Born and raised in northwest Indiana, I was the youngest of 5 kids. I witnessed my siblings grow up and leave the nest, often moving far away, for the military or their spouse’s job. The idea of traveling and moving to a new state always intrigued me, and in my family, seemed like the natural thing to do. I later realized that most people stay close to where they grow up; however, my path would be different, and my career would take me to several states.

My entire life, I have wanted to be a veterinarian. In fact, when I started college and saw people changing their majors after the first year, I was utterly confused. I thought, didn’t everyone know what they wanted to be when they grow up? I found out that was, of course, not the case for many, even though my road never wavered. The moment I realized cat-only hospitals existed, I was further drawn in that direction.

Throughout vet school at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, I explored various options within veterinary medicine. The day of graduation I reflected on my experiences and reverted to my original vision of becoming a cat vet. My primary attraction to working at a cat-only clinic wasn’t necessarily because I had an exceptional love for cats. My draw to this environment was due to the ability it brought me to focus on one specific species. In fact, I’ve always personally had a dog, and have raised pet gerbils, parakeets and guinea pigs throughout my life. I have such an appreciation of the human-animal bond, regardless of the species. I’ve noticed that in my career I enjoy a position that allows me to maintain a narrower concentration though.

This same focus led me across the country from Las Vegas, NV to sunny Tampa, FL to join Lap of Love. As a hospice veterinarian, I can dedicate myself to one very important facet of veterinary medicine: helping people and their beloved pets when it is time to say good-bye. I’ve also held the role of pet parent and have personally lost pets throughout the years. I have experienced both the comfort of a peaceful in-home euthanasia and the anxiety associated with a pet’s final moments being in a clinic. It is a privilege to work with pets in their own, relaxed environment, and to honor families’ bonds with their pets by offering a compassionate experience when it is time to say good-bye.

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