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Dr. Hilary

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Hartford & New Haven Areas

I grew up in the quaint little town of Suffern just north of New York City and always knew that becoming a veterinarian was my calling in life. As a child, I would bring my pets to the vet with my mother, and our veterinarian would let me watch him draw blood and administer vaccines to my pets. He showed the utmost care to all of my childhood pets and inspired me to one day do the same. When I was 13 years old, I participated in a pet therapy program for the elderly, which only further proved that veterinary medicine was the path I wanted to follow.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in animal science at SUNY Cobleskill in New York and attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies, where I received my DVM.

Working in general practice, I have developed a passion and appreciation for wellness and end-of-life care, which allows me to care for my pet patients throughout their life. I enjoy helping families understand what is happening during their pet’s appointment and why the recommended treatments are crucial to their pet's wellbeing. When I became a veterinarian, I took an oath to be an advocate for animals, but I believe that caring for the people who love them is equally important.

One way I can care for pets and people is by providing a peaceful end-of-life experience for pets in the comfort of their home. I have lost several pets in my life and the euthanasia process was easier for some of those pets than others. The veterinarian performing the euthanasia made all the difference. I remember how incredibly kind, sympathetic, and compassionate the veterinarian was who provided end-of-life care for my dog Hope, and I feel fortunate to be able to be there for families in similar situations, to ensure their pet passes with dignity and peace. I want to be my pet patients’ guardian angel, not just a stranger performing the procedure.

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy reading, horseback riding, walking my dogs, and spending time at home with my husband, Aaron, and our not-so-small furry and finned family of four cats, two dogs, and three goldfish. I also enjoy visiting with friends, and crafting.

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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Paul

Fairfield, California

We, as humans, often try to project our own thoughts and experiences of death onto our pets. At the same time, we think that our pets are, well, animals...in a tough as nails kind of way. And they are tough. Very tough. Humans are able to describe to physicians what hurts and where it hurts. Animals cannot verbalize that. Humans are given targeted pain medication. Animals often endure because they display no outward signs of pain. Even when the signs of distress are so obvious to others, we as pet owners tend to want our pets to fight on. We want them to fight on because we cannot bear to lose their adorable presence. And in true majesty they do. With all of their non-judgmental, undying loyalty. When it becomes a question as to whether a pet has reached the end it is best to reach out to a third party. I did. I'm glad I did.

Timberly

Palmyra, Pennsylvania

This was our first time using an at home euthanasia and I cannot recommend the process or Dr. Nikki Abdulla enough! Just going on a car ride stressed my cat out and the thought of putting him into the car and then taking him into the cold and scary vets office was a heartbreaking thought during this painful time for Oreo. Oreo's favorite family member was able to hold him in their favorite chair before, during and after the process. Our little guy, and our family were so much more comfortable. The general consensus in our home is that Dr. Nikki was born to do this. She is so kind, gentle and compassionate. She knows just the right thing to say and do. We are forever grateful to Dr. Nikki and Lap of Love for offering this service.

Caitlin

Durham, North Carolina

Making the decision to say goodbye to our beloved dog Maverick was heartbreaking, but Dr. Karen and Lap of Love made the experience as peaceful and loving as it could possibly be. We were treated with such gentleness and compassion. Being able to say goodbye to Maverick at home, without fear or stress, meant everything to my husband Paul and me. We are deeply thankful for the comfort Lap of Love provided during such an emotional time.

Jodi

Nashville , Tennessee

As anyone knows who has went through the loss of a pet, you know how gut wrenching and hard it is. Dr Kamrae was gentle and tender with Lucy and all of us there. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I am so grateful for the care she provided us.

Ciarra

Lakewood, Colorado

I just want to say Dr. Robbie is such a fantastic job. She made Pyper comfortable and helped her pass with no fear. She was so kind and I felt supported in this sad event. Thank you for what you do Dr.Robbie.

Leslie

Happy Valley, Oregon

Everything from the booking to the home visit was efficient, compassionate and expedient. My sweet Sophie was revered and Dr Kara was so tender with her. She gave us a very articulate explanation of the process and the space to grieve when our sweet girl was gone. I hope it’s a VERY long time before I ever need such a service again, but if you are reading this review… my heart aches for you and I assure you Lap of Love will care for your fur baby in a way fitting for their final moments. 💔

Julie

Arnold, Maryland

Our beautiful sweet soul boy Bentley left this earth last Sunday. There are no words to fully explain the emptiness and sadness we are feeling. Our boy was 13 years old and brought us so much joy and unconditional love. When it was decided that Bentley was not improving and only getting worst, Bentley's eyes said it all.....in his eyes I saw hopelessness and I knew we had to make the decision to set Bentley free and let him cross Rainbow Bridge. My vet recommended that I contacted Lap of Love to help us set Bentley free. Dr. Rachel came to our home exactly on time as we scheduled. At a time when our hearts were broken, Dr. Rachel exhibited such a sweet kindness and understanding of walking us through the process showing much love and compassion. Dr Rachel, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for how gently and kindly you handled the euthanasia of our sweet dog, Bentley. You were an angel sent from above, who will remain in our hearts next to our special boy. Thank YOU, you do amazing work, and we will never forget your compassion and kindness.

Virginia and Charlie

Ridge Manor , Florida

Lap of Love is an experience one will never forget. This is the second time. The first was with Harley, a rescue we loved for 10 years. This time for our Sweet Peggy. She was an emotional support dog. We loved her for 15 1/2 years. The love she had retured was imeasurable. Dr. Marie Roe was an angel sent by God to care for Peggy and Us. She was full of compassion, love, caring, understanding, and sharing. We did find a few things we had in common. Thank you so much for helping us say goodbye to our little girl.

Paul

Fairfield, California

We, as humans, often try to project our own thoughts and experiences of death onto our pets. At the same time, we think that our pets are, well, animals...in a tough as nails kind of way. And they are tough. Very tough. Humans are able to describe to physicians what hurts and where it hurts. Animals cannot verbalize that. Humans are given targeted pain medication. Animals often endure because they display no outward signs of pain. Even when the signs of distress are so obvious to others, we as pet owners tend to want our pets to fight on. We want them to fight on because we cannot bear to lose their adorable presence. And in true majesty they do. With all of their non-judgmental, undying loyalty. When it becomes a question as to whether a pet has reached the end it is best to reach out to a third party. I did. I'm glad I did.

Timberly

Palmyra, Pennsylvania

This was our first time using an at home euthanasia and I cannot recommend the process or Dr. Nikki Abdulla enough! Just going on a car ride stressed my cat out and the thought of putting him into the car and then taking him into the cold and scary vets office was a heartbreaking thought during this painful time for Oreo. Oreo's favorite family member was able to hold him in their favorite chair before, during and after the process. Our little guy, and our family were so much more comfortable. The general consensus in our home is that Dr. Nikki was born to do this. She is so kind, gentle and compassionate. She knows just the right thing to say and do. We are forever grateful to Dr. Nikki and Lap of Love for offering this service.

Caitlin

Durham, North Carolina

Making the decision to say goodbye to our beloved dog Maverick was heartbreaking, but Dr. Karen and Lap of Love made the experience as peaceful and loving as it could possibly be. We were treated with such gentleness and compassion. Being able to say goodbye to Maverick at home, without fear or stress, meant everything to my husband Paul and me. We are deeply thankful for the comfort Lap of Love provided during such an emotional time.

Leslie

Happy Valley, Oregon

Everything from the booking to the home visit was efficient, compassionate and expedient. My sweet Sophie was revered and Dr Kara was so tender with her. She gave us a very articulate explanation of the process and the space to grieve when our sweet girl was gone. I hope it’s a VERY long time before I ever need such a service again, but if you are reading this review… my heart aches for you and I assure you Lap of Love will care for your fur baby in a way fitting for their final moments. 💔

Julie

Arnold, Maryland

Our beautiful sweet soul boy Bentley left this earth last Sunday. There are no words to fully explain the emptiness and sadness we are feeling. Our boy was 13 years old and brought us so much joy and unconditional love. When it was decided that Bentley was not improving and only getting worst, Bentley's eyes said it all.....in his eyes I saw hopelessness and I knew we had to make the decision to set Bentley free and let him cross Rainbow Bridge. My vet recommended that I contacted Lap of Love to help us set Bentley free. Dr. Rachel came to our home exactly on time as we scheduled. At a time when our hearts were broken, Dr. Rachel exhibited such a sweet kindness and understanding of walking us through the process showing much love and compassion. Dr Rachel, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for how gently and kindly you handled the euthanasia of our sweet dog, Bentley. You were an angel sent from above, who will remain in our hearts next to our special boy. Thank YOU, you do amazing work, and we will never forget your compassion and kindness.

Virginia and Charlie

Ridge Manor , Florida

Lap of Love is an experience one will never forget. This is the second time. The first was with Harley, a rescue we loved for 10 years. This time for our Sweet Peggy. She was an emotional support dog. We loved her for 15 1/2 years. The love she had retured was imeasurable. Dr. Marie Roe was an angel sent by God to care for Peggy and Us. She was full of compassion, love, caring, understanding, and sharing. We did find a few things we had in common. Thank you so much for helping us say goodbye to our little girl.

Paul

Fairfield, California

We, as humans, often try to project our own thoughts and experiences of death onto our pets. At the same time, we think that our pets are, well, animals...in a tough as nails kind of way. And they are tough. Very tough. Humans are able to describe to physicians what hurts and where it hurts. Animals cannot verbalize that. Humans are given targeted pain medication. Animals often endure because they display no outward signs of pain. Even when the signs of distress are so obvious to others, we as pet owners tend to want our pets to fight on. We want them to fight on because we cannot bear to lose their adorable presence. And in true majesty they do. With all of their non-judgmental, undying loyalty. When it becomes a question as to whether a pet has reached the end it is best to reach out to a third party. I did. I'm glad I did.

Timberly

Palmyra, Pennsylvania

This was our first time using an at home euthanasia and I cannot recommend the process or Dr. Nikki Abdulla enough! Just going on a car ride stressed my cat out and the thought of putting him into the car and then taking him into the cold and scary vets office was a heartbreaking thought during this painful time for Oreo. Oreo's favorite family member was able to hold him in their favorite chair before, during and after the process. Our little guy, and our family were so much more comfortable. The general consensus in our home is that Dr. Nikki was born to do this. She is so kind, gentle and compassionate. She knows just the right thing to say and do. We are forever grateful to Dr. Nikki and Lap of Love for offering this service.

Caitlin

Durham, North Carolina

Making the decision to say goodbye to our beloved dog Maverick was heartbreaking, but Dr. Karen and Lap of Love made the experience as peaceful and loving as it could possibly be. We were treated with such gentleness and compassion. Being able to say goodbye to Maverick at home, without fear or stress, meant everything to my husband Paul and me. We are deeply thankful for the comfort Lap of Love provided during such an emotional time.

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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