Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Hanna Ruark
I grew up in Maryland, mostly around the Severna Park area, surrounded by animals. In addition to caring for our family pets, I also fostered kittens, volunteered at a horse rescue, and often wandered through the woods looking for critters. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 7 years old. I spent a significant amount of time watching Animal Planet—Steve Irwin was a significant inspiration—and accumulated a repertoire of fun facts about various animal species. (Don’t quiz me now!)
I went to Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate studies and the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada, for vet school. During vet school, I took a special interest in wildlife and exotic medicine, with a focus on rehabilitation and husbandry. After vet school, I practiced equine medicine until joining the Lap of Love family.
Throughout my life, I have been lucky to form close bonds with many animals and, naturally, some of them have passed. There is something so special about supporting our beloved pets in their later years. Making the decision to let go is very difficult, but I believe that offering a peaceful passing is one of the kindest things we can do for our pets.
Every pet will eventually reach the end of their lifespan, and being able to pass in the safest, most comfortable environment for them, surrounded by loved ones, is such a blessing. In-home hospice and euthanasia are incredible services to be able to offer, and I am honored to help pets and their families through that process with love and dignity.
When I am not working, I enjoy horseback riding, playing video games, trying new restaurants, traveling, exploring nature, practicing yoga, going to escape rooms and haunted attractions, and photography and archery.
About Dr. Suzanne Ellis
My home has always been the Jersey Shore. I grew up here, and around the age of 8, I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian. My first job in high school was at a local veterinary hospital, and it was there that I learned how to be a veterinary assistant. I continued to work there while I attended the University of Tennessee for my undergraduate degree in animal science. Then, I transitioned to Ross University in St. Kitts for my veterinary studies and completed two clinical years at the University of Minnesota to complete my veterinary degree.
My first job was at a small animal practice in South Dakota, but being a true Jersey girl, I had to come home. I was hired at a wonderful small animal practice and stayed there for the past 20 years. During that time, I met and married my awesome husband and we are blessed to have a daughter and a son, along with our furry children, which includes: two cats, a dog, some fish, and a hedgehog (ok, some of those are not exactly furry).
About four years ago, I proposed the idea to my clinic of offering a house call service, and became the primary doctor in the practice going out to clients’ homes for routine office visits, and, of course, euthanasia. It was during this time that I began to really appreciate helping families say good-bye to their beloved pets in the privacy of their own home; it created a more peaceful experience for everyone.
These experiences have brought me to the decision of dedicating my work to end of life care and creating a personalized and peaceful experience for pets and their families. I know how difficult this decision is and it is my honor to help guide you through this process.
About Dr. Hanna Ruark
I grew up in Maryland, mostly around the Severna Park area, surrounded by animals. In addition to caring for our family pets, I also fostered kittens, volunteered at a horse rescue, and often wandered through the woods looking for critters. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 7 years old. I spent a significant amount of time watching Animal Planet—Steve Irwin was a significant inspiration—and accumulated a repertoire of fun facts about various animal species. (Don’t quiz me now!)
I went to Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate studies and the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada, for vet school. During vet school, I took a special interest in wildlife and exotic medicine, with a focus on rehabilitation and husbandry. After vet school, I practiced equine medicine until joining the Lap of Love family.
Throughout my life, I have been lucky to form close bonds with many animals and, naturally, some of them have passed. There is something so special about supporting our beloved pets in their later years. Making the decision to let go is very difficult, but I believe that offering a peaceful passing is one of the kindest things we can do for our pets.
Every pet will eventually reach the end of their lifespan, and being able to pass in the safest, most comfortable environment for them, surrounded by loved ones, is such a blessing. In-home hospice and euthanasia are incredible services to be able to offer, and I am honored to help pets and their families through that process with love and dignity.
When I am not working, I enjoy horseback riding, playing video games, trying new restaurants, traveling, exploring nature, practicing yoga, going to escape rooms and haunted attractions, and photography and archery.
About Dr. Suzanne Ellis
My home has always been the Jersey Shore. I grew up here, and around the age of 8, I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian. My first job in high school was at a local veterinary hospital, and it was there that I learned how to be a veterinary assistant. I continued to work there while I attended the University of Tennessee for my undergraduate degree in animal science. Then, I transitioned to Ross University in St. Kitts for my veterinary studies and completed two clinical years at the University of Minnesota to complete my veterinary degree.
My first job was at a small animal practice in South Dakota, but being a true Jersey girl, I had to come home. I was hired at a wonderful small animal practice and stayed there for the past 20 years. During that time, I met and married my awesome husband and we are blessed to have a daughter and a son, along with our furry children, which includes: two cats, a dog, some fish, and a hedgehog (ok, some of those are not exactly furry).
About four years ago, I proposed the idea to my clinic of offering a house call service, and became the primary doctor in the practice going out to clients’ homes for routine office visits, and, of course, euthanasia. It was during this time that I began to really appreciate helping families say good-bye to their beloved pets in the privacy of their own home; it created a more peaceful experience for everyone.
These experiences have brought me to the decision of dedicating my work to end of life care and creating a personalized and peaceful experience for pets and their families. I know how difficult this decision is and it is my honor to help guide you through this process.
About Dr. Hanna Ruark
I grew up in Maryland, mostly around the Severna Park area, surrounded by animals. In addition to caring for our family pets, I also fostered kittens, volunteered at a horse rescue, and often wandered through the woods looking for critters. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 7 years old. I spent a significant amount of time watching Animal Planet—Steve Irwin was a significant inspiration—and accumulated a repertoire of fun facts about various animal species. (Don’t quiz me now!)
I went to Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate studies and the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada, for vet school. During vet school, I took a special interest in wildlife and exotic medicine, with a focus on rehabilitation and husbandry. After vet school, I practiced equine medicine until joining the Lap of Love family.
Throughout my life, I have been lucky to form close bonds with many animals and, naturally, some of them have passed. There is something so special about supporting our beloved pets in their later years. Making the decision to let go is very difficult, but I believe that offering a peaceful passing is one of the kindest things we can do for our pets.
Every pet will eventually reach the end of their lifespan, and being able to pass in the safest, most comfortable environment for them, surrounded by loved ones, is such a blessing. In-home hospice and euthanasia are incredible services to be able to offer, and I am honored to help pets and their families through that process with love and dignity.
When I am not working, I enjoy horseback riding, playing video games, trying new restaurants, traveling, exploring nature, practicing yoga, going to escape rooms and haunted attractions, and photography and archery.