Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up on a farm in Griswold, Iowa, which is home to only about 1,200 people. My parents raised corn, soybeans, hogs, and sheep, and we also had a few horses and dogs—and a slew of barn cats. My mom was a veterinary technician, and I occasionally went with her to the clinic, and also helped care for our farm animals. I originally went to school for human medicine, and then marine biology. I completed an internship at the Henry Doorly Zoo after college, and stayed on for a few years as a cat and bear keeper. I loved working with the veterinarians, and decided to go back to school to study veterinary medicine. 

I went to the University of Missouri and Oregon State University for my undergraduate studies, and I also completed a summer program at the University of Hawaii-Hilo. I went back to my home state for veterinary school, attending Iowa State University, and also earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Iowa. 

Since veterinary school, I have worked in mixed animal, equine, and small animal practices. During my career, I have developed particular passions for preventive and urgent care, internal medicine, and hospice care.

I have lost several pets over the years, and provided end-of-life care to my two dogs, Aja and Oreo, and our cat, Avoca, in the past few years. I adopted all three during vet school, and saying goodbye to them was so difficult. But, because I was able to do so at home with my family, the experience was less stressful. I think helping families say goodbye at home in a loving environment where they and their pets are most comfortable is such a blessing. 

When I am not working, I love spending time with my family, including our four kids—ages 7 to 16—who keep us very busy! We also have a Chihuahua (Ranger), dachshund (Dottie), Chesapeake Bay retriever (Cash), and a cat (Eldon), as well as a duck and 13 chickens—although that number seems to change frequently. I love traveling, trying new foods, the ocean, the mountains, and a lot of stuff in between! We got a travel trailer last summer and have enjoyed taking it to new places with the kids.