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Dr. Kelly

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Annapolis-Baltimore Area

I grew up in the 70’s in Chevy Chase, MD which is a suburb of Washington, DC. It was a lovely area and time that allowed me to have pets throughout my life. I wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age as evidenced by stories that I wrote in elementary school – one wherein I had to patch up one of Santa’s reindeer one Christmas Eve.

Luckily, I was able to fulﬁll my dream and graduate from the Veterinary school at VA Tech - the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past 20+ years, I have exclusively practiced emergency medicine enjoying the spontaneity and variety of cases that presented themselves.

A signiﬁcant amount of cases required counseling owners about when it would be in their pet’s best interest to consider euthanasia which is the ultimate responsibility for an owner to handle. Having been in their position, with my ﬁrst pup as an adult, I know it is the hardest decision to make and one that is almost always second guessed. Helping owners make the decision and to conﬁrm that they are doing the best thing for the loved one is a rewarding experience.

When I am not working, I relax with my sweet pup, Cricket, who is a Schnorkie. We watch movies, build LEGOs, play Sudoku, and cross stitch. My little sister and her family live nearby giving me the chance to watch her kids grow up.

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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Aron, Gage, mom & dad

Berwick , Pennsylvania

Rina was there for us with our first family member, Pumpkin who passed away October 2023 and was the most compassionate and caring person when it came to our family and beloved 4 legged family members. She sat with them as if they were her family as well and never ever once tried or suggested to rush us & we now consider Rina family. Truly a wonderful person who really cares.

Francie and Tim

Omaha, Nebraska

I cannot speak highly enough of the services that Dr. Claude Woodard and the Lap of Love staff gave to us when we planned for our dog, Gus, to head Over the Rainbow. We had selected the end of the day on a Friday at 5:00 pm time with a call from Dr. Claude letting us know that know he was on his way. Of course, we could all sense that, Dr. Claude was a caring and thoughtful person who came to help Gus. Dr. Claude made Gus, my husband and I feel relaxed, explaing the process, but even better, it was not a stressful time for Gus. Gus or Gusaroo or Gustav, as he was known, was ready for his next journey. We had Gus on his dog bed in our living room where he would be comfortable and so were we. We sat with Gus, as he was prepared for his last few breaths, sharing our final love amongst tears, our goodbyes, with no more pain and free. No stress for Gus and even better he was comfortable in his own home and surroundings. What helped make our decision was the video about " How Will I Know It's Time?" I swear the vet was talking about Gus, but it was another dog. I watched it first and then my husband watched it later on. That really helped guide us to our decision. The Lap of Love Team on the phone was very helpful and sympathetic in coordinating a time and day. No one wants to do this, but I have been sharing our positive experience with many others that have an older dog that might need someone to come to their home to say goodbye. We know we will see Gus at a later time and know that he will always be in our hearts. We miss and love you, Gus! Francie and Tim

Erin

Land O Lakes , Florida

Dr. Marie exceeded my family’s expectations with the care and patience she had when it came to our beloved family member. We want to thank her so much for being able to assist Scarlet in achieving peace from our own home on her journey to heaven.

Joan & John

Swedesboro, New Jersey

Veterinarian was excellent.

Jill

Chicago, Illinois

I cannot express in words how much I appreciated Dr. Kristina's patience, understanding and kindness. She showed true compassion for my family and my dear Lucy who barely noticed the beginning of her transition to the the rainbow bridge. I would unquestionably refer her to anyone considering the inevitable, and will never euthanize a pet any other way than this much less stressful way. Thank you again, you made this tragedy so much more bearable. Jill Gloger

Lauren

North Richland Hills, Texas

We can’t imagine ever choosing another service for our four legged babies. The 24h Call Service was SO informative, kind, caring, and exactly what I needed even prior to our appointment. They answered every question with comforting additional information as well, let me vent about our personal situation with our Sagey Girl, and left me feeling like I’d had a big warm hug. Dr. Deanna is truly indescribable. Her kindness, demeanor, patience, and consideration truly meant the world to us. Our Zuko bubs got to say goodbye to his (non-litter) sister, we got to send her with her matching blanket, received her cremains in a beautiful resting box, and even received a hand-written note from Dr. Deanna shortly after picking our Sagey Girl back up from our vets office (in her lovely box). Even as first timers on End of Life Care, I don’t think we’ll ever go with any other group. Sagey’s last photo attached. Her bladder mass started causing urethral prolapse, and we wanted her end to be cozy. We love Lap(s?) Of Love.

Nancy

Coral Springs, Florida

On Monday May 9th. Our sweet tabby India passed on to her joyful eternal home. India came to us 17 years ago and was a loving member of our family. It was important to us that this transition for her be as peaceful and gentle as possible. I contacted Lap of Love after reading the amazing testimonials from other pet owners who have faced the excrutating decision to end their pets suffering. Brian contacted me immediately by email (my chosen method of contact) and confirmed my appointment. He explained the process, the options available and that Dr. Jordan Taheri would be the doctor coming to see us. I can't say enough about the kindness and care Dr Jordan gave to India and my son and I. His compassion along with his soft spoken, gentle demeanor was such a comfort to us. He took his time, letting us take as long as we needed to express our love and say good bye to our precious girl. What a God send Dr Taheri and Lap of Love was for us. We are so truly thankful.

Aron, Gage, mom & dad

Berwick , Pennsylvania

Rina was there for us with our first family member, Pumpkin who passed away October 2023 and was the most compassionate and caring person when it came to our family and beloved 4 legged family members. She sat with them as if they were her family as well and never ever once tried or suggested to rush us & we now consider Rina family. Truly a wonderful person who really cares.

Francie and Tim

Omaha, Nebraska

I cannot speak highly enough of the services that Dr. Claude Woodard and the Lap of Love staff gave to us when we planned for our dog, Gus, to head Over the Rainbow. We had selected the end of the day on a Friday at 5:00 pm time with a call from Dr. Claude letting us know that know he was on his way. Of course, we could all sense that, Dr. Claude was a caring and thoughtful person who came to help Gus. Dr. Claude made Gus, my husband and I feel relaxed, explaing the process, but even better, it was not a stressful time for Gus. Gus or Gusaroo or Gustav, as he was known, was ready for his next journey. We had Gus on his dog bed in our living room where he would be comfortable and so were we. We sat with Gus, as he was prepared for his last few breaths, sharing our final love amongst tears, our goodbyes, with no more pain and free. No stress for Gus and even better he was comfortable in his own home and surroundings. What helped make our decision was the video about " How Will I Know It's Time?" I swear the vet was talking about Gus, but it was another dog. I watched it first and then my husband watched it later on. That really helped guide us to our decision. The Lap of Love Team on the phone was very helpful and sympathetic in coordinating a time and day. No one wants to do this, but I have been sharing our positive experience with many others that have an older dog that might need someone to come to their home to say goodbye. We know we will see Gus at a later time and know that he will always be in our hearts. We miss and love you, Gus! Francie and Tim

Jill

Chicago, Illinois

I cannot express in words how much I appreciated Dr. Kristina's patience, understanding and kindness. She showed true compassion for my family and my dear Lucy who barely noticed the beginning of her transition to the the rainbow bridge. I would unquestionably refer her to anyone considering the inevitable, and will never euthanize a pet any other way than this much less stressful way. Thank you again, you made this tragedy so much more bearable. Jill Gloger

Lauren

North Richland Hills, Texas

We can’t imagine ever choosing another service for our four legged babies. The 24h Call Service was SO informative, kind, caring, and exactly what I needed even prior to our appointment. They answered every question with comforting additional information as well, let me vent about our personal situation with our Sagey Girl, and left me feeling like I’d had a big warm hug. Dr. Deanna is truly indescribable. Her kindness, demeanor, patience, and consideration truly meant the world to us. Our Zuko bubs got to say goodbye to his (non-litter) sister, we got to send her with her matching blanket, received her cremains in a beautiful resting box, and even received a hand-written note from Dr. Deanna shortly after picking our Sagey Girl back up from our vets office (in her lovely box). Even as first timers on End of Life Care, I don’t think we’ll ever go with any other group. Sagey’s last photo attached. Her bladder mass started causing urethral prolapse, and we wanted her end to be cozy. We love Lap(s?) Of Love.

Nancy

Coral Springs, Florida

On Monday May 9th. Our sweet tabby India passed on to her joyful eternal home. India came to us 17 years ago and was a loving member of our family. It was important to us that this transition for her be as peaceful and gentle as possible. I contacted Lap of Love after reading the amazing testimonials from other pet owners who have faced the excrutating decision to end their pets suffering. Brian contacted me immediately by email (my chosen method of contact) and confirmed my appointment. He explained the process, the options available and that Dr. Jordan Taheri would be the doctor coming to see us. I can't say enough about the kindness and care Dr Jordan gave to India and my son and I. His compassion along with his soft spoken, gentle demeanor was such a comfort to us. He took his time, letting us take as long as we needed to express our love and say good bye to our precious girl. What a God send Dr Taheri and Lap of Love was for us. We are so truly thankful.

Aron, Gage, mom & dad

Berwick , Pennsylvania

Rina was there for us with our first family member, Pumpkin who passed away October 2023 and was the most compassionate and caring person when it came to our family and beloved 4 legged family members. She sat with them as if they were her family as well and never ever once tried or suggested to rush us & we now consider Rina family. Truly a wonderful person who really cares.

Francie and Tim

Omaha, Nebraska

I cannot speak highly enough of the services that Dr. Claude Woodard and the Lap of Love staff gave to us when we planned for our dog, Gus, to head Over the Rainbow. We had selected the end of the day on a Friday at 5:00 pm time with a call from Dr. Claude letting us know that know he was on his way. Of course, we could all sense that, Dr. Claude was a caring and thoughtful person who came to help Gus. Dr. Claude made Gus, my husband and I feel relaxed, explaing the process, but even better, it was not a stressful time for Gus. Gus or Gusaroo or Gustav, as he was known, was ready for his next journey. We had Gus on his dog bed in our living room where he would be comfortable and so were we. We sat with Gus, as he was prepared for his last few breaths, sharing our final love amongst tears, our goodbyes, with no more pain and free. No stress for Gus and even better he was comfortable in his own home and surroundings. What helped make our decision was the video about " How Will I Know It's Time?" I swear the vet was talking about Gus, but it was another dog. I watched it first and then my husband watched it later on. That really helped guide us to our decision. The Lap of Love Team on the phone was very helpful and sympathetic in coordinating a time and day. No one wants to do this, but I have been sharing our positive experience with many others that have an older dog that might need someone to come to their home to say goodbye. We know we will see Gus at a later time and know that he will always be in our hearts. We miss and love you, Gus! Francie and Tim

Helpful resources

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

Explore all of our resources

Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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