In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Berks

I grew up in a small town outside of Buffalo, NY called Alden. I wanted to be a vet from the time I could walk, bringing home stray cats, clearing innocent worms from sidewalks after the rain fell, and watching nature programs without ceasing. I evolved from there, finally getting a dog at 8 and beginning to ride horses at 10. I went to veterinary school at Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Within the field, I enjoy an eclectic smattering of disciplines, including beef feedlot medicine, exotic medicine, and the human-animal bond.

Being a veterinarian allows me to pursue my passion for helping people, and I understand that when I am working with someone’s pet, it’s their beloved family member and the family is just as important as the pet. I unfortunately have lost several pets in my life, from birds to horses, but the most devastating to me was when my 8 year old dog went into sudden cardiac failure and died in my arms, just 3 months after I had euthanized my kitty, Severus, from cancer. These experiences have cemented the difficulty of saying goodbye to a beloved friend, and it is also why I love being able to help families say goodbye and give their friend the most dignified passing that they can. In this career I have continued to learn, earning my Certified Veterinary Hospice and Euthanasia Practitioner certification, as well as my certification in Thanatology, or the study of death, dying, and bereavement.

Outside of veterinary medicine I enjoy running everything from 5ks to ultramarathons, kayaking, trainspotting, hunting, painting, gardening, playing piano, reading, quantum physics and astronomy. I am an active member of Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomy Society, the Nickel Plate Railroad Historical and Technical Society, as well as St. John’s Reformed Church and its choir. 

Pronouns: She/Her

Ever since I learned that marine biologists don’t spend all day swimming with dolphins, I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian. I grew up in Easton, PA, dreaming of being just like James Herriot. After completing a bachelor’s degree at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, I graduated veterinary school from his alma mater, the University of Glasgow. After graduation, I relocated to Frederick, MD and started at a mixed animal practice that enabled me to help families of both the “small” and “large” variety. While there, I realized that the times I felt most fulfilled involved guiding families through end of life decisions for their furry family members.

After attending several lectures presented by Dr. Dani McVety and Dr. Mary Gardner, I had a bit of a light-bulb moment when it became apparent that end of life care was a real career option. Shortly after returning home from that conference, my own dog fell ill. Hogan had been there for me and my family through quite a few major life events, and I ended up having to help him gain his wings after a brief battle with cancer. Being able to give him the gift of being in his own backyard (his favorite place to lay and people watch) cemented in my mind that I wanted to be able to do the same for other families.

Aside from veterinary life, I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs, Rocky, the black lab and Willow, the boxer mix. I also enjoy photography, singing, musical theatre, reading, crafts, camping, traveling, and horseback riding, and have also started flyball training with Willow.

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up on a small farm outside of Saratoga Springs, New York. I enjoyed caring for all the animals there, from dogs and cats to chickens and horses. I also watched intently as our local veterinarian diagnosed and treated our family pets, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to do the same. 

I attended Colgate University for my undergraduate degree and earned my veterinary medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. I practiced equine medicine for five years after graduation, then shifted gears to small animal medicine.

Helping pet owners understand complex diagnoses and navigate care decisions is a deeply rewarding aspect of being a vet, but end-of-life care is my true passion. I provide services to pets and their families through Lap of Love because alleviating pain and offering compassion and comfort are the most important things veterinarians can do for our patients.

Having lost both of my dogs, Henry and Rhonan, in the past few years, I understand what pet owners are going through. Although it was gut-wrenching to say goodbye, providing each of them with a pain-free passing was such a gift. I hope to provide the same peaceful and painless transition for the pets in my care.

Outside of work, you can most likely find me outside. I enjoy almost any outdoor activity, particularly gardening, running, and mountain biking with my son.