Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in sunny Central California, where I was fortunate enough to have many family members living close by. Before my brother and I got our family dog, Sparky, from the shelter, we looked forward to any moment we got to play with animals. Luckily, frequent family gatherings with all of our great aunts and uncles meant hours of play time with dogs—lots of dogs. Dogs swimming, dogs playing in the house, and even slumber parties with dogs. We were in paradise. As time passed, those dogs got older, and developed health problems, and I realized I wanted to be a veterinarian. My great aunts and uncles also got older, and my love and appreciation for them inspired me to pursue a minor in gerontology (i.e., the study of aging). My gerontology classes were all very interesting and unique, but the most inspiring classes were about hospice work and loss. Although I didn’t know it at the time, one could have guessed that my path would lead to a career in veterinary end-of-life care. 

I have lived and worked in many different states and countries, and in a variety of veterinary facilities, including emergency hospitals and shelters. I’ve seen the struggles that families face when their pets have to be euthanized unexpectedly; they are stressed, and their beloved pets are in distress. These emotions are similar to how I felt when my own family dog was euthanized, and I was an ocean away from him attending veterinary school in Ireland. I understand what a gift it is, and how important it is, for families to be able to be with their pets for their passing. In-home euthanasia and hospice work is so special to me, and I really appreciate being able to be of service to pets and their families. When I am not working, I spend time with all five members of my pet family: Daithi, the tough Irish cat; Dewi, the spunky shelter dog; Deirdre, the one-eyed sweetie and only girl; Dobry, the charmer bottle-baby; and Deason, the shy kitty boy.