Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in a rural area of Lockport, New York near Buffalo and Niagara Falls. I was drawn to veterinary medicine due to an interest in medicine, a love for animals, and a desire to help people and their pets. I considered human medicine, but after working with physicians, I found more personal fulfillment in veterinary medicine.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then went to veterinary school at Cornell University. After veterinary school, I moved to Missouri, where I worked in a mixed animal practice and completed a food animal production residency. I also earned a master’s degree in public health. From there, I moved to Maryland and worked as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) science policy analyst and as a risk analyst and math modeler. I then transitioned to clinical practice to help local people and their pets in a more hands-on way.

As a veterinarian, I most enjoy connecting with pet parents and helping them provide the best possible quality of life for their pets. 

I have lost several pets during my life. Most recently, I had to make the decision to euthanize my 15-year-old cat who I adopted as an 8-week-old kitten. It was a blessing to help her have a peaceful passing, and I think she would have been even more comfortable if we could have kept her at home for the process.

The end of a pet’s life is almost certainly the most emotionally challenging part, and being able to provide in-home care during this difficult time is often the greatest opportunity to help people and their beloved pets. 

In my spare time, I enjoy quietly observing nature, drawing, reading, light exercise, and spending time with my kids.