Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Jeannie Grijalva
I grew up in San Jose, California, with my canine buddy, Ringo, by my side. I always knew I would become a veterinarian—I never wanted to be anything else. I grew up around pets, but I also inherited a love of animals from my father. My favorite memories are of watching Wild Kingdom with him every Sunday. I went to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where I earned a chemistry degree with an English minor. I then went to veterinary school in Grenada and did my clinical year in Scotland, which was as amazing as it sounds. I traveled all around the country and highlands and even visited several castles.
As a veterinarian, I enjoy the technical aspects of shelter work and soft tissue surgery, but I find true joy in helping animals who can’t tell you what’s wrong or how they’re feeling. Shelter work helped me become compassionate and respectful toward pet owners in difficult circumstances, and I bring that compassion and respect to my work with Lap of Love.
Losing a pet is never easy, and as a pet owner, I understand what clients are going through. I lost two of my cats, including my soul kitty, during COVID. Making life-altering decisions during that time was difficult, and it showed me what an emotional struggle the end-of-life process can be. However, I believe that euthanasia is a gift that eases pet suffering. If I can help fellow pet owners through that pain and ease the suffering of their family members, I feel honored to do so.
Outside of work, I like to travel. I take an annual trip to visit a National Park or go hiking. I also love collecting fashion dolls and binge-watching movies and television shows.
About Dr. Rene Butler
I grew up in Southern California, a city girl. My pets were mice, small birds, a rabbit and lots and lots of goldfish. Neighbors would often bring me orphan baby birds and kittens to nurse back to health. My mother's family were farmers in South Dakota, and we would visit in the summer. I was the crazy cousin from California out playing with the barn cats and the calves!
I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a veterinarian. I was always very focused, studied hard and graduated from UC Davis Veterinary school in 1989. I have worked at several small animal practices in the San Francisco Bay Area, and while the majority of my patients are cats and dogs, I also enjoy treating birds, reptiles and pocket pets.
I have done many euthanasias over the years, primarily in a clinic, but also have gone to the clients home,when possible. Home euthanasia is so much preferable, providing a calm and stress-free environment. My goal is to help both owners and their pets through a very difficult decision. I hope that providing this service with Lap of Love, I can help you honor and cherish your pets life when saying goodbye.
"Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are." Henry Scott Holland
About Dr. Don Schlange
I grew up in Southern California in the City of Azusa, across the street from a dairy owned by my parents. When I was 13, I started working on the dairy, feeding the calves and cleaning the milking machines before and after school.
I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember because animals have always been an important part of my life. In addition to the dairy, my four siblings and I had various pets, including cats, dogs, lambs, and different types of reptiles. Since age 10, I’ve kept a large terrarium with various reptiles, mainly geckos. I’m fascinated by life, biology, and medicine, so a veterinary career was an obvious choice for me.
I went to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Southern California for my undergraduate studies, and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of California, Davis.
As a small animal veterinarian, I love internal medicine, ultrasonography, and supporting the human animal bond. I have worked as a general practitioner since I graduated in 1993.
I strive to give my pets everything I can to make their end-of-life experience as loving and peaceful as possible. Lap of Love allows me to help others who feel the same way. Easing a pet’s final transition is a natural extension of the care I give to help people keep their pets as healthy as possible.
In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and fur babies. I love mountain biking, tennis, camping, and traveling.
About Dr. Ruthie Parsley
I grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California in a family with many siblings and even more pets. As far back as I can remember we had dogs, rodents, and reptiles. When I was 11, I got my first canary—but I couldn’t stop with only one. I soon had an entire flock and a homemade outdoor aviary. A trip to the local bird vet opened my eyes to the world of veterinary medicine and I knew what I’d grow up to be.
I attended the University of California, Davis, where I double majored in English and Avian Sciences—because I love birds and books. After graduating, I mapped spotted owl nesting sites and mist-netted songbirds before returning to UC Davis to attend veterinary school. Since then, I’ve worked at multiple small animal veterinary clinics, where I also had the opportunity to perform surgeries on adoptable pets from rescue groups and local shelters. I have always loved forming lasting relationships with pet owners by teaching them how to best care for their pets, understand diseases when they occur, and support aging pets through comfort care.
I believe that a peaceful passing is one of the biggest gifts we can give our pets. When our beloved Loma, an 18-year-old rescued cattle dog, finally began to decline, my spouse and I needed help. Despite my training as a vet, it was difficult for me to objectively assess her quality of life. We called upon a local area hospice vet who helped us navigate this difficult and sensitive process. When it was time for us to say goodbye, I was—and still am—grateful that I could help her pass peacefully at home, in my spouse’s arms, and warm in her own bed.
Helping other families navigate this life transition with warmth, compassion, and dignity is the best way that I can make this emotional experience less stressful.
Outside of work, I love to hike with our dogs along the coastline, birdwatch, curl up with a good book, and putter in my garden.
About Dr. Aaron Sholin
I grew up in San Rafael, California, which is just north of the San Francisco Bay area. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 5 years old. I loved biology and animals, and I started volunteering at veterinary clinics as soon as I was old enough to help. A career in veterinary medicine was a natural choice since it connects these interests.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where I earned an animal science degree. I then attended veterinary school at Iowa State University.
Since graduating, I have worked at multiple private practices as well as a non-profit. My areas of interest are preventive medicine and rehabilitation. I love being a veterinarian because I enjoy helping owners have as much time as possible with their four-legged family members.
I am drawn to end-of-life care because it allows me to help support the human-animal bond and ensure pets receive the respect they deserve as part of the family. I think it is amazing to provide this care in an environment where pets and their owners feel comfortable and safe.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our animals. I also enjoy video games, hiking, and basketball.
About Dr. Jeannie Grijalva
I grew up in San Jose, California, with my canine buddy, Ringo, by my side. I always knew I would become a veterinarian—I never wanted to be anything else. I grew up around pets, but I also inherited a love of animals from my father. My favorite memories are of watching Wild Kingdom with him every Sunday. I went to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where I earned a chemistry degree with an English minor. I then went to veterinary school in Grenada and did my clinical year in Scotland, which was as amazing as it sounds. I traveled all around the country and highlands and even visited several castles.
As a veterinarian, I enjoy the technical aspects of shelter work and soft tissue surgery, but I find true joy in helping animals who can’t tell you what’s wrong or how they’re feeling. Shelter work helped me become compassionate and respectful toward pet owners in difficult circumstances, and I bring that compassion and respect to my work with Lap of Love.
Losing a pet is never easy, and as a pet owner, I understand what clients are going through. I lost two of my cats, including my soul kitty, during COVID. Making life-altering decisions during that time was difficult, and it showed me what an emotional struggle the end-of-life process can be. However, I believe that euthanasia is a gift that eases pet suffering. If I can help fellow pet owners through that pain and ease the suffering of their family members, I feel honored to do so.
Outside of work, I like to travel. I take an annual trip to visit a National Park or go hiking. I also love collecting fashion dolls and binge-watching movies and television shows.
About Dr. Rene Butler
I grew up in Southern California, a city girl. My pets were mice, small birds, a rabbit and lots and lots of goldfish. Neighbors would often bring me orphan baby birds and kittens to nurse back to health. My mother's family were farmers in South Dakota, and we would visit in the summer. I was the crazy cousin from California out playing with the barn cats and the calves!
I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a veterinarian. I was always very focused, studied hard and graduated from UC Davis Veterinary school in 1989. I have worked at several small animal practices in the San Francisco Bay Area, and while the majority of my patients are cats and dogs, I also enjoy treating birds, reptiles and pocket pets.
I have done many euthanasias over the years, primarily in a clinic, but also have gone to the clients home,when possible. Home euthanasia is so much preferable, providing a calm and stress-free environment. My goal is to help both owners and their pets through a very difficult decision. I hope that providing this service with Lap of Love, I can help you honor and cherish your pets life when saying goodbye.
"Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are." Henry Scott Holland
About Dr. Don Schlange
I grew up in Southern California in the City of Azusa, across the street from a dairy owned by my parents. When I was 13, I started working on the dairy, feeding the calves and cleaning the milking machines before and after school.
I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember because animals have always been an important part of my life. In addition to the dairy, my four siblings and I had various pets, including cats, dogs, lambs, and different types of reptiles. Since age 10, I’ve kept a large terrarium with various reptiles, mainly geckos. I’m fascinated by life, biology, and medicine, so a veterinary career was an obvious choice for me.
I went to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Southern California for my undergraduate studies, and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of California, Davis.
As a small animal veterinarian, I love internal medicine, ultrasonography, and supporting the human animal bond. I have worked as a general practitioner since I graduated in 1993.
I strive to give my pets everything I can to make their end-of-life experience as loving and peaceful as possible. Lap of Love allows me to help others who feel the same way. Easing a pet’s final transition is a natural extension of the care I give to help people keep their pets as healthy as possible.
In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and fur babies. I love mountain biking, tennis, camping, and traveling.
About Dr. Ruthie Parsley
I grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California in a family with many siblings and even more pets. As far back as I can remember we had dogs, rodents, and reptiles. When I was 11, I got my first canary—but I couldn’t stop with only one. I soon had an entire flock and a homemade outdoor aviary. A trip to the local bird vet opened my eyes to the world of veterinary medicine and I knew what I’d grow up to be.
I attended the University of California, Davis, where I double majored in English and Avian Sciences—because I love birds and books. After graduating, I mapped spotted owl nesting sites and mist-netted songbirds before returning to UC Davis to attend veterinary school. Since then, I’ve worked at multiple small animal veterinary clinics, where I also had the opportunity to perform surgeries on adoptable pets from rescue groups and local shelters. I have always loved forming lasting relationships with pet owners by teaching them how to best care for their pets, understand diseases when they occur, and support aging pets through comfort care.
I believe that a peaceful passing is one of the biggest gifts we can give our pets. When our beloved Loma, an 18-year-old rescued cattle dog, finally began to decline, my spouse and I needed help. Despite my training as a vet, it was difficult for me to objectively assess her quality of life. We called upon a local area hospice vet who helped us navigate this difficult and sensitive process. When it was time for us to say goodbye, I was—and still am—grateful that I could help her pass peacefully at home, in my spouse’s arms, and warm in her own bed.
Helping other families navigate this life transition with warmth, compassion, and dignity is the best way that I can make this emotional experience less stressful.
Outside of work, I love to hike with our dogs along the coastline, birdwatch, curl up with a good book, and putter in my garden.
About Dr. Aaron Sholin
I grew up in San Rafael, California, which is just north of the San Francisco Bay area. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 5 years old. I loved biology and animals, and I started volunteering at veterinary clinics as soon as I was old enough to help. A career in veterinary medicine was a natural choice since it connects these interests.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where I earned an animal science degree. I then attended veterinary school at Iowa State University.
Since graduating, I have worked at multiple private practices as well as a non-profit. My areas of interest are preventive medicine and rehabilitation. I love being a veterinarian because I enjoy helping owners have as much time as possible with their four-legged family members.
I am drawn to end-of-life care because it allows me to help support the human-animal bond and ensure pets receive the respect they deserve as part of the family. I think it is amazing to provide this care in an environment where pets and their owners feel comfortable and safe.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our animals. I also enjoy video games, hiking, and basketball.
About Dr. Jeannie Grijalva
I grew up in San Jose, California, with my canine buddy, Ringo, by my side. I always knew I would become a veterinarian—I never wanted to be anything else. I grew up around pets, but I also inherited a love of animals from my father. My favorite memories are of watching Wild Kingdom with him every Sunday. I went to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where I earned a chemistry degree with an English minor. I then went to veterinary school in Grenada and did my clinical year in Scotland, which was as amazing as it sounds. I traveled all around the country and highlands and even visited several castles.
As a veterinarian, I enjoy the technical aspects of shelter work and soft tissue surgery, but I find true joy in helping animals who can’t tell you what’s wrong or how they’re feeling. Shelter work helped me become compassionate and respectful toward pet owners in difficult circumstances, and I bring that compassion and respect to my work with Lap of Love.
Losing a pet is never easy, and as a pet owner, I understand what clients are going through. I lost two of my cats, including my soul kitty, during COVID. Making life-altering decisions during that time was difficult, and it showed me what an emotional struggle the end-of-life process can be. However, I believe that euthanasia is a gift that eases pet suffering. If I can help fellow pet owners through that pain and ease the suffering of their family members, I feel honored to do so.
Outside of work, I like to travel. I take an annual trip to visit a National Park or go hiking. I also love collecting fashion dolls and binge-watching movies and television shows.