Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

Growing up, I always had a close bond with animals. I began volunteering at my local animal shelter in Orlando and loved working with the dogs and cats. I provided them with as much love and enrichment as possible during the few hours I spent there. This was always the highlight of my week. After high school, I went on to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Florida. During my time there, I had the opportunity to volunteer with a low cost spay/neuter clinic. My experience volunteering truly solidified my passion for veterinary medicine and drove my desire to enter veterinary school. After working as a veterinary technician in private practice for a year, I was accepted to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and completed my doctorate degree.

My strong connection to end of life care developed during veterinary school. While on the first week of clinical rotations, my own cat started exhibiting signs of weakness and, over the course of a day, quickly declined and was transferred to UF. After a wide array of diagnostics and testing, he was diagnosed with cancer (lymphoma). The oncologists predicted that even with chemotherapy, he would have less than a month left with me. I went home with medication to make him comfortable and spent that next day holding him close. Despite supportive care, he got worse, and I had to make the painful decision to let him go. Since that day, I have worked hard to make each of my patients’ passing a peaceful and meaningful one. It is never easy to say goodbye, especially in situations like my own when a pet declines so suddenly. I am thankful that I can guide and support families through this incredibly difficult time as a doctor with Lap of Love. I am truly honored to be there for you. 

When I am not out in the St. Augustine area helping families, I enjoy visiting my family in Clearwater, playing with my mischievous cat, Chowder, and exploring Disney World with my other half, Eric