Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Amber Orr
I grew up in a small town called Captain Cook on the Big Island of Hawaii, in a picturesque area with coffee plantations, beaches, and tropical fruit trees. I became interested in veterinary medicine when our cat dislocated his hip. Our local veterinarian included me while he explained the options to my parents, and let me observe some of the treatment. I was fascinated and so grateful to be treated with respect at a young age, which sparked my desire to care for pets and their families.
I attended Tufts University for my undergraduate degree and Colorado State University for veterinary school. After graduation, I joined VCA South Shore Animal Hospital and completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine. I then worked in emergency and general small animal practices. Dentistry and soft tissue surgery are enjoyable for me because I can see the immediate positive impact I’m making on each patient’s quality of life.
I recently experienced a loss that encouraged me to help pet families with end-of-life care through Lap of Love. We hoped to provide our elderly cat, Henry, with a peaceful euthanasia while cradled in our arms, but he passed away alone while my husband and I were putting our daughters to bed. I have always believed in “better a day too soon than a moment too late," but this experience drove home that point in a very real way.
I want to ensure no other family feels guilt or regret about their pet’s passing. In-home euthanasia is a gift that I am grateful to give to families who will remember their experience in the most positive way possible. I find it incredibly rewarding to be the one to provide that memory for them.
In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, reading, and snowboarding. I was also an amateur competitive ballroom dancer, so you may catch me on the dance floor from time to time.
About Dr. Nicole Barrella
I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, New York. My favorite childhood memories are of going to the beach year-round and watching the waves.
According to my mother, I knew I would be a veterinarian at age 8. While I don’t remember that, I know I have always loved animals and found them easier to connect with than most people. As I grew older, I became interested in science and medicine. Becoming a veterinarian seemed like the perfect blend of my passions.
I completed my undergraduate studies at a private university on Long Island and attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate degree. My pre-clinical studies were based on St. Kitts in the West Indies and I completed my clinical year at the University of Pennsylvania.
After finishing veterinary school, I primarily worked in emergency medicine. I take pride in providing information, guidance, and comfort when a family is in crisis with their beloved pet. While I prefer seeing pets recover, the memories that stay with me the longest are the losses, when pet owners have to say goodbye.
As a pet parent myself, I’ve lost many of my own companions over the years. When my first pet passed away, I wasn’t able to be there. I still worry about whether she felt alone or scared. Since then, I’ve ensured that every pet in my care feels loved and cherished in their final moments.
Helping animals and their families is why I became a veterinarian. My goal for every patient is to provide them with a good quality of life. When that is no longer possible, I believe in giving them a painless and dignified passing, free from suffering. I deeply respect my role in a family's loss and am honored to provide comfort and peace in a pet’s final moments.
Outside of my veterinary role, I love being outdoors. My partner and I enjoy building Legos, doing puzzles, and being novice foodies. I am trying to cultivate a passion for cooking, but it’s a slow process!
About Dr. Amber Orr
I grew up in a small town called Captain Cook on the Big Island of Hawaii, in a picturesque area with coffee plantations, beaches, and tropical fruit trees. I became interested in veterinary medicine when our cat dislocated his hip. Our local veterinarian included me while he explained the options to my parents, and let me observe some of the treatment. I was fascinated and so grateful to be treated with respect at a young age, which sparked my desire to care for pets and their families.
I attended Tufts University for my undergraduate degree and Colorado State University for veterinary school. After graduation, I joined VCA South Shore Animal Hospital and completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine. I then worked in emergency and general small animal practices. Dentistry and soft tissue surgery are enjoyable for me because I can see the immediate positive impact I’m making on each patient’s quality of life.
I recently experienced a loss that encouraged me to help pet families with end-of-life care through Lap of Love. We hoped to provide our elderly cat, Henry, with a peaceful euthanasia while cradled in our arms, but he passed away alone while my husband and I were putting our daughters to bed. I have always believed in “better a day too soon than a moment too late," but this experience drove home that point in a very real way.
I want to ensure no other family feels guilt or regret about their pet’s passing. In-home euthanasia is a gift that I am grateful to give to families who will remember their experience in the most positive way possible. I find it incredibly rewarding to be the one to provide that memory for them.
In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, reading, and snowboarding. I was also an amateur competitive ballroom dancer, so you may catch me on the dance floor from time to time.
About Dr. Nicole Barrella
I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, New York. My favorite childhood memories are of going to the beach year-round and watching the waves.
According to my mother, I knew I would be a veterinarian at age 8. While I don’t remember that, I know I have always loved animals and found them easier to connect with than most people. As I grew older, I became interested in science and medicine. Becoming a veterinarian seemed like the perfect blend of my passions.
I completed my undergraduate studies at a private university on Long Island and attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate degree. My pre-clinical studies were based on St. Kitts in the West Indies and I completed my clinical year at the University of Pennsylvania.
After finishing veterinary school, I primarily worked in emergency medicine. I take pride in providing information, guidance, and comfort when a family is in crisis with their beloved pet. While I prefer seeing pets recover, the memories that stay with me the longest are the losses, when pet owners have to say goodbye.
As a pet parent myself, I’ve lost many of my own companions over the years. When my first pet passed away, I wasn’t able to be there. I still worry about whether she felt alone or scared. Since then, I’ve ensured that every pet in my care feels loved and cherished in their final moments.
Helping animals and their families is why I became a veterinarian. My goal for every patient is to provide them with a good quality of life. When that is no longer possible, I believe in giving them a painless and dignified passing, free from suffering. I deeply respect my role in a family's loss and am honored to provide comfort and peace in a pet’s final moments.
Outside of my veterinary role, I love being outdoors. My partner and I enjoy building Legos, doing puzzles, and being novice foodies. I am trying to cultivate a passion for cooking, but it’s a slow process!
About Dr. Amber Orr
I grew up in a small town called Captain Cook on the Big Island of Hawaii, in a picturesque area with coffee plantations, beaches, and tropical fruit trees. I became interested in veterinary medicine when our cat dislocated his hip. Our local veterinarian included me while he explained the options to my parents, and let me observe some of the treatment. I was fascinated and so grateful to be treated with respect at a young age, which sparked my desire to care for pets and their families.
I attended Tufts University for my undergraduate degree and Colorado State University for veterinary school. After graduation, I joined VCA South Shore Animal Hospital and completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine. I then worked in emergency and general small animal practices. Dentistry and soft tissue surgery are enjoyable for me because I can see the immediate positive impact I’m making on each patient’s quality of life.
I recently experienced a loss that encouraged me to help pet families with end-of-life care through Lap of Love. We hoped to provide our elderly cat, Henry, with a peaceful euthanasia while cradled in our arms, but he passed away alone while my husband and I were putting our daughters to bed. I have always believed in “better a day too soon than a moment too late," but this experience drove home that point in a very real way.
I want to ensure no other family feels guilt or regret about their pet’s passing. In-home euthanasia is a gift that I am grateful to give to families who will remember their experience in the most positive way possible. I find it incredibly rewarding to be the one to provide that memory for them.
In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, reading, and snowboarding. I was also an amateur competitive ballroom dancer, so you may catch me on the dance floor from time to time.