In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Orange County California

I was born in Colorado before moving to Orange County, California to complete elementary through high school. I've loved animals for as long as I can remember, but that love was also matched with my desire to help people. For a long while, I thought I was meant to become a psychologist. It actually wasn’t until two years into college, when visiting the local zoo in Colorado Springs that it dawned on me that I could be helping both animals and people at the same time. The next day I was in my academic counselor's office changing my academic focus towards veterinary medicine. I still got my degree in psychology, but added on multiple biology/chemistry courses and completed an internship in wildlife rehabilitation. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. I then earned my veterinary degree and a master’s degree in public health from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.

I've been lucky enough to build experience in a variety of niches of the veterinary field, from non-profit medicine to private practice. I've worked with dogs, cats, exotics, horses, ruminants, zoo animals, and wildlife. Every aspect of this field has been rewarding but my favorite part has truly been the relationships I have built with pets and their families. It is an honor to advocate for those without voices.

Having grown up with dogs and cats, I've unfortunately experienced loss. Just a few months into vet school, on Christmas Eve, my family dog, Sammy, experienced a sudden splenic tumor rupture. I was grateful to be there with my family and our dog as he gently crossed the rainbow bridge. It was then that I realized how important it was for all family members to get the peaceful passing that they deserve. It's never easy to say goodbye to our beloved family members and it will always feel like it is too soon, but helping pets and families find peace and comfort through end-of-life care and euthanasia is truly an honor and a privilege.

When I'm not working, you can probably find me watching sports, obsessively taking pictures of my own pets, and spending time with my husband, family, and friends. 

I grew up in Orange County, California. As a child, I cared for any animal that was in need, and I had every pet imaginable. I loved and took care of all of them, whether that involved bottle-feeding baby animals or setting up a hospital fish tank. I even worked at our local pet shop so I could buy all the necessary animal supplies.

I initially wanted to become a human physician, but I later realized I was meant to care for animals. I earned my undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach, and my veterinary degree from Western University of Health Sciences. I also became certified in veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic through Chi University and Options For Animals, College of Animal Chiropractic.

I enjoy practicing an integrated form of veterinary medicine. Combining conventional medicine, chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and behavioral techniques enables me to provide exceptional care. I have worked in small animal and mobile practices for nearly two decades, and I love helping animals feel their best and making lasting connections.

I help families and their pets with end-of-life care through Lap of Love because, although families are saying goodbye, it’s an opportunity to create a lasting memory. Those final moments stay with you, and it is so special to help shape them. I have always felt it was important to ensure my pets’ final moments were as peaceful and love-filled as possible. I want this for all pets, and feel honored to provide it where they feel most comfortable.

Outside of work, you can find me enjoying the outdoors with friends or family, whether playing sports, swimming, hitting the beach, or taking social walks with our overly friendly dog. We also love to travel, having lived in multiple states and another country. Whether it's a local weekend away or a transcontinental trip, we are always up for an adventure.

I was born and raised in South Africa, but with family in Germany, Holland, Argentina, and Australia, I developed a global perspective of the world. As a child, my best babysitter was a German shepherd dog who was only six months older than me. I spent much of my youth at the wildlife parks trying to satisfy my fascination with science, biology, and life. 

I earned my undergraduate degree in zoology from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. A decade later, I attended veterinary school at UC Davis in California. I love setting puppies and kittens up for a lifetime of health with early preventive care, and I also feel that a crucial part of my job as a veterinarian is delivering compassionate end-of-life care. 

When a pet has experienced too many difficult days and suffers from a poor quality of life, it becomes essential to prevent further suffering. I have lost many pets myself, and although losing them is difficult, I find peace in knowing that they did not suffer and they passed in the home they have always known. My pets are my family, and I know the families I help feel the same way about their dogs and cats.

After 30 years in this profession, I have a deep understanding of the difficult yet selfless decision pet owners must make when animal family members become sick. Truly understanding this has influenced my decision to continue practicing end-of-life care in the twilight years of my career with Lap of Love. I have been there myself, I will be there again, and I want to help other families through this experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog and cats at home. There is always something to do, read, create, or play, or we simply relax in each other’s company. My current favorite hobby is digitizing film, home videos, and slides collected from my childhood and past generations of my family.

I grew up in Strongsville, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, with many animals as my constant and steadfast companions.

As a child, I was enthralled with veterinary medicine. I learned a lot from the vets who cared for my childhood pets, patiently entertained my endless questions, and helped me discover my path.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, and

veterinary school at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

Since veterinary school, I’ve worked primarily as an ambulatory equine emergency

veterinarian. I love being the 'boots on the ground' in a critical situation and serving as front-line care to animals and their families.

In my current role, I perform many equine euthanasias. While people often presume this is the most difficult part of my job, I view it as a blessing and a gift we offer our beloved animals. I believe that end-of-life care and euthanasia are perhaps the most selfless decisions a pet parent can make. For someone to love a pet so deeply that they would rather let them go than keep them here for their own benefit is a beautiful act of compassion. 

As a veterinarian, I love not only the animals but their people. In the horse world, it’s not uncommon for crowds to gather to say goodbye during a euthanasia appointment. I am honored to bear witness to how that animal changed so many lives. We are so fortunate to have these companions that make saying goodbye so difficult.

At home, I share my life with a 20-year-old Morgan mare, two English Labradors, and a little black cat. I love spending time outside, at the beach, running, reading, drawing, crafting, and playing the piano. I also enjoy cooking and baking, and lead a small life group at my church.