Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Brandi Herauf
I grew up in southwestern North Dakota, in Dickinson, a community where everyone knows and takes care of one another. Despite recent growth, the small-town feel is still very much present.
I spent much of my childhood visiting with neighbor dogs and taking them on walks. I jumped at any opportunity to explore the farms of family and friends and spend time with their pets. School taught me how equally important and fascinating science is. I started shadowing at a local clinic and discovered that veterinary medicine perfectly combined my passions.
I attended Dickinson State University, earning a degree in biology, and then completed my veterinary degree at Oregon State University. In general practice, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of species, including exotic animals. I love that owners are just as dedicated to their snakes and guinea pigs as they are to their cats and dogs! I particularly enjoy doing dental surgeries. I also love working with geriatric pets, and comfort care and client education are very important to me.
During my first year in practice, I lost my vet school kitty to cancer. She had supported me through some of the most challenging and rewarding times of my life. The staff who helped me through her illness were very supportive and respected my wishes. They made sure she was as comfortable and pain-free as possible until I said goodbye. I strive to do the same for my patients and clients. I want families to feel supported during their unique journey, whatever route they choose to take.
When I’m not working, I love gardening, traveling to new places, playing video games, and watching documentaries.
About Dr. Haley Sundstrom
I grew up in Hermantown, Minnesota, which is at the tip of Lake Superior. I originally started college at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus with the intent of entering human medicine. Though, a part-time veterinary assistant job in a small animal clinic made me realize that I wanted to work with animals. After obtaining a biology degree, I completed veterinary school at Purdue University.
I enjoy working alongside pet owners to help ensure the animals they love live long, happy lives. I enjoy helping new pet parents learn about the value of preventive medicine, and I find it immensely rewarding to provide supportive care to animals in their golden years.
Many experiences have shaped my views about veterinary care and euthanasia, yet two in particular stand out. My childhood cat, Oscar, struggled with inappropriate urination, and my family tried to solve the problem by transitioning him to an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. When Oscar died after being hit by a car, we were devastated. It was not until I started down the path of veterinary medicine that I learned there were alternate options available in these types of situations.
While working as a veterinary assistant, I had an eye-opening euthanasia experience. My family’s elderly dog, Lexi, suffered from weakness in her back end that affected her quality of life. We decided it was time, and my family brought her in. I had become familiar with the euthanasia process, but seeing how upset my mom became as Lexi took her last breaths has always stuck with me. From then on, it has always been my goal to try to make the end-of-life transition as peaceful as I can for the pet and their family. I view humane euthanasia as one of the most loving choices an owner can make for their pet, and as a veterinarian I feel so grateful that I have the ability to relieve an animal’s suffering and grant them a peaceful end-of-life experience.
When I am not working, I enjoy going on road trips, camping with my family, having game nights with friends, and catching up on my favorite television shows.
Pronouns: She / HerAbout Dr. Suzy Ahrens
My love for animals began at an early age. I grew up in St Paul, Minnesota, surrounded by a menagerie of pets including hamsters, guinea pigs, and a beloved black Lab named Ollie. Some of my fondest childhood memories include visits to my Uncle Mase’s sheep farm in Ohio. He would put me to work everyday helping him care for the sheep and young lambs. It was hard work but I loved it, and it solidified my desire to spend my life helping animals.
My passion led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and then a veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.
I spent the next 26 years working in a small animal clinic north of St Paul. I really enjoyed my job, especially the close relationships I developed with my clients and their furry family members. I loved seeing them year after year, and watching them grow from a puppy or kitten into old age. My special interests include behavioral medicine, geriatric health, and Fear Free handling techniques. Over the years, I found I especially enjoyed working with elderly pets, and helping their owners keep them healthy, happy, and comfortable for as long as possible.
When the time came for my clients to say goodbye to their beloved companions, I always considered it an honor and a privilege to provide a dignified and peaceful transition from this life to the next. Lap of Love’s dedication to peaceful in-home euthanasia and hospice aligns perfectly with my philosophy, and I am happy to have the opportunity to focus on this important and sacred aspect of veterinary medicine.
In my free time, I volunteer with our local Street Dog Coalition and with Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs, and volunteer with two organizations in Negril, Jamaica: Negril Pup Rescue and Negril Spay/Neuter Clinic. I enjoy spending time with my husband and teenage daughter at our cabin on the Gunflint Trail, and hanging out with a continued menagerie of pets, including our two sweet, mischievous cats and two lovable Labrador retrievers.
About Dr. Cindy Guss
I grew up in Jordan, Minnesota, a beautiful little town in the Minnesota River Valley on the outskirts of the Twin Cities metro area. I have always loved animals—I would shove my face in the long fur of my childhood dog, Puddles, although I was allergic and it made me sneeze! We lost her when I was in elementary school, and my family didn't get another pet, despite my constant begging. I was reintroduced to my love of animals in my mid-20s, when I lived with a dog and a cat. Happily, with medication, we all lived in harmony with very little sneezing. From that point forward, I couldn't imagine living without animals in my life.
Much differently than others, I didn't always want to be a vet. I have always had a strong desire to serve others, and my first career was in domestic hunger relief. However, I longed to work with animals, and at the age of 30, I sought out a fitting career. A friend off-handedly said, "Why don't you be a vet?" I had never considered becoming a veterinarian, despite loving science in my younger days. I started shadowing at a veterinary clinic, and taking science courses, and I immediately fell in love! I spent the next seven years completing prerequisite science classes—one night course at a time—and shadowing. Eleven years after my first night class, in 2011, I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine!
I cannot imagine my life without the joy that animals bring, and there is nothing that makes me happier than helping to strengthen that bond for others. I enjoy educating pet owners about how best to keep their pets healthy, and alleviating owners’ fears and anxieties when I return their sick pets back to health. And when we cannot, my goal is to help pet parents make the best choices possible for their beloved pets.
I have lost many pets, and have struggled with not only the loss, but whether I made the best decisions. (Yes, vets struggle with these questions too!) The many losses, including personal pets and patients, have provided a deep compassion to help pet parents make peace with these tough questions so that their last moments with their pet are meaningful, peaceful, and whole.
In my spare time, I enjoy power lounging with my dogs, Izzy and Freida, my five cats, and occasionally my husband!
About Dr. Ronda Reardon
I grew up in Orono, Minnesota, and my parents still reside in the same house on Lake Minnetonka, where I enjoy spending time in the summer. My grandfather was a veterinarian and I knew from a young age that I also wanted to be a vet. I was the typical animal-crazy kid who wanted to keep everything with fur, feathers or scales. I was especially in love with horses and spent as much time with them as I could. I started riding at the age of 10 and still enjoy riding and spending time with my horse, mule, and donkeys.
I went to Otterbein University outside of Columbus, Ohio, where I earned degrees in equine science and veterinary technology. I worked for two years in Ohio as a veterinary technician before moving back to Minnesota, where I continued working as a technician while I went back to school to complete the prerequisite requirements for vet school. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts. I loved the education I received from the veterinary school and from living in another country.
After veterinary school, I moved back to Minnesota and started my own mobile equine veterinary practice. It was a very busy lifestyle and I found the work rewarding and fun. I also provided some in-home, end-of-life care for clients’ pets and found it a true honor to provide the pet and their family dignity and peace in the comfort of their own home.
I adopted my own first dog from my undergraduate research program. She was my companion through undergrad, veterinary school, and the years between. The summer after I graduated veterinary school, it became clear she was in pain, and my efforts could no longer keep her comfortable. I brought her to her favorite place—my parent's house—and said goodbye on the shore of the lake that she adored. Although it was one of the hardest days of my life, it made me realize what a blessing we can give to animals, and that it made a difference to have her in a place where she was happy and calm. I think it is an honor to give animals a dignified and peaceful ending. I take pride in being able to help families navigate the end-of-life process and I always aim to make a really difficult day a little bit better.
When I am not working, I love to travel, hike and scuba dive. I live on a small farm and also enjoy spending time with my animals.
About Dr. Spencer Heiligenberg
I grew up in Miamisburg, Ohio, a Dayton suburb. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian because I felt called to help people and I loved animals. I am so lucky to be able to combine these two passions through veterinary medicine.
I attended the University of Illinois for my veterinary degree and then relocated to the Twin Cities area after graduation. As a veterinarian, I love working with owners to find the best treatments for their special pets. Every owner comes from different experiences and has different priorities for their pet, so ensuring they feel heard and supported is essential to me. This is important at every stage of a pet’s life but especially toward the end, as the decision to say goodbye can be one of the most difficult choices an owner can face.
My personal experience with veterinary end-of-life care has shaped how I care for my patients and clients. When I was in high school, we adopted an older dog and loved her dearly over the next seven or eight years. When we decided it was time, our veterinarian met us outside the clinic on a gorgeous fluffy blanket where we were allowed to say goodbye in the warm sunshine. Giving her peace in such a gentle and loving way certainly eased the grief of saying goodbye. I hope that as a Lap of Love veterinarian, I can offer the same comfort and peace to every family during their own difficult time.
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our friends. We like getting together to play board games a few times a month. I also love to read and craft, including cross stitch and crochet. My cats prefer to spend their spare time napping and interrupting our game nights and craft time.
About Dr. Brandi Herauf
I grew up in southwestern North Dakota, in Dickinson, a community where everyone knows and takes care of one another. Despite recent growth, the small-town feel is still very much present.
I spent much of my childhood visiting with neighbor dogs and taking them on walks. I jumped at any opportunity to explore the farms of family and friends and spend time with their pets. School taught me how equally important and fascinating science is. I started shadowing at a local clinic and discovered that veterinary medicine perfectly combined my passions.
I attended Dickinson State University, earning a degree in biology, and then completed my veterinary degree at Oregon State University. In general practice, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of species, including exotic animals. I love that owners are just as dedicated to their snakes and guinea pigs as they are to their cats and dogs! I particularly enjoy doing dental surgeries. I also love working with geriatric pets, and comfort care and client education are very important to me.
During my first year in practice, I lost my vet school kitty to cancer. She had supported me through some of the most challenging and rewarding times of my life. The staff who helped me through her illness were very supportive and respected my wishes. They made sure she was as comfortable and pain-free as possible until I said goodbye. I strive to do the same for my patients and clients. I want families to feel supported during their unique journey, whatever route they choose to take.
When I’m not working, I love gardening, traveling to new places, playing video games, and watching documentaries.
About Dr. Haley Sundstrom
I grew up in Hermantown, Minnesota, which is at the tip of Lake Superior. I originally started college at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus with the intent of entering human medicine. Though, a part-time veterinary assistant job in a small animal clinic made me realize that I wanted to work with animals. After obtaining a biology degree, I completed veterinary school at Purdue University.
I enjoy working alongside pet owners to help ensure the animals they love live long, happy lives. I enjoy helping new pet parents learn about the value of preventive medicine, and I find it immensely rewarding to provide supportive care to animals in their golden years.
Many experiences have shaped my views about veterinary care and euthanasia, yet two in particular stand out. My childhood cat, Oscar, struggled with inappropriate urination, and my family tried to solve the problem by transitioning him to an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. When Oscar died after being hit by a car, we were devastated. It was not until I started down the path of veterinary medicine that I learned there were alternate options available in these types of situations.
While working as a veterinary assistant, I had an eye-opening euthanasia experience. My family’s elderly dog, Lexi, suffered from weakness in her back end that affected her quality of life. We decided it was time, and my family brought her in. I had become familiar with the euthanasia process, but seeing how upset my mom became as Lexi took her last breaths has always stuck with me. From then on, it has always been my goal to try to make the end-of-life transition as peaceful as I can for the pet and their family. I view humane euthanasia as one of the most loving choices an owner can make for their pet, and as a veterinarian I feel so grateful that I have the ability to relieve an animal’s suffering and grant them a peaceful end-of-life experience.
When I am not working, I enjoy going on road trips, camping with my family, having game nights with friends, and catching up on my favorite television shows.
Pronouns: She / HerAbout Dr. Suzy Ahrens
My love for animals began at an early age. I grew up in St Paul, Minnesota, surrounded by a menagerie of pets including hamsters, guinea pigs, and a beloved black Lab named Ollie. Some of my fondest childhood memories include visits to my Uncle Mase’s sheep farm in Ohio. He would put me to work everyday helping him care for the sheep and young lambs. It was hard work but I loved it, and it solidified my desire to spend my life helping animals.
My passion led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and then a veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.
I spent the next 26 years working in a small animal clinic north of St Paul. I really enjoyed my job, especially the close relationships I developed with my clients and their furry family members. I loved seeing them year after year, and watching them grow from a puppy or kitten into old age. My special interests include behavioral medicine, geriatric health, and Fear Free handling techniques. Over the years, I found I especially enjoyed working with elderly pets, and helping their owners keep them healthy, happy, and comfortable for as long as possible.
When the time came for my clients to say goodbye to their beloved companions, I always considered it an honor and a privilege to provide a dignified and peaceful transition from this life to the next. Lap of Love’s dedication to peaceful in-home euthanasia and hospice aligns perfectly with my philosophy, and I am happy to have the opportunity to focus on this important and sacred aspect of veterinary medicine.
In my free time, I volunteer with our local Street Dog Coalition and with Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs, and volunteer with two organizations in Negril, Jamaica: Negril Pup Rescue and Negril Spay/Neuter Clinic. I enjoy spending time with my husband and teenage daughter at our cabin on the Gunflint Trail, and hanging out with a continued menagerie of pets, including our two sweet, mischievous cats and two lovable Labrador retrievers.
About Dr. Cindy Guss
I grew up in Jordan, Minnesota, a beautiful little town in the Minnesota River Valley on the outskirts of the Twin Cities metro area. I have always loved animals—I would shove my face in the long fur of my childhood dog, Puddles, although I was allergic and it made me sneeze! We lost her when I was in elementary school, and my family didn't get another pet, despite my constant begging. I was reintroduced to my love of animals in my mid-20s, when I lived with a dog and a cat. Happily, with medication, we all lived in harmony with very little sneezing. From that point forward, I couldn't imagine living without animals in my life.
Much differently than others, I didn't always want to be a vet. I have always had a strong desire to serve others, and my first career was in domestic hunger relief. However, I longed to work with animals, and at the age of 30, I sought out a fitting career. A friend off-handedly said, "Why don't you be a vet?" I had never considered becoming a veterinarian, despite loving science in my younger days. I started shadowing at a veterinary clinic, and taking science courses, and I immediately fell in love! I spent the next seven years completing prerequisite science classes—one night course at a time—and shadowing. Eleven years after my first night class, in 2011, I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine!
I cannot imagine my life without the joy that animals bring, and there is nothing that makes me happier than helping to strengthen that bond for others. I enjoy educating pet owners about how best to keep their pets healthy, and alleviating owners’ fears and anxieties when I return their sick pets back to health. And when we cannot, my goal is to help pet parents make the best choices possible for their beloved pets.
I have lost many pets, and have struggled with not only the loss, but whether I made the best decisions. (Yes, vets struggle with these questions too!) The many losses, including personal pets and patients, have provided a deep compassion to help pet parents make peace with these tough questions so that their last moments with their pet are meaningful, peaceful, and whole.
In my spare time, I enjoy power lounging with my dogs, Izzy and Freida, my five cats, and occasionally my husband!
About Dr. Ronda Reardon
I grew up in Orono, Minnesota, and my parents still reside in the same house on Lake Minnetonka, where I enjoy spending time in the summer. My grandfather was a veterinarian and I knew from a young age that I also wanted to be a vet. I was the typical animal-crazy kid who wanted to keep everything with fur, feathers or scales. I was especially in love with horses and spent as much time with them as I could. I started riding at the age of 10 and still enjoy riding and spending time with my horse, mule, and donkeys.
I went to Otterbein University outside of Columbus, Ohio, where I earned degrees in equine science and veterinary technology. I worked for two years in Ohio as a veterinary technician before moving back to Minnesota, where I continued working as a technician while I went back to school to complete the prerequisite requirements for vet school. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts. I loved the education I received from the veterinary school and from living in another country.
After veterinary school, I moved back to Minnesota and started my own mobile equine veterinary practice. It was a very busy lifestyle and I found the work rewarding and fun. I also provided some in-home, end-of-life care for clients’ pets and found it a true honor to provide the pet and their family dignity and peace in the comfort of their own home.
I adopted my own first dog from my undergraduate research program. She was my companion through undergrad, veterinary school, and the years between. The summer after I graduated veterinary school, it became clear she was in pain, and my efforts could no longer keep her comfortable. I brought her to her favorite place—my parent's house—and said goodbye on the shore of the lake that she adored. Although it was one of the hardest days of my life, it made me realize what a blessing we can give to animals, and that it made a difference to have her in a place where she was happy and calm. I think it is an honor to give animals a dignified and peaceful ending. I take pride in being able to help families navigate the end-of-life process and I always aim to make a really difficult day a little bit better.
When I am not working, I love to travel, hike and scuba dive. I live on a small farm and also enjoy spending time with my animals.
About Dr. Spencer Heiligenberg
I grew up in Miamisburg, Ohio, a Dayton suburb. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian because I felt called to help people and I loved animals. I am so lucky to be able to combine these two passions through veterinary medicine.
I attended the University of Illinois for my veterinary degree and then relocated to the Twin Cities area after graduation. As a veterinarian, I love working with owners to find the best treatments for their special pets. Every owner comes from different experiences and has different priorities for their pet, so ensuring they feel heard and supported is essential to me. This is important at every stage of a pet’s life but especially toward the end, as the decision to say goodbye can be one of the most difficult choices an owner can face.
My personal experience with veterinary end-of-life care has shaped how I care for my patients and clients. When I was in high school, we adopted an older dog and loved her dearly over the next seven or eight years. When we decided it was time, our veterinarian met us outside the clinic on a gorgeous fluffy blanket where we were allowed to say goodbye in the warm sunshine. Giving her peace in such a gentle and loving way certainly eased the grief of saying goodbye. I hope that as a Lap of Love veterinarian, I can offer the same comfort and peace to every family during their own difficult time.
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our friends. We like getting together to play board games a few times a month. I also love to read and craft, including cross stitch and crochet. My cats prefer to spend their spare time napping and interrupting our game nights and craft time.
About Dr. Brandi Herauf
I grew up in southwestern North Dakota, in Dickinson, a community where everyone knows and takes care of one another. Despite recent growth, the small-town feel is still very much present.
I spent much of my childhood visiting with neighbor dogs and taking them on walks. I jumped at any opportunity to explore the farms of family and friends and spend time with their pets. School taught me how equally important and fascinating science is. I started shadowing at a local clinic and discovered that veterinary medicine perfectly combined my passions.
I attended Dickinson State University, earning a degree in biology, and then completed my veterinary degree at Oregon State University. In general practice, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of species, including exotic animals. I love that owners are just as dedicated to their snakes and guinea pigs as they are to their cats and dogs! I particularly enjoy doing dental surgeries. I also love working with geriatric pets, and comfort care and client education are very important to me.
During my first year in practice, I lost my vet school kitty to cancer. She had supported me through some of the most challenging and rewarding times of my life. The staff who helped me through her illness were very supportive and respected my wishes. They made sure she was as comfortable and pain-free as possible until I said goodbye. I strive to do the same for my patients and clients. I want families to feel supported during their unique journey, whatever route they choose to take.
When I’m not working, I love gardening, traveling to new places, playing video games, and watching documentaries.