I was lucky enough to grow up here in the quiet luxury of Ventura County. From endless hours of horseback riding, to catching frogs in the sprinkler box, to teaching my pet rat to play hide-and-go-seek - I did everything possible to be around animals, including choosing “Animal Science” as my undergraduate degree at CalPoly SLO. For me, pursuing a career in veterinary medicine felt like a natural progression.

Unsurprisingly, during my second year of college, I jumped at the opportunity to join a student-led project fostering ‘difficult’ dogs from the local shelter (a poorly veiled excuse to get a dog despite strict warnings from my parents) and ended up bringing home the love of my life, Sophie.

I won't lie, our beginning was rough. For weeks on end, 60 pounds of shivering, terrified pitbull hid in the relative safety of a dark corner in my closet. She jumped at every noise, waited until she was 100% alone to eat a single kibble, and would only venture out briefly to greet other dogs. It wasn't until 3 months later, when I picked her up from a pet sitter, that things changed. I will always remember that moment because, when she recognized me, her tail wagged. From that day on, Sophie chose to be my dog. Despite her wariness of strangers, fear of loud noises, and general distrust of changing furniture arrangements - Sophie could always be found nearby, watching me. Through the natural changes and growing pains of life, her silent guardianship over me never wavered. Even now, more than a decade later, there is always an ear trained in my direction and the inevitable click of her nails on the floor behind me, echoing my own. Her devotion is unconditional, even when I don’t deserve it, and I could never hope to find a truer friend.

Since graduating from The Royal Veterinary College in London, England, my professional interests have primarily focused on emergency and critical care medicine but, as Sophie’s muzzle greys and our walks become more of a shuffling saunter, I find my heart softening for my senior patients and the families devoted to making their golden years joyful. Moreover, despite how much I enjoy helping pets and families in crisis, I have found an equally profound reward in helping pets facing life-limiting diagnosis and helping them to transition peacefully.

At the end of their time with us, I truly believe that allowing our beloved companions to pass with dignity is the ultimate grace we can give them. It is what I hope to be able to give my own pets; and it is what I hope to be able to give to patients whose final moments are entrusted to me. As a doctor, I am honored to walk alongside your family as we work to ensure your loved one is every bit as comfortable and happy in their final days, as they’ve made us over their lifetime.

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