I was born in Clear Lake City, a community in Southeast Houston, Texas built around NASA and the burgeoning space industry. My best friend growing up was Dagny, our English Bulldog. She was my partner in crime and confidante, taught me to wrestle and play tug-of-war, and encouraged me to avoid the sweltering summer heat by lying in the shade of our backyard tree. Her death was the first time I understood that the love we feel for our pets far exceeds their lifespan.

I never would have guessed that my next companion would be a cat. However, when I saw the little black ball of fur with bright, green eyes in the “Free kittens” box, my life became inextricably linked with hers. Eleanor lived with me in Houston throughout high school, and in California during undergraduate school at the University of California, Berkeley and veterinary school at UC Davis.

As a vet student, I volunteered with the Pet Loss Support Hotline, providing counseling for people who had lost a pet or had a pet with a terminal illness. When Eleanor died from complications of diabetes, the lessons learned and resources available through the hotline were invaluable in helping me work through the loss.

While at UC Davis, I was also part of a program that provided training for shelter dogs and matched them with forever homes. I knew Medea was ours as soon as I brought home the sweet, brown-eyed foster and my husband asked, “What are we naming her?” When Medea was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer, and it was time to say goodbye, I was incredibly grateful for the ability to euthanize her in the comfort of our home, snuggled on her bed, surrounded by those she loved and was loved by in return.

Since graduating and returning to the Bay Area to raise our family, I’ve worked at multiple small animal veterinary clinics and a local animal shelter providing wellness care for pets of veterans. My focus has always been to connect with clients, communicate effectively, and provide quality care. As a veterinarian with Lap of Love, I hope to offer compassionate care to other families as they make end-of-life decisions for their own beloved pets.

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