Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Christina Ann Fourre
I grew up outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a town called Bloomington. Living there as a kid was a blast because my home was surrounded by woods and lakes, which provided the ideal environment to grow my love of animals and wildlife. And grow it did—I attended the University of North Carolina in Wilmington to pursue a biology degree, where I decided veterinary medicine was the right path for me.
The experience that solidified my career choice was a trip to Nicaragua with an organization called World Vets. I assisted in low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and helped provide wellness services to livestock, dogs, and cats. The people there needed help, and it felt good to give it. I looked up to the vets during that experience and wanted to one day be like them.
I attended North Carolina State University for my veterinary degree and started my career as a general practitioner. I love caring for pets and their people, and being a veterinarian gives me that opportunity each day.
My clinical interests include surgery, client education, and easing the burden on pet owners during their pet’s end-of-life transition. I provide hospice and home euthanasia services through Lap of Love so I can make one of the hardest days for each family a little bit easier.
Outside the veterinary clinic, I like to cook, hike, practice yoga, and spend time with my dogs, friends, and family.
About Dr. Kristen Niemann
I grew up in a small rural town in upstate New York called Youngsville. When most people think of New York, they picture the big city, but I grew up playing in the woods, riding four-wheelers, and spending time with friends on dairy farms.
My 15-year-old cat, Shadow, and his talented veterinarian were the ones who set me on the path to becoming a veterinarian. When Shadow was diagnosed with diabetes, we took him to an amazing veterinarian who compassionately cared for Shadow while supporting my family. I was in awe of her communication and client education skills and realized that someone like that can make the biggest difference in the life of pets and their families. It was then that I decided I wanted to become a vet and help families like mine when they need it most.
Inspired by my experience with Shadow, I completed my undergraduate studies at Elmira College in New York, where I majored in biology and minored in chemistry. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee. During my time at UT, I became a devoted Rocky Top Fan, and discovered my love for NCAA football—I still bleed orange.
As a veterinarian, I have worked in general practice and high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter (HQHVSN) clinics. I enjoy helping animals and families who are most in need, particularly shelter pets and pets nearing the end of their life. My time working in shelter medicine with geriatric pets has shaped me into the veterinarian I am today and led me to my role at Lap of Love. I feel honored to be able to give pets the gift of a peaceful passing at home with their family where they are comfortable and calm.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, gardening, hiking, camping, skiing, and especially golfing. I also enjoy reading, drawing, painting, and woodworking.
About Dr. Allison Williams
I was born in Dayton, Ohio, but moved with my family to the South when I was 6 years old. I have always loved animals and science. I knew I wanted to find a way to combine my passions that would benefit animals and people, and veterinary medicine was the clear choice.
I completed my undergraduate studies in biology and animal science at Alcorn State University, a historically black university (HBU) in Lorman, Mississippi, before attending veterinary school at Mississippi State University. After receiving my veterinary degree, I completed a residency at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
For 25 years, I worked as a laboratory animal veterinarian, providing care and support for animals used in biomedical research. I advocated for the care and humane treatment of animals while contributing to life-saving therapies and treatments for animals and people. I have also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Boehringer Ingelheim, a major developer of pet medicines and vaccines, and—most recently—a leading pharmaceutical company based out of Massachusetts.
I’ve lost many pets over the years, and it’s never easy to say goodbye to a cherished member of your family. However, I find comfort in knowing I can give pets a peaceful and pain-free passing. Families and pets deserve to say their final goodbyes in the quiet, familiar comfort of their home, and I am honored to use my role at Lap of Love to provide this experience for pets and help families through this difficult process.
When I am not working, I enjoy gardening. My home is filled with all kinds of plants, and I love to see them bloom and thrive. Watching the butterflies in my yard warms my heart, and the hummingbirds always let me know when their feeders need refilling. I also enjoy hiking and caring for my three dogs and cat as well as my many “grandcats” and “granddogs.”
About Dr. Olivia Ross
I lived in a few different places growing up, but I spent the majority of my childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I moved to North Carolina to go to college and have lived here ever since, so I now consider Raleigh my hometown. I love the beautiful season changes, proximity to both mountains and the beach, and, of course, the welcoming Southern hospitality. I have always had an indescribable connection with animals. It started with our family dogs and then flourished when I took up horseback riding in high school.
I went to North Carolina State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. It wasn’t until after graduation and several animal-related jobs—working on a ranch as a trail ride guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, studying mice in a lab, and then working as a veterinary assistant in a general practice hospital—that I decided to go to veterinary school. These experiences sparked my passion for veterinary medicine and it's been the perfect fit—I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
I attended vet school at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. My favorite part of being a veterinarian is the relationships I get to make with pets and their parents. While I initially got into the field because of my passion for animals, I have come to cherish the connections I have made with pet parents just as much.
We said goodbye to my childhood dog, Skippy, shortly after I became a vet. The end-of-life process was not as compassionate and peaceful as I would have hoped because it was in the cold, clinical setting of a hospital. I strongly believe that allowing a pet to pass in a peaceful, loving manner is such an important gift to give to our furry loved ones. I believe that every pet deserves to pass in an environment where the focus is entirely on them and they can be showered in love.
I have three pets of my own: two dogs, Lyla and RZA, and a cat, Kimchi. I cherish spending time at home with them and my fiancée. I also enjoy anything that involves being outdoors and enjoying natural beauty, including gardening, hiking, rock climbing, and traveling.
About Dr. Nicole Wilkerson
I was born in the South, but we steadily moved west until landing in Idaho, where I spent my teenage years and graduated from high school. Our first family pet was a stray dog who wandered into my parents' workplace. From that moment on, we always had dogs and cats, and then horses and even 4-H sheep. We spent plenty of time at the veterinary hospital with our cat, Lucky, who was not so lucky and used all his nine lives, the dogs who always managed to find a skunk, and the horses who got into new trouble around every barn corner. One of those amazing vets gave me my first high school job, and I never looked back.
I went to Colorado State University for undergraduate and veterinary school. I fell in love with Colorado and the mountains, and after living in many places as a child, I still feel most at home when I return to the Colorado Rockies.
I started my career in shelter medicine, then spent some time in general practice before returning to work at a non-profit, providing wellness care and spay/neuter services. I love providing services for pets and families who may otherwise not have access to care. Even more, I love connecting with people and supporting the bond they have with their beloved furry family members.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our family said goodbye to one of our beloved dogs. Circumstances limited the family who could be present, which made the situation so difficult. However, we were allowed to be outside during her passing and just being outside the emergency room walls brought so much peace. I want to help bring that peace to other families by helping their pets pass on surrounded by familiarity and love.
Outside of work, I can be found spending time with my family—attending marching band competitions, soccer games, and cross country and track meets. We have a dog and two mischievous cats that keep us entertained at home. I also love working in the yard, tending my bird feeders, traveling, hiking, reading, and watching college football.
About Dr. Katie Rodriguez
I am originally from Rochester, New York, which is very snowy, so I’m happy to be in sunny North Carolina! Animals have always been a part of my family and caring for them gives me great joy. I have also realized that I love meeting new people and helping them care for their pets. It's rewarding to work as a team with a pet parent to ensure their companion receives the best care possible.
I love helping clients care for their senior pets and ensuring they enjoy a good quality of life. I think it’s important to consider both the pet’s and the client’s needs when creating a treatment plan so it conforms to the owner’s goals for their pet and their abilities. I love coming up with creative solutions to problems and obstacles to pet care.
I have lost two pets to cancer. My cat died from lymphoma, and his euthanasia was performed at an emergency hospital. He was taken from me scared and fully awake, and I was told that he struggled when they placed his IV catheter. Then they had me hold him down while they sedated him. It’s still a traumatic memory, and I don’t want any animal to die like that—scared and traumatized.
My dog died peacefully at home, thanks to a Lap of Love veterinarian. Although his euthanasia was peaceful, I felt like the oncologist gave me no guidance on end-of-life care. They told me his cancer had spread and they didn't think chemotherapy would help, and sent us on our way. I strive to ensure no pet owner feels directionless and alone. Because I have had these experiences, I know it can be done better.
Outside of work, I’m active in my community. I’m a member of community groups working to support strong public schools and marginalized groups such as LGBTQ and economically disadvantaged individuals, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I love spending time with my friends and family, including my two human children, three cats, and two dogs.
About Dr. Robbie Haskins
I grew up in Durham, North Carolina. I have known since I was 5 years old that I wanted to be a veterinarian. When my first dog, Bozo, contracted canine distemper and passed away, I knew I wanted to help animals. Although I was young, I remember feeling so helpless and I wanted to prevent other pets and families from going through what Bozo and I experienced. I also loved science so a veterinary career was the perfect fit.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University in 1991 and then completed veterinary school at the same university in 1995.
I enjoy all aspects of companion animal medicine. I also have many years of equine and food animal experience. I enjoy being a veterinarian because it continually provides me with opportunities to help people and their pets. I deeply respect the human-animal bond and appreciate being able to make a pet’s last moments peaceful and pain-free. I am honored to provide this service for families.
Outside of work, I enjoy working on my farm, riding horses, judging horse shows, and making horse show ribbons.
About Dr. Laura Savarese
As a young child, I lived all over the United States, but I spent most of my time growing up in Florida’s Tampa Bay area. My intention was always to head to North Carolina so that I would be able to enjoy the different seasons and visit both beaches and mountains.
We weren’t allowed to have pets when I was young, so when I got my first dog at 18, it was incredibly important to me that I gave her the best care possible. I wanted to learn everything I could, so I switched majors to a veterinary technology program at St. Petersburg College. I then went on to complete my undergraduate degree in Biology and Animal Science at the University of Florida. One thing led to another, and while working as a certified veterinary technician, I was encouraged to go to veterinary school. I completed my veterinary degree at UF.
I enjoy all aspects of small animal medicine. I spent five years working in a feline-only practice, where I became well-versed in all things cat-related. I enjoy caring for my patients in a fear-free manner that meets both their comfort and medical needs.
While in veterinary school, by some sort of serendipity, I lost my soul dog while taking a euthanasia and pet loss course—which was co-taught by Lap of Love’s own Dr. Dani McVety. My dog was the reason I got started in veterinary medicine. Her vet came to our home and we gave her the happiest of goodbyes.
It is an honor to be able to help people and pets through such an impactful time and to make a positive memory from what can be an extremely difficult decision.
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and kindling her love of art, science, and reading. We do lots of crafts, museum visits, reading, and traveling.
About Dr. Linda Sands
I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. We lived blocks away from the St. Johns River, where I spent time fishing and swimming—including with the manatees when they were close!
As a child, I was always outdoors fishing, building tree forts, picking oranges and blackberries, or simply exploring nature. I loved climbing the huge live oaks. I can’t remember a time when I didn't want to be a veterinarian.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in agriculture and my Master of Science degree in medical microbiology at the University of Georgia. At the age of 40, when my children were in middle and high school, I went back to school and completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University.
As a veterinarian and animal lover, I love witnessing the human-animal bond. I love people and truly enjoy helping my clients make the best decisions for their pets. As a lifelong dog and cat owner, it makes my heart ache to see them suffering from diseases or other age-related problems. I have always believed that it was such a gift to allow suffering pets to die with dignity by euthanasia.
Pets are part of our families and I recognize the emotional and difficult decisions owners often have to make at the end of a pet's life. Most of my own pets were euthanized at the end of their lives. Although it was difficult to let them go, I knew my family and I were making the most loving choice. As a Lap of Love veterinarian, I bring the gift of compassion to every visit, and I am honored and fulfilled by comforting pets and their owners during this precious time.
When I’m not caring for pets, I love playing games, bike riding, and crafting. I've been married for over 40 years and we have two adult children and six grandchildren. I love spending time with them, especially on family game nights.
About Dr. Karen Heffernan
I spent most of my childhood moving every three to four years between cities in Europe and what was then the Soviet Union because of my father’s job. Like many veterinarians, my love for animals was apparent at a young age. However, due to pet allergies that I thankfully outgrew, I got my fix by playing with and feeding street cats in the cities where we resided. I am proud to say I only contracted ringworm once, and it was totally worth it. I couldn’t resist a litter of kittens performing acrobatics on a moped in Rome!
My first and only family pet growing up was a cat rescued from an abandoned building in Moscow. Her one visit to a Soviet veterinarian is a memory I will never forget. Located on the first floor of a large city building, the exam room window was open to the street, where the clinic cat perched, observing the exam. By some miracle, my cat did not bolt out the window! As interesting as this experience was, it wasn’t until after graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in political science that I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
While living in the Bay Area after college, I had the unique opportunity to volunteer as an animal care assistant at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. This experience, along with inspiration from the late, renowned Dr. James Harris of Oakland, CA—who gently and compassionately cared for my small menagerie—nudged me closer to pursuing veterinary medicine. I confirmed my desired career path after working as a vet assistant at a Brooklyn, NY animal hospital for one year before moving to North Carolina, where I delved into pre-vet classes at NC State. I was accepted as one of the handful of older students into NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s graduating class of 2005.
Following graduation, I joined a small animal general practice in Durham, where I worked for nearly 20 years. While I enjoyed the medicine, I recognized it was the human-animal bond that gave practicing medicine meaning. I found my greatest joy working alongside individuals and families as we navigated care plans for their beloved pets, from the first kitten and puppy visits to the most difficult decision of saying goodbye. Due to the schedule constraints of general practice, in-home euthanasia was rarely a service I could offer, but it became increasingly important for me to honor the human-animal bond by guiding owners through the last chapter of their pet’s life and providing a peaceful passing in the comfort of their home.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I’m a busy mom of three teenage daughters, three dogs, and three cats. Whenever possible, I seek out the solitude of hiking and sometimes invite my husband along!
About Dr. Christina Ann Fourre
I grew up outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a town called Bloomington. Living there as a kid was a blast because my home was surrounded by woods and lakes, which provided the ideal environment to grow my love of animals and wildlife. And grow it did—I attended the University of North Carolina in Wilmington to pursue a biology degree, where I decided veterinary medicine was the right path for me.
The experience that solidified my career choice was a trip to Nicaragua with an organization called World Vets. I assisted in low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and helped provide wellness services to livestock, dogs, and cats. The people there needed help, and it felt good to give it. I looked up to the vets during that experience and wanted to one day be like them.
I attended North Carolina State University for my veterinary degree and started my career as a general practitioner. I love caring for pets and their people, and being a veterinarian gives me that opportunity each day.
My clinical interests include surgery, client education, and easing the burden on pet owners during their pet’s end-of-life transition. I provide hospice and home euthanasia services through Lap of Love so I can make one of the hardest days for each family a little bit easier.
Outside the veterinary clinic, I like to cook, hike, practice yoga, and spend time with my dogs, friends, and family.
About Dr. Kristen Niemann
I grew up in a small rural town in upstate New York called Youngsville. When most people think of New York, they picture the big city, but I grew up playing in the woods, riding four-wheelers, and spending time with friends on dairy farms.
My 15-year-old cat, Shadow, and his talented veterinarian were the ones who set me on the path to becoming a veterinarian. When Shadow was diagnosed with diabetes, we took him to an amazing veterinarian who compassionately cared for Shadow while supporting my family. I was in awe of her communication and client education skills and realized that someone like that can make the biggest difference in the life of pets and their families. It was then that I decided I wanted to become a vet and help families like mine when they need it most.
Inspired by my experience with Shadow, I completed my undergraduate studies at Elmira College in New York, where I majored in biology and minored in chemistry. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee. During my time at UT, I became a devoted Rocky Top Fan, and discovered my love for NCAA football—I still bleed orange.
As a veterinarian, I have worked in general practice and high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter (HQHVSN) clinics. I enjoy helping animals and families who are most in need, particularly shelter pets and pets nearing the end of their life. My time working in shelter medicine with geriatric pets has shaped me into the veterinarian I am today and led me to my role at Lap of Love. I feel honored to be able to give pets the gift of a peaceful passing at home with their family where they are comfortable and calm.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, gardening, hiking, camping, skiing, and especially golfing. I also enjoy reading, drawing, painting, and woodworking.
About Dr. Allison Williams
I was born in Dayton, Ohio, but moved with my family to the South when I was 6 years old. I have always loved animals and science. I knew I wanted to find a way to combine my passions that would benefit animals and people, and veterinary medicine was the clear choice.
I completed my undergraduate studies in biology and animal science at Alcorn State University, a historically black university (HBU) in Lorman, Mississippi, before attending veterinary school at Mississippi State University. After receiving my veterinary degree, I completed a residency at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
For 25 years, I worked as a laboratory animal veterinarian, providing care and support for animals used in biomedical research. I advocated for the care and humane treatment of animals while contributing to life-saving therapies and treatments for animals and people. I have also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Boehringer Ingelheim, a major developer of pet medicines and vaccines, and—most recently—a leading pharmaceutical company based out of Massachusetts.
I’ve lost many pets over the years, and it’s never easy to say goodbye to a cherished member of your family. However, I find comfort in knowing I can give pets a peaceful and pain-free passing. Families and pets deserve to say their final goodbyes in the quiet, familiar comfort of their home, and I am honored to use my role at Lap of Love to provide this experience for pets and help families through this difficult process.
When I am not working, I enjoy gardening. My home is filled with all kinds of plants, and I love to see them bloom and thrive. Watching the butterflies in my yard warms my heart, and the hummingbirds always let me know when their feeders need refilling. I also enjoy hiking and caring for my three dogs and cat as well as my many “grandcats” and “granddogs.”
About Dr. Olivia Ross
I lived in a few different places growing up, but I spent the majority of my childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I moved to North Carolina to go to college and have lived here ever since, so I now consider Raleigh my hometown. I love the beautiful season changes, proximity to both mountains and the beach, and, of course, the welcoming Southern hospitality. I have always had an indescribable connection with animals. It started with our family dogs and then flourished when I took up horseback riding in high school.
I went to North Carolina State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. It wasn’t until after graduation and several animal-related jobs—working on a ranch as a trail ride guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, studying mice in a lab, and then working as a veterinary assistant in a general practice hospital—that I decided to go to veterinary school. These experiences sparked my passion for veterinary medicine and it's been the perfect fit—I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
I attended vet school at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. My favorite part of being a veterinarian is the relationships I get to make with pets and their parents. While I initially got into the field because of my passion for animals, I have come to cherish the connections I have made with pet parents just as much.
We said goodbye to my childhood dog, Skippy, shortly after I became a vet. The end-of-life process was not as compassionate and peaceful as I would have hoped because it was in the cold, clinical setting of a hospital. I strongly believe that allowing a pet to pass in a peaceful, loving manner is such an important gift to give to our furry loved ones. I believe that every pet deserves to pass in an environment where the focus is entirely on them and they can be showered in love.
I have three pets of my own: two dogs, Lyla and RZA, and a cat, Kimchi. I cherish spending time at home with them and my fiancée. I also enjoy anything that involves being outdoors and enjoying natural beauty, including gardening, hiking, rock climbing, and traveling.
About Dr. Nicole Wilkerson
I was born in the South, but we steadily moved west until landing in Idaho, where I spent my teenage years and graduated from high school. Our first family pet was a stray dog who wandered into my parents' workplace. From that moment on, we always had dogs and cats, and then horses and even 4-H sheep. We spent plenty of time at the veterinary hospital with our cat, Lucky, who was not so lucky and used all his nine lives, the dogs who always managed to find a skunk, and the horses who got into new trouble around every barn corner. One of those amazing vets gave me my first high school job, and I never looked back.
I went to Colorado State University for undergraduate and veterinary school. I fell in love with Colorado and the mountains, and after living in many places as a child, I still feel most at home when I return to the Colorado Rockies.
I started my career in shelter medicine, then spent some time in general practice before returning to work at a non-profit, providing wellness care and spay/neuter services. I love providing services for pets and families who may otherwise not have access to care. Even more, I love connecting with people and supporting the bond they have with their beloved furry family members.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our family said goodbye to one of our beloved dogs. Circumstances limited the family who could be present, which made the situation so difficult. However, we were allowed to be outside during her passing and just being outside the emergency room walls brought so much peace. I want to help bring that peace to other families by helping their pets pass on surrounded by familiarity and love.
Outside of work, I can be found spending time with my family—attending marching band competitions, soccer games, and cross country and track meets. We have a dog and two mischievous cats that keep us entertained at home. I also love working in the yard, tending my bird feeders, traveling, hiking, reading, and watching college football.
About Dr. Katie Rodriguez
I am originally from Rochester, New York, which is very snowy, so I’m happy to be in sunny North Carolina! Animals have always been a part of my family and caring for them gives me great joy. I have also realized that I love meeting new people and helping them care for their pets. It's rewarding to work as a team with a pet parent to ensure their companion receives the best care possible.
I love helping clients care for their senior pets and ensuring they enjoy a good quality of life. I think it’s important to consider both the pet’s and the client’s needs when creating a treatment plan so it conforms to the owner’s goals for their pet and their abilities. I love coming up with creative solutions to problems and obstacles to pet care.
I have lost two pets to cancer. My cat died from lymphoma, and his euthanasia was performed at an emergency hospital. He was taken from me scared and fully awake, and I was told that he struggled when they placed his IV catheter. Then they had me hold him down while they sedated him. It’s still a traumatic memory, and I don’t want any animal to die like that—scared and traumatized.
My dog died peacefully at home, thanks to a Lap of Love veterinarian. Although his euthanasia was peaceful, I felt like the oncologist gave me no guidance on end-of-life care. They told me his cancer had spread and they didn't think chemotherapy would help, and sent us on our way. I strive to ensure no pet owner feels directionless and alone. Because I have had these experiences, I know it can be done better.
Outside of work, I’m active in my community. I’m a member of community groups working to support strong public schools and marginalized groups such as LGBTQ and economically disadvantaged individuals, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. I love spending time with my friends and family, including my two human children, three cats, and two dogs.
About Dr. Robbie Haskins
I grew up in Durham, North Carolina. I have known since I was 5 years old that I wanted to be a veterinarian. When my first dog, Bozo, contracted canine distemper and passed away, I knew I wanted to help animals. Although I was young, I remember feeling so helpless and I wanted to prevent other pets and families from going through what Bozo and I experienced. I also loved science so a veterinary career was the perfect fit.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University in 1991 and then completed veterinary school at the same university in 1995.
I enjoy all aspects of companion animal medicine. I also have many years of equine and food animal experience. I enjoy being a veterinarian because it continually provides me with opportunities to help people and their pets. I deeply respect the human-animal bond and appreciate being able to make a pet’s last moments peaceful and pain-free. I am honored to provide this service for families.
Outside of work, I enjoy working on my farm, riding horses, judging horse shows, and making horse show ribbons.
About Dr. Laura Savarese
As a young child, I lived all over the United States, but I spent most of my time growing up in Florida’s Tampa Bay area. My intention was always to head to North Carolina so that I would be able to enjoy the different seasons and visit both beaches and mountains.
We weren’t allowed to have pets when I was young, so when I got my first dog at 18, it was incredibly important to me that I gave her the best care possible. I wanted to learn everything I could, so I switched majors to a veterinary technology program at St. Petersburg College. I then went on to complete my undergraduate degree in Biology and Animal Science at the University of Florida. One thing led to another, and while working as a certified veterinary technician, I was encouraged to go to veterinary school. I completed my veterinary degree at UF.
I enjoy all aspects of small animal medicine. I spent five years working in a feline-only practice, where I became well-versed in all things cat-related. I enjoy caring for my patients in a fear-free manner that meets both their comfort and medical needs.
While in veterinary school, by some sort of serendipity, I lost my soul dog while taking a euthanasia and pet loss course—which was co-taught by Lap of Love’s own Dr. Dani McVety. My dog was the reason I got started in veterinary medicine. Her vet came to our home and we gave her the happiest of goodbyes.
It is an honor to be able to help people and pets through such an impactful time and to make a positive memory from what can be an extremely difficult decision.
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and kindling her love of art, science, and reading. We do lots of crafts, museum visits, reading, and traveling.
About Dr. Linda Sands
I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. We lived blocks away from the St. Johns River, where I spent time fishing and swimming—including with the manatees when they were close!
As a child, I was always outdoors fishing, building tree forts, picking oranges and blackberries, or simply exploring nature. I loved climbing the huge live oaks. I can’t remember a time when I didn't want to be a veterinarian.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in agriculture and my Master of Science degree in medical microbiology at the University of Georgia. At the age of 40, when my children were in middle and high school, I went back to school and completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University.
As a veterinarian and animal lover, I love witnessing the human-animal bond. I love people and truly enjoy helping my clients make the best decisions for their pets. As a lifelong dog and cat owner, it makes my heart ache to see them suffering from diseases or other age-related problems. I have always believed that it was such a gift to allow suffering pets to die with dignity by euthanasia.
Pets are part of our families and I recognize the emotional and difficult decisions owners often have to make at the end of a pet's life. Most of my own pets were euthanized at the end of their lives. Although it was difficult to let them go, I knew my family and I were making the most loving choice. As a Lap of Love veterinarian, I bring the gift of compassion to every visit, and I am honored and fulfilled by comforting pets and their owners during this precious time.
When I’m not caring for pets, I love playing games, bike riding, and crafting. I've been married for over 40 years and we have two adult children and six grandchildren. I love spending time with them, especially on family game nights.
About Dr. Karen Heffernan
I spent most of my childhood moving every three to four years between cities in Europe and what was then the Soviet Union because of my father’s job. Like many veterinarians, my love for animals was apparent at a young age. However, due to pet allergies that I thankfully outgrew, I got my fix by playing with and feeding street cats in the cities where we resided. I am proud to say I only contracted ringworm once, and it was totally worth it. I couldn’t resist a litter of kittens performing acrobatics on a moped in Rome!
My first and only family pet growing up was a cat rescued from an abandoned building in Moscow. Her one visit to a Soviet veterinarian is a memory I will never forget. Located on the first floor of a large city building, the exam room window was open to the street, where the clinic cat perched, observing the exam. By some miracle, my cat did not bolt out the window! As interesting as this experience was, it wasn’t until after graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in political science that I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
While living in the Bay Area after college, I had the unique opportunity to volunteer as an animal care assistant at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. This experience, along with inspiration from the late, renowned Dr. James Harris of Oakland, CA—who gently and compassionately cared for my small menagerie—nudged me closer to pursuing veterinary medicine. I confirmed my desired career path after working as a vet assistant at a Brooklyn, NY animal hospital for one year before moving to North Carolina, where I delved into pre-vet classes at NC State. I was accepted as one of the handful of older students into NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s graduating class of 2005.
Following graduation, I joined a small animal general practice in Durham, where I worked for nearly 20 years. While I enjoyed the medicine, I recognized it was the human-animal bond that gave practicing medicine meaning. I found my greatest joy working alongside individuals and families as we navigated care plans for their beloved pets, from the first kitten and puppy visits to the most difficult decision of saying goodbye. Due to the schedule constraints of general practice, in-home euthanasia was rarely a service I could offer, but it became increasingly important for me to honor the human-animal bond by guiding owners through the last chapter of their pet’s life and providing a peaceful passing in the comfort of their home.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I’m a busy mom of three teenage daughters, three dogs, and three cats. Whenever possible, I seek out the solitude of hiking and sometimes invite my husband along!
About Dr. Christina Ann Fourre
I grew up outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a town called Bloomington. Living there as a kid was a blast because my home was surrounded by woods and lakes, which provided the ideal environment to grow my love of animals and wildlife. And grow it did—I attended the University of North Carolina in Wilmington to pursue a biology degree, where I decided veterinary medicine was the right path for me.
The experience that solidified my career choice was a trip to Nicaragua with an organization called World Vets. I assisted in low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and helped provide wellness services to livestock, dogs, and cats. The people there needed help, and it felt good to give it. I looked up to the vets during that experience and wanted to one day be like them.
I attended North Carolina State University for my veterinary degree and started my career as a general practitioner. I love caring for pets and their people, and being a veterinarian gives me that opportunity each day.
My clinical interests include surgery, client education, and easing the burden on pet owners during their pet’s end-of-life transition. I provide hospice and home euthanasia services through Lap of Love so I can make one of the hardest days for each family a little bit easier.
Outside the veterinary clinic, I like to cook, hike, practice yoga, and spend time with my dogs, friends, and family.