Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Emily Schuchman
I grew up surrounded by farmland in the small town of Harpursville, New York, which is outside of Binghamton. There were more cows than people! We lived on my grandparents’ dairy farm with dogs and horses—and many cows—and my family fostered my love of animals. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. Between helping at the farm, volunteering at horse stables, and later working as a veterinary assistant, every experience reinforced that veterinary medicine was the right path for me.
I earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Saint Michael's College in Vermont, and then received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Saint George's University in Grenada, West Indies. I enjoy practicing a wide variety of medicine, while focusing on my patients’ and clients’ quality of life. I love working with people and animals to improve their lives, exploring different aspects of medicine, and perpetually learning and growing. I have worked in general practice and emergency medicine, and I especially love surgery and preventive care.
Both of my childhood dogs passed away when I was in college, and I wish I had known more about how to help them and ease their passing. These experiences have impacted the way I handle euthanasia—I don't want anyone to have regrets or guilt about the passing of their animals. I also had two fosters during vet school who were euthanized while in my care. I had Mojito for only eight months before her cancer metastasized and decreased her quality of life. Sushi was only with me for a few months before it became evident that her injuries from a car accident were irreparable, and letting her go was the kindest thing.
Euthanasia is an incredibly special gift that we are able to give in veterinary medicine, as it allows a peaceful end to any discomfort or suffering. I enjoy bringing others comfort and peace, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to use my skills in this way.
Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting—my cat is my quality assurance manager— rock climbing, reading, and traveling.
About Dr. Caitlin Rizzo
I grew up in Islip Terrace, NY and always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. My path in school directed me straight toward a career in veterinary medicine. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and Animal Science at Cornell University then my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. Through my career I have worked in small animal medicine as an Army veterinarian and as a large animal veterinarian making on-farm visits in Western New York.
My favorite part about being a veterinarian, regardless of the species, is experiencing the human-animal bond. This bond that is fostered throughout the years between a pet and their family is incredibly beautiful and fascinating. It shows how unique and special each relationship truly is. As a veterinarian, I play a pivotal role in the human animal bond with the ability to provide the appropriate care to keep animals healthy and allow them to be a part of their family for as long as possible.
The decision to euthanize a pet is very delicate and personal. I’ve been in the position of helping families through the process as a veterinarian and have also had to personally make this decision as a pet parent. I’ve always been thankful for the peaceful experiences provided to my pets and our entire family through their final moments and am honored to have the opportunity to help families through this time. Providing the gift of a peaceful passing to a beloved pet is a small offering for the years of devotion, love, and loyalty they provide us.
About Dr. Michelle Yoshida
I grew up in sunny Central California, where I was fortunate enough to have many family members living close by. Before my brother and I got our family dog, Sparky, from the shelter, we looked forward to any moment we got to play with animals. Luckily, frequent family gatherings with all of our great aunts and uncles meant hours of play time with dogs—lots of dogs. Dogs swimming, dogs playing in the house, and even slumber parties with dogs. We were in paradise. As time passed, those dogs got older, and developed health problems, and I realized I wanted to be a veterinarian. My great aunts and uncles also got older, and my love and appreciation for them inspired me to pursue a minor in gerontology (i.e., the study of aging). My gerontology classes were all very interesting and unique, but the most inspiring classes were about hospice work and loss. Although I didn’t know it at the time, one could have guessed that my path would lead to a career in veterinary end-of-life care.
I have lived and worked in many different states and countries, and in a variety of veterinary facilities, including emergency hospitals and shelters. I’ve seen the struggles that families face when their pets have to be euthanized unexpectedly; they are stressed, and their beloved pets are in distress. These emotions are similar to how I felt when my own family dog was euthanized, and I was an ocean away from him attending veterinary school in Ireland. I understand what a gift it is, and how important it is, for families to be able to be with their pets for their passing. In-home euthanasia and hospice work is so special to me, and I really appreciate being able to be of service to pets and their families. When I am not working, I spend time with all five members of my pet family: Daithi, the tough Irish cat; Dewi, the spunky shelter dog; Deirdre, the one-eyed sweetie and only girl; Dobry, the charmer bottle-baby; and Deason, the shy kitty boy.
About Dr. Lauren Shamkhalov
I am from Buffalo, New York, which is only a short drive from Niagara Falls, and home of the best chicken wings in the country. I was born profoundly hearing impaired, and have worn hearing aids since the age of 3. As an only child, I looked towards animals for friendship, and learned the importance of the human-animal bond at an early age. I have always known I wanted to dedicate my life to helping animals. I became a licensed veterinary technician and worked in a small animal referral and emergency practice before going to veterinary school at the University of Missouri and from there transitioned to a busy general practice in Las Vegas.
One year after starting my career as a veterinarian, I suddenly lost my sweet schnauzer, Smore. I came home one evening to find her lying on the floor, weak and breathing heavily. I quickly found out that she was hemorrhaging internally from a splenic tumor. I tried everything I could to save her, but she ultimately passed away in surgery. Looking back, I wish I would have spent my efforts treasuring those last minutes with her and making her transition as smooth and painless as possible. This personal experience allowed me to appreciate euthanasia in a whole different way.
As hard as it is, I find it comforting to help families and pets during their most difficult time. Being able to let go of a pet that you love so much when they are not living a good quality life is a selfless decision. The amount of trust and appreciation I receive from families while providing end-of-life care gives me purpose, and allows me to continue this service for others.
I have a young son, and I love watching him learn and discover new things. We enjoy spending time outdoors with our two schnauzers, Scruffers and Shadow, and our Siamese cat, Sia. I also love traveling to new places—especially beaches—hanging out at the pool, and spending time with family. I am a huge foodie and am always looking for new restaurants to check out! I figure skated when I was young, and have also recently re-discovered my passion for the sport.
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Emily Schuchman
I grew up surrounded by farmland in the small town of Harpursville, New York, which is outside of Binghamton. There were more cows than people! We lived on my grandparents’ dairy farm with dogs and horses—and many cows—and my family fostered my love of animals. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. Between helping at the farm, volunteering at horse stables, and later working as a veterinary assistant, every experience reinforced that veterinary medicine was the right path for me.
I earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Saint Michael's College in Vermont, and then received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Saint George's University in Grenada, West Indies. I enjoy practicing a wide variety of medicine, while focusing on my patients’ and clients’ quality of life. I love working with people and animals to improve their lives, exploring different aspects of medicine, and perpetually learning and growing. I have worked in general practice and emergency medicine, and I especially love surgery and preventive care.
Both of my childhood dogs passed away when I was in college, and I wish I had known more about how to help them and ease their passing. These experiences have impacted the way I handle euthanasia—I don't want anyone to have regrets or guilt about the passing of their animals. I also had two fosters during vet school who were euthanized while in my care. I had Mojito for only eight months before her cancer metastasized and decreased her quality of life. Sushi was only with me for a few months before it became evident that her injuries from a car accident were irreparable, and letting her go was the kindest thing.
Euthanasia is an incredibly special gift that we are able to give in veterinary medicine, as it allows a peaceful end to any discomfort or suffering. I enjoy bringing others comfort and peace, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to use my skills in this way.
Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting—my cat is my quality assurance manager— rock climbing, reading, and traveling.
About Dr. Caitlin Rizzo
I grew up in Islip Terrace, NY and always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. My path in school directed me straight toward a career in veterinary medicine. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and Animal Science at Cornell University then my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. Through my career I have worked in small animal medicine as an Army veterinarian and as a large animal veterinarian making on-farm visits in Western New York.
My favorite part about being a veterinarian, regardless of the species, is experiencing the human-animal bond. This bond that is fostered throughout the years between a pet and their family is incredibly beautiful and fascinating. It shows how unique and special each relationship truly is. As a veterinarian, I play a pivotal role in the human animal bond with the ability to provide the appropriate care to keep animals healthy and allow them to be a part of their family for as long as possible.
The decision to euthanize a pet is very delicate and personal. I’ve been in the position of helping families through the process as a veterinarian and have also had to personally make this decision as a pet parent. I’ve always been thankful for the peaceful experiences provided to my pets and our entire family through their final moments and am honored to have the opportunity to help families through this time. Providing the gift of a peaceful passing to a beloved pet is a small offering for the years of devotion, love, and loyalty they provide us.
About Dr. Michelle Yoshida
I grew up in sunny Central California, where I was fortunate enough to have many family members living close by. Before my brother and I got our family dog, Sparky, from the shelter, we looked forward to any moment we got to play with animals. Luckily, frequent family gatherings with all of our great aunts and uncles meant hours of play time with dogs—lots of dogs. Dogs swimming, dogs playing in the house, and even slumber parties with dogs. We were in paradise. As time passed, those dogs got older, and developed health problems, and I realized I wanted to be a veterinarian. My great aunts and uncles also got older, and my love and appreciation for them inspired me to pursue a minor in gerontology (i.e., the study of aging). My gerontology classes were all very interesting and unique, but the most inspiring classes were about hospice work and loss. Although I didn’t know it at the time, one could have guessed that my path would lead to a career in veterinary end-of-life care.
I have lived and worked in many different states and countries, and in a variety of veterinary facilities, including emergency hospitals and shelters. I’ve seen the struggles that families face when their pets have to be euthanized unexpectedly; they are stressed, and their beloved pets are in distress. These emotions are similar to how I felt when my own family dog was euthanized, and I was an ocean away from him attending veterinary school in Ireland. I understand what a gift it is, and how important it is, for families to be able to be with their pets for their passing. In-home euthanasia and hospice work is so special to me, and I really appreciate being able to be of service to pets and their families. When I am not working, I spend time with all five members of my pet family: Daithi, the tough Irish cat; Dewi, the spunky shelter dog; Deirdre, the one-eyed sweetie and only girl; Dobry, the charmer bottle-baby; and Deason, the shy kitty boy.
About Dr. Lauren Shamkhalov
I am from Buffalo, New York, which is only a short drive from Niagara Falls, and home of the best chicken wings in the country. I was born profoundly hearing impaired, and have worn hearing aids since the age of 3. As an only child, I looked towards animals for friendship, and learned the importance of the human-animal bond at an early age. I have always known I wanted to dedicate my life to helping animals. I became a licensed veterinary technician and worked in a small animal referral and emergency practice before going to veterinary school at the University of Missouri and from there transitioned to a busy general practice in Las Vegas.
One year after starting my career as a veterinarian, I suddenly lost my sweet schnauzer, Smore. I came home one evening to find her lying on the floor, weak and breathing heavily. I quickly found out that she was hemorrhaging internally from a splenic tumor. I tried everything I could to save her, but she ultimately passed away in surgery. Looking back, I wish I would have spent my efforts treasuring those last minutes with her and making her transition as smooth and painless as possible. This personal experience allowed me to appreciate euthanasia in a whole different way.
As hard as it is, I find it comforting to help families and pets during their most difficult time. Being able to let go of a pet that you love so much when they are not living a good quality life is a selfless decision. The amount of trust and appreciation I receive from families while providing end-of-life care gives me purpose, and allows me to continue this service for others.
I have a young son, and I love watching him learn and discover new things. We enjoy spending time outdoors with our two schnauzers, Scruffers and Shadow, and our Siamese cat, Sia. I also love traveling to new places—especially beaches—hanging out at the pool, and spending time with family. I am a huge foodie and am always looking for new restaurants to check out! I figure skated when I was young, and have also recently re-discovered my passion for the sport.
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Emily Schuchman
I grew up surrounded by farmland in the small town of Harpursville, New York, which is outside of Binghamton. There were more cows than people! We lived on my grandparents’ dairy farm with dogs and horses—and many cows—and my family fostered my love of animals. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. Between helping at the farm, volunteering at horse stables, and later working as a veterinary assistant, every experience reinforced that veterinary medicine was the right path for me.
I earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Saint Michael's College in Vermont, and then received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Saint George's University in Grenada, West Indies. I enjoy practicing a wide variety of medicine, while focusing on my patients’ and clients’ quality of life. I love working with people and animals to improve their lives, exploring different aspects of medicine, and perpetually learning and growing. I have worked in general practice and emergency medicine, and I especially love surgery and preventive care.
Both of my childhood dogs passed away when I was in college, and I wish I had known more about how to help them and ease their passing. These experiences have impacted the way I handle euthanasia—I don't want anyone to have regrets or guilt about the passing of their animals. I also had two fosters during vet school who were euthanized while in my care. I had Mojito for only eight months before her cancer metastasized and decreased her quality of life. Sushi was only with me for a few months before it became evident that her injuries from a car accident were irreparable, and letting her go was the kindest thing.
Euthanasia is an incredibly special gift that we are able to give in veterinary medicine, as it allows a peaceful end to any discomfort or suffering. I enjoy bringing others comfort and peace, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to use my skills in this way.
Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting—my cat is my quality assurance manager— rock climbing, reading, and traveling.