Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I was born in Ohio and grew up surrounded by pets and wildlife, which sparked my deep-rooted love for animals and a desire to positively impact their lives. At 8 years of age, our family moved to South Carolina and my parents presented me with a Shetland pony, Peanuts. For the next ten years, I spent many happy hours doing stable chores and exploring the neighborhood and surrounding woods on horseback. After reading the James Herriot “All Creatures Great and Small” book series multiple times, I knew that I wanted to become a veterinarian.

In 1982, I left for college at the University of Georgia. I completed my undergraduate studies in the College of Agriculture working with dairy cattle, and graduated from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Since graduation, I have practiced in Virginia, Maine, and New Hampshire. I have lived in Maine for more than 25 years, and built my own solo practice in Limerick, Maine. In 2000, I sold the practice to pursue a career teaching the life sciences and veterinary assistant students at White Mountains Community College in NH. In addition to clinical and educational work, I actively participate in community outreach programs that empower pet owners with knowledge and promote responsible pet ownership. I also volunteer for local environmental groups and animal shelters. 

End-of-life care and ensuring a gentle departure for ailing and aged pets has been an important mission for me throughout my career. While I have had to say goodbye to many pets over the course of my life, it wasn’t until I was helping my sister navigate the final years of her beloved pup, Luci, that I discovered Lap of Love. I realized then that I wanted to re-enter practice as a hospice veterinarian. I am a Peaceful Euthanasia Certified veterinarian as well as Fear Free Certified.

I currently live with my husband, Christopher, who is a millwright, and my daughter, Eiligh, recent fashion design graduate from Pratt Institute. Our furry, feathered, and scaly family members are Spinoza, a standard poodle, Tibby, our cat, Rex, our leopard gecko, Willow, my horse, and assorted chickens. In addition to spending time with family, friends, and animals, I enjoy gardening, knitting, reading, practicing yoga, and communing with the natural world.