Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I lived in a few different places growing up, but I spent the majority of my childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I moved to North Carolina to go to college and have lived here ever since, so I now consider Raleigh my hometown. I love the beautiful season changes, proximity to both mountains and the beach, and, of course, the welcoming Southern hospitality. I have always had an indescribable connection with animals. It started with our family dogs and then flourished when I took up horseback riding in high school.

I went to North Carolina State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. It wasn’t until after graduation and several animal-related jobs—working on a ranch as a trail ride guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, studying mice in a lab, and then working as a veterinary assistant in a general practice hospital—that I decided to go to veterinary school. These experiences sparked my passion for veterinary medicine and it's been the perfect fit—I couldn't see myself doing anything else. 

I attended vet school at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. My favorite part of being a veterinarian is the relationships I get to make with pets and their parents. While I initially got into the field because of my passion for animals, I have come to cherish the connections I have made with pet parents just as much. 

We said goodbye to my childhood dog, Skippy, shortly after I became a vet. The end-of-life process was not as compassionate and peaceful as I would have hoped because it was in the cold, clinical setting of a hospital. I strongly believe that allowing a pet to pass in a peaceful, loving manner is such an important gift to give to our furry loved ones. I believe that every pet deserves to pass in an environment where the focus is entirely on them and they can be showered in love. 

I have three pets of my own: two dogs, Lyla and RZA, and a cat, Kimchi. I cherish spending time at home with them and my fiancée. I also enjoy anything that involves being outdoors and enjoying natural beauty, including gardening, hiking, rock climbing, and traveling.