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Dr. Julie

Hartford & New Haven Areas

I am a native of Long Island and I have lived and practiced in Connecticut since my graduation from Tufts Veterinary School. I have put my heart and soul into my veterinary “family practice” for many years, and I have found that the incredible bond between pets and their people is the most meaningful aspect of my job as a general practitioner. Supporting pets and their families from their very first vet visit all the way through to their end of life has been a great privilege. The trust and bond between pets and their owners is a magical aspect of healing. I am very sensitive to the stress many pets (and pet parents) have coming to the vet’s office with new faces, smells and other animals, and sometimes unavoidable unpleasant experiences. Creating a low stress, positive, reassuring experience for my patients and their people has always been a high priority for me in practice.

It has been an honor for me on many occasions over the years to be present in the homes of families to facilitate a peaceful, dignified passing for their pets. With today’s advanced standards of care in veterinary medicine there is often a contrast between what we can do and what we should do for our patients. I joined Lap of Love to help provide a caring, compassionate option for pets and their families.

I live on a small farm with horses, a donkey, a dog, a cat, various chickens and my husband who loves all of the animals as much as I do. In my spare time, I love to garden and grow food, ride on local trails, travel and play music in a community orchestra and fiddle club. I have 2 adult children, one of whom also went to Tufts Veterinary school and is an equine practitioner.

Our services

We’re here to support you when you need it

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

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Marc

Baldwin, New York

I would first like to thank Dr Heather Manfredi, DVM for her compassion and kindness to Kaya and my whole family. She helped put my mind at ease by looking at Kaya first. Letting me know I was making the right decision. She watched her try to walk and she played with her for quite some time before she started. She talked to Kaya, kissed her and made Kaya comfortable before she was put to sleep. Shaved her leg where she put the catheter and gave us the fur. Made an impression of her paw. She handled Kaya after she was euthanized has though she was still alive. When we were removing her from the house. This was and still is one of the most traumatic experiences for me. Still Dr Manfredi was able to make it less traumatic for the whole family. My deepest gratitude for the help of not only Dr Manfredi, but also to who I spoke to on the phone. Bless all of you for the service you provided. Marc Weinstein

Jackie and Steven

Orangevale, California

They did a wonderful job. It was peaceful, personal, and I know that Juma went feeling loved.

Heather

Lexington, Kentucky

I would like to thank Dr.Kendra and Lap of Love for her kindness and compassion when I had to say goodbye to my beloved 13 1/2 year old golden retriever "Wendel" in October. I have had many animals in my life (dogs, cats, horses etc) and saying goodbye is always difficult. Dr. Kendra helped make Wendel's passing peaceful, respectful and as easy as possible for me, but more importantly for him as well. I would highly recommend her services and will use them again.

ellen

Phoenix , Arizona

Dr Esparza was incredible. She was so kind and compassionate. She took her time and let us take ours with our sweet Pablo. We were able to play Somewhere over the Rainbow and spend quality time with him prior to his passing. My best friend peacefully passed away in my arms.

Rachael

Flowery Branch, Georgia

We want to thank Lap of Love and especially Dr. Lauren for helping us send our beloved Charlie to heaven. She was heartfelt, genuine, reassuring and professional. If you're facing this decision with your own beloved pet we would highly recommend Lap of Love. It was such a peaceful, loving environment. We were able to say our goodbyes where Charlie was most comfortable, surrounded by his family and toys. So much appreciation and gratitude towards this group, thank you.

Debi

Portland , Oregon

I always knew I would do it at home, but I did not know who I would call.Time was not on my side, but I needed to ensure the right veterinarian would do it. The entire experience was as peaceful as it possibly could be, starting with my first call to Lap of Love. When that day comes, it is the worst day for a pet owner. Dr. Jill was very kind. From the moment she walked in, her energy was calm and peaceful. I couldn't help but think, how does someone handle doing that daily? I got my answer when I finally had the strength to read the booklet she had left me. Pet owners are fortunate to have Veterinarians like Dr. Jill who have the emotional strength to give our beloved babies the peace they deserve. Thank you Dr. Jill & Lap of Love

Chip & Michelle

Whiteville , Tennessee

We had never experienced a home euthanasia before & we were also having a lot of trouble making the decision that no pet parent wants to make. From the moment Dr.Sally Lynch arrived to our home we felt at ease & so did our Lucky girl. Dr. Sally took the time to access how she was doing & her quality of life & confirmed that we had made the right decision that was best for Lucky when we called her to come. Lucky is normally a bit skittish at first with strangers, but I can assure you that because of Dr. Sally’s calm nature & presence she felt very at ease. Dr. Sally took the time to explain everything that was going to be happening walking us through every step of the way, making sure that Lucky was comfortable and that we were also aware of what was going to happen. If you could say that this was great experience, unlike any other, as far as putting a dog to rest in the comfort of their own home it was truly a wonderful experience. The most important thing is that Luckys passing was calm & quiet & done with dignity on her couch where she felt safe surrounded by my husband and I and Dr. Sally Lynch. Thank you Lap of Love for making this possible for those who find this decision so difficult. I can’t say enough about this organization and everyone who works there. I believe you are angels to all that you serve.

Marc

Baldwin, New York

I would first like to thank Dr Heather Manfredi, DVM for her compassion and kindness to Kaya and my whole family. She helped put my mind at ease by looking at Kaya first. Letting me know I was making the right decision. She watched her try to walk and she played with her for quite some time before she started. She talked to Kaya, kissed her and made Kaya comfortable before she was put to sleep. Shaved her leg where she put the catheter and gave us the fur. Made an impression of her paw. She handled Kaya after she was euthanized has though she was still alive. When we were removing her from the house. This was and still is one of the most traumatic experiences for me. Still Dr Manfredi was able to make it less traumatic for the whole family. My deepest gratitude for the help of not only Dr Manfredi, but also to who I spoke to on the phone. Bless all of you for the service you provided. Marc Weinstein

Heather

Lexington, Kentucky

I would like to thank Dr.Kendra and Lap of Love for her kindness and compassion when I had to say goodbye to my beloved 13 1/2 year old golden retriever "Wendel" in October. I have had many animals in my life (dogs, cats, horses etc) and saying goodbye is always difficult. Dr. Kendra helped make Wendel's passing peaceful, respectful and as easy as possible for me, but more importantly for him as well. I would highly recommend her services and will use them again.

Rachael

Flowery Branch, Georgia

We want to thank Lap of Love and especially Dr. Lauren for helping us send our beloved Charlie to heaven. She was heartfelt, genuine, reassuring and professional. If you're facing this decision with your own beloved pet we would highly recommend Lap of Love. It was such a peaceful, loving environment. We were able to say our goodbyes where Charlie was most comfortable, surrounded by his family and toys. So much appreciation and gratitude towards this group, thank you.

Debi

Portland , Oregon

I always knew I would do it at home, but I did not know who I would call.Time was not on my side, but I needed to ensure the right veterinarian would do it. The entire experience was as peaceful as it possibly could be, starting with my first call to Lap of Love. When that day comes, it is the worst day for a pet owner. Dr. Jill was very kind. From the moment she walked in, her energy was calm and peaceful. I couldn't help but think, how does someone handle doing that daily? I got my answer when I finally had the strength to read the booklet she had left me. Pet owners are fortunate to have Veterinarians like Dr. Jill who have the emotional strength to give our beloved babies the peace they deserve. Thank you Dr. Jill & Lap of Love

Chip & Michelle

Whiteville , Tennessee

We had never experienced a home euthanasia before & we were also having a lot of trouble making the decision that no pet parent wants to make. From the moment Dr.Sally Lynch arrived to our home we felt at ease & so did our Lucky girl. Dr. Sally took the time to access how she was doing & her quality of life & confirmed that we had made the right decision that was best for Lucky when we called her to come. Lucky is normally a bit skittish at first with strangers, but I can assure you that because of Dr. Sally’s calm nature & presence she felt very at ease. Dr. Sally took the time to explain everything that was going to be happening walking us through every step of the way, making sure that Lucky was comfortable and that we were also aware of what was going to happen. If you could say that this was great experience, unlike any other, as far as putting a dog to rest in the comfort of their own home it was truly a wonderful experience. The most important thing is that Luckys passing was calm & quiet & done with dignity on her couch where she felt safe surrounded by my husband and I and Dr. Sally Lynch. Thank you Lap of Love for making this possible for those who find this decision so difficult. I can’t say enough about this organization and everyone who works there. I believe you are angels to all that you serve.

Marc

Baldwin, New York

I would first like to thank Dr Heather Manfredi, DVM for her compassion and kindness to Kaya and my whole family. She helped put my mind at ease by looking at Kaya first. Letting me know I was making the right decision. She watched her try to walk and she played with her for quite some time before she started. She talked to Kaya, kissed her and made Kaya comfortable before she was put to sleep. Shaved her leg where she put the catheter and gave us the fur. Made an impression of her paw. She handled Kaya after she was euthanized has though she was still alive. When we were removing her from the house. This was and still is one of the most traumatic experiences for me. Still Dr Manfredi was able to make it less traumatic for the whole family. My deepest gratitude for the help of not only Dr Manfredi, but also to who I spoke to on the phone. Bless all of you for the service you provided. Marc Weinstein

Helpful resources

Informational resources to help you navigate your pet’s quality of life

Explore all of our resources

When to put a dog down — Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Home pet euthanasia — Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Cat euthanasia — Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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