In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Dayton & Surrounding Areas

I grew up on a ranch in Northern California and later earned a Bachelor of Science in physics at Miami University in Oxford, OH. After graduation, I proudly served my country for 5 years as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force.  As our family grew, I developed a desire to fulfill my lifelong passion and pursue a future in veterinary medicine. I graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on livestock medicine.

After graduation, I purchased a mobile large animal practice in Northern California. For several years, I served my community as a veterinarian, a mother, a school board member, a community volunteer, and finally as a county commissioner. Through all these endeavors, I learned one very important lesson; every person and every situation is unique. There is no magic formula that will work for everyone, whether we are discussing a child’s education, a building permit, a dairy's milking plan, or a family’s vision of their final moments with their beloved pet. I am honored to be a part of Lap of Love here in Ohio as I feel it is a gift to be able to help ease suffering and provide comfort to pets and the families that love them. Animals, and the joy which they bring us, are my true passion in life.  

When I am not helping families, I am tending to my 3 children, dogs, cats, horses, goats, and any stray/foster/injured animals my children bring home. 

A purebred Ohioan, I was lucky to grow up with a mother that taught me the immense value of an animals’ life. We spent our time rescuing animals in need, whether a stray kitten or an injured bird. As I grew up, I was formally introduced to animal welfare when I worked as a vet assistant at an animal shelter in New Orleans. The impact of their veterinary team inspired me to return home to attend The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, I pursued additional education, completing a small animal academic internship as well as graduate certificates in veterinary forensics and shelter medicine. I’ve since landed on positions that both combine my interests and foster personal and professional growth.

For the past several years, I have dedicated my life to providing access to veterinary care, including end-of-life care, in remote and rural Arizona communities. Empathy and non-judgment have been my guideposts as I serve families and patients, supporting their human-animal bond. This has facilitated a high level of compassion, kindness, and trust-building with the families I serve. While our relationships are sometimes brief it is an honor when a client extends an invitation into their home to help support the health and welfare of their pets.

I feel very fortunate to fulfill the Lap of Love mission of providing the highest-quality care to pets and their people at what is, for many, among the most challenging times in their lives. Having recently said goodbye to my own geriatric dog and cat (both rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina), I can identify with the emotional weight of realizing our pets are reaching the end of their lives. While the decisions surrounding how and when to help them pass on can be difficult, I am so thankful that as pet-lovers we are able to give that final gesture of love. Together, we can ensure the gift of a comfortable and peaceful end to your beloved pet’s life.

I grew up in the small town of Lakeview, Ohio, but I always tell people I’m from Indian Lake (Go Lakers!). I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since the third grade and am lucky enough to be living my childhood dream. When I was in high school, I got a job at a veterinary clinic and my experience there solidified my career path.

After graduating high school, I attended the University of Findlay, a small private college, where I completed my undergraduate studies. From there I transitioned to The Ohio State University where I earned my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree. I’ve spent the past 15+ years of my career working in general practice and have had the privilege of helping countless pets and their families. Throughout this time, I’ve grown to love the aspects of my job that allow me to connect with families. I enjoy working together with a family to manage behavioral issues or improve quality of life by overcoming the challenges that our senior pets face.

I’ve found that some of the best connections are built through the most delicate and vulnerable times. As a young veterinarian, I learned very quickly that the end-of-life experience for pets and their families is such an important aspect (perhaps even the most important) of veterinary medicine. As quality of life can no longer be preserved, I am thankful to have the ability to provide a peaceful passing for a pet, allowing them to remain in their most calm, familiar, and comfortable environment for those final moments with their family. For these reasons, I’ve always chosen in-home euthanasia for my own pets as well.

In my spare time, I love taking long walks and enjoy cooking, crafting, and spending quality time with my husband, children, and our young standard poodle, who keeps us on our toes!

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio next to the famous Kings Island amusement park. The park spans 364 acres, and it was every kid’s dream to live near such a fun place. While I enjoyed visiting the amusement park, visiting the zoo was my favorite thing to do as a kid. I made it my mission to see as many animals as possible every time I visited, and I soon discovered a passion not only for animals but also for the biological sciences. A career in veterinary medicine seemed like the perfect fit. 

I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school at Ohio State University in Columbus and practiced small animal general medicine in Dayton for several years after graduating. I enjoy many aspects of my job, especially surgery and behavioral medicine. I want my animal patients to feel as comfortable as possible when they come to see me, and I use low-stress handling techniques to help pets feel less anxious when they are being treated. Knowing that I can make a trip to the vet a positive experience for pets and their families is rewarding to me. 

Joining the Lap of Love team gives me the opportunity to end an animal’s suffering in a way that feels comfortable and special for both the pet and their family. I strive to make every goodbye personal and meaningful, and I look forward to supporting pets and people in this role. 

My hobbies outside of work include hiking with my husband and our dog, reading—usually fantasy or science fiction—and hands-on activities like sewing, furniture restoration, and knitting. I'm always looking for a new skill to learn.