In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Hernando County & Surrounding Areas

Although I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I have always felt more like a small-town gal. I left Philadelphia to join the Army when I was 17, returned in 2002, moved to a smaller suburb in 2005, and recently moved to Florida. I have always loved animals and wanted to help them in some way. As a teenager, my career choices included veterinarian, a police officer (but only if I could work with the dogs or horses), or a marine biologist. 

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in combined sciences from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and then attended veterinary school at Colorado State University. I love general practice—the mix of internal medicine, preventive medicine, and surgery keeps things interesting. However, over the past several years, I have found my calling with hospice work and euthanasia. I love being able to assist animals who are old, ill, or suffering as well as the people who love them. 

Over the years, I have found that more pet owners are interested in hospice. I have often spent hours on the phone with clients who have gone as far as they could for their pets, and who want to keep their pets happy and comfortable for as long as they can. I enjoy not only advising these clients, but also listening to stories about how special their pets are to them. I started attending more lectures about hospice and end-of-life care during veterinary conferences, and I was able to incorporate much of what I learned into caring for pets at the clinic where I worked. I then realized that working with Lap of Love would be the perfect next step.

I have lost many pets over the years, and the experience never gets easier. I had to let go of my heart cat two years ago, and I still miss him every day. I can relate to people in similar situations because I have gone through such loss myself. I am honored to provide compassion and gentleness at the end of a pet's life, and enjoy really connecting with people during such an emotional time.

When I am not working, I love horseback riding, reading, walking, and spending time with my own pets—currently four cats and two dogs. 

I grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, one of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, in a cozy ranch home surrounded by pets. We always had a golden retriever and our crazy calico cat, Sadie. Later, I acquired a cockatiel named Poppy, in honor of my grandfather.

As corny as it may sound, I was drawn to veterinary medicine by the old Animal Planet series, “Animal ER.” While watching, I knew I wanted to be the one who healed people’s beloved pets.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and my veterinary degree at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

I enjoy being a veterinarian because it provides a worthy challenge. Without a common language, it takes great skill and knowledge to know why an animal is sick. After working as a poultry diagnostician and pathologist, a desire for a direct connection with my patients and their caretakers brought me to my current role with Lap of Love.

The loss of my family’s golden retriever, Clancy, confirmed that a pet’s last days should be spent at home—not at a hospital—and in the arms of those who have loved them from the start.

I find it extremely rewarding to free pets from their pain and suffering while helping owners navigate one of the most difficult times. If I can ease the burden of loss in any way, and allow animals to pass in a setting where they are comfortable and loved, I feel that it is something worth doing.

In my free time, I'm an avid fantasy geek, and love all things to do with Dungeons and Dragons, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Warhammer 40k! I also enjoy painting tabletop miniatures and anything fish-related. I'm an avid fisherman and boater—when time allows!