Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Joshua Freng
I grew up in Tehachapi, California, which is a small town in the southernmost part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Since I was a bit of a nerd and excelled in the sciences, and I grew up on a small ranch with horses, cattle, sheep, and the German shepherds my family bred, veterinary medicine seemed a natural choice. I majored in pre-veterinary animal science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and then went to veterinary school at Kansas State University.
I practiced for 16 years in a semi-rural small animal general practice. I particularly enjoyed working up complicated cases to diagnose a pet’s underlying problem and creating a successful treatment plan. Sometimes this meant euthanasia, and I took pride in being able to have difficult conversations with families about their pet’s quality of life and helping them make decisions about end-of-life care.
Growing up on a ranch, I've experienced the loss of many animals. However, the passing of my family’s last German shepherd, Hondo, was the most significant. After a rapid decline, it became apparent that it was time to let him go. Hondo always became anxious at the vet, but loved car rides, so we asked our family veterinarian (with whom I would later work for 16 years) to euthanize him in the back of the family van. We were grateful that Hondo's last moments were spent in a place he felt comfortable.
At a relatively young age, I experienced the loss of both parents. In both situations, hospice care eased their passing. The compassionate medical professionals and staff made the horrific experiences slightly easier, and I try to emulate that for my patients and their families. Euthanasia is an emotionally charged and exhausting experience for families, and guiding families through that experience is incredibly fulfilling.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my two dogs and kitty, whether cuddling on the couch, playing in the pool, or hiking the local mountains. I also enjoy working on DIY projects for my mid-century modern home, and hosting friends and family with good food, drinks, and fun.
About Dr. Brenda Ontiveros
I was born and raised in Southern California and grew up with many family pets that I adored. My passion for animals early on in life guided me to work at a local animal hospital during high school. This experience at a young age solidified my interest in helping animals throughout my entire career. Naturally, my path led me to Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California where I ultimately became a veterinarian.
My interest in hospice care peaked after the loss of my childhood dog, Foxy, at the age of 16 years old. I was incredibly fortunate to have her by my side through my preteen and teenage years, and all the way up until my final year of veterinary school. I spent her final months by her side, providing palliative care, and all the love in the world to her. This opportunity to care for her in such a meaningful way and the gift of being by her side in her final moments, while hugging her until she passed is one that will always remain in my heart. Moments like these are incredibly difficult, and my experience with Foxy sparked a desire to help other families through these final end of life stages in a way that is as peaceful and meaningful as possible to them.
After college I spent several years working in general practice. During this time, I grew to appreciate the importance of being able to say goodbye to a pet in the comfort and peace of their own home. Although as veterinarians we try to make those final moments as memorable as possible, nothing can compare to the gift of being able to say goodbye to your furry family member in the place they love the most. This is what steered me to Lap of Love.
My goal is to provide the best quality of life for pets for as long as possible, but when it is time to say goodbye, to honor the pet and their family by providing the gift of peace and comfort.
About Dr. Kara Craig
I was born and raised in Southern California. As a child I delighted in learning about and interacting with animals whenever possible. I persuaded my parents to let me raise butterflies and tadpoles, to keep pet rats, a cat, and a dog, and I also spent time riding horses at a local barn. This passion for animals turned professional when I graduated from Western University and fulfilled my dream of becoming a veterinarian.
After veterinary school, I was fortunate to spend many years working in general practice, where I was privileged to witness the incredible bond and mutual love between my patients and their families. I now aim to honor and celebrate that bond through my work in end of life care. My goal as a veterinarian is to provide comfort and to reduce pain for pets and their loved ones. I am honored to play a role in providing them a peaceful passing.
My own dog, Bailey, helped to shape my views regarding end of life care. My spunky basenji was with me all the way from eighth grade until after I had graduated from veterinary school, and watching her decline and struggle at the end of her life was heartbreaking. My parents were the ones who had to bear the burden of making the decision to euthanize her when I was out of town, and I know what a tough situation that was for them and Bailey. If she had been able to pass at home surrounded by her family and free from the stress of going to a clinic, I know that would have made such a difference for all of us. It brings me comfort to know that I can now help to provide that peace to other pets and their families.
About Dr. Joshua Freng
I grew up in Tehachapi, California, which is a small town in the southernmost part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Since I was a bit of a nerd and excelled in the sciences, and I grew up on a small ranch with horses, cattle, sheep, and the German shepherds my family bred, veterinary medicine seemed a natural choice. I majored in pre-veterinary animal science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and then went to veterinary school at Kansas State University.
I practiced for 16 years in a semi-rural small animal general practice. I particularly enjoyed working up complicated cases to diagnose a pet’s underlying problem and creating a successful treatment plan. Sometimes this meant euthanasia, and I took pride in being able to have difficult conversations with families about their pet’s quality of life and helping them make decisions about end-of-life care.
Growing up on a ranch, I've experienced the loss of many animals. However, the passing of my family’s last German shepherd, Hondo, was the most significant. After a rapid decline, it became apparent that it was time to let him go. Hondo always became anxious at the vet, but loved car rides, so we asked our family veterinarian (with whom I would later work for 16 years) to euthanize him in the back of the family van. We were grateful that Hondo's last moments were spent in a place he felt comfortable.
At a relatively young age, I experienced the loss of both parents. In both situations, hospice care eased their passing. The compassionate medical professionals and staff made the horrific experiences slightly easier, and I try to emulate that for my patients and their families. Euthanasia is an emotionally charged and exhausting experience for families, and guiding families through that experience is incredibly fulfilling.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my two dogs and kitty, whether cuddling on the couch, playing in the pool, or hiking the local mountains. I also enjoy working on DIY projects for my mid-century modern home, and hosting friends and family with good food, drinks, and fun.
About Dr. Brenda Ontiveros
I was born and raised in Southern California and grew up with many family pets that I adored. My passion for animals early on in life guided me to work at a local animal hospital during high school. This experience at a young age solidified my interest in helping animals throughout my entire career. Naturally, my path led me to Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California where I ultimately became a veterinarian.
My interest in hospice care peaked after the loss of my childhood dog, Foxy, at the age of 16 years old. I was incredibly fortunate to have her by my side through my preteen and teenage years, and all the way up until my final year of veterinary school. I spent her final months by her side, providing palliative care, and all the love in the world to her. This opportunity to care for her in such a meaningful way and the gift of being by her side in her final moments, while hugging her until she passed is one that will always remain in my heart. Moments like these are incredibly difficult, and my experience with Foxy sparked a desire to help other families through these final end of life stages in a way that is as peaceful and meaningful as possible to them.
After college I spent several years working in general practice. During this time, I grew to appreciate the importance of being able to say goodbye to a pet in the comfort and peace of their own home. Although as veterinarians we try to make those final moments as memorable as possible, nothing can compare to the gift of being able to say goodbye to your furry family member in the place they love the most. This is what steered me to Lap of Love.
My goal is to provide the best quality of life for pets for as long as possible, but when it is time to say goodbye, to honor the pet and their family by providing the gift of peace and comfort.
About Dr. Kara Craig
I was born and raised in Southern California. As a child I delighted in learning about and interacting with animals whenever possible. I persuaded my parents to let me raise butterflies and tadpoles, to keep pet rats, a cat, and a dog, and I also spent time riding horses at a local barn. This passion for animals turned professional when I graduated from Western University and fulfilled my dream of becoming a veterinarian.
After veterinary school, I was fortunate to spend many years working in general practice, where I was privileged to witness the incredible bond and mutual love between my patients and their families. I now aim to honor and celebrate that bond through my work in end of life care. My goal as a veterinarian is to provide comfort and to reduce pain for pets and their loved ones. I am honored to play a role in providing them a peaceful passing.
My own dog, Bailey, helped to shape my views regarding end of life care. My spunky basenji was with me all the way from eighth grade until after I had graduated from veterinary school, and watching her decline and struggle at the end of her life was heartbreaking. My parents were the ones who had to bear the burden of making the decision to euthanize her when I was out of town, and I know what a tough situation that was for them and Bailey. If she had been able to pass at home surrounded by her family and free from the stress of going to a clinic, I know that would have made such a difference for all of us. It brings me comfort to know that I can now help to provide that peace to other pets and their families.
About Dr. Joshua Freng
I grew up in Tehachapi, California, which is a small town in the southernmost part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Since I was a bit of a nerd and excelled in the sciences, and I grew up on a small ranch with horses, cattle, sheep, and the German shepherds my family bred, veterinary medicine seemed a natural choice. I majored in pre-veterinary animal science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and then went to veterinary school at Kansas State University.
I practiced for 16 years in a semi-rural small animal general practice. I particularly enjoyed working up complicated cases to diagnose a pet’s underlying problem and creating a successful treatment plan. Sometimes this meant euthanasia, and I took pride in being able to have difficult conversations with families about their pet’s quality of life and helping them make decisions about end-of-life care.
Growing up on a ranch, I've experienced the loss of many animals. However, the passing of my family’s last German shepherd, Hondo, was the most significant. After a rapid decline, it became apparent that it was time to let him go. Hondo always became anxious at the vet, but loved car rides, so we asked our family veterinarian (with whom I would later work for 16 years) to euthanize him in the back of the family van. We were grateful that Hondo's last moments were spent in a place he felt comfortable.
At a relatively young age, I experienced the loss of both parents. In both situations, hospice care eased their passing. The compassionate medical professionals and staff made the horrific experiences slightly easier, and I try to emulate that for my patients and their families. Euthanasia is an emotionally charged and exhausting experience for families, and guiding families through that experience is incredibly fulfilling.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my two dogs and kitty, whether cuddling on the couch, playing in the pool, or hiking the local mountains. I also enjoy working on DIY projects for my mid-century modern home, and hosting friends and family with good food, drinks, and fun.