for a pet.  About a year later we made the difficult, but good, decision to provide a peaceful passing to our sweet Rosie, who had developed cancer for the second time.  I remember being so thankful for the loving veterinarians at the teaching hospital that supported me through that decision and surrounded us while they helped her to pass quietly and without pain.   

After earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, I worked in a small animal general practice. Over time, my family grew and we moved around until finally settling in Oklahoma City with two boys and two cats. Working in small animal general practice was fulfilling and enjoyable in many ways and during my years in practice, I developed an unexpected appreciation for the peace and stillness that comes into a room when a family says goodbye to their loved one. In the midst of the busyness of general practice, suddenly everything slowed down and I got to hear about the family and all the fun adventures they have had with their pet. Together we would give their pet the last best gift we could: to let them pass peacefully and without any more suffering. Through Lap of Love, it is my mission to provide the same compassion and guidance to families as they navigate the muddy waters of end of life care for their pets and it would be my honor to help you and your family during your time of need.