Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Maria Rogers
I spent most of my childhood in Dayton, Tennessee, a small town—though not so small anymore—outside of Chattanooga. From the moment I learned what a veterinarian was, I knew I wanted to be one. I started riding horses at 5 years old, and when I observed our veterinarian care for them, I decided that I also wanted to help animals feel better. In elementary school, we were asked to draw our future job, and, of course, I drew a veterinarian—it’s been a constant throughout my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.I completed my undergraduate studies and attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee—go Vols!
As an avid Tennessee football fan, there was no other school for me. I have experience working in equine and mixed-animal practices, caring for small and large animals. Regardless of the animal’s size, I enjoy connecting with families. During an appointment, I ask as many questions about an owner’s relationship with their pet as I do about the animal’s clinical history. As a general practitioner, I am grateful I have the ability to spare an animal from pain and suffering at the end of their life, and I'm very open and honest with families about deciding when the time is right. I was fortunate to have parents that allowed me to be with our animals as they passed, and I know how important it is for families to be present for those final precious moments with their pet.
One of my greatest reminders to families facing the end of life stages with their pet is that it's better to say goodbye to a pet a few days too soon than a moment too late. We naturally want to hold on to them as long as we can, but it's our duty as pet owners to give them the dignity of leaving earth when the time is right with as little pain as possible. I feel fortunate to be able to be a part of one of the most selfless acts and the last gift we can give pets after they dedicate their lives to loving us.
My biggest passion is riding horses, and when I’m not working, I enjoy spending time on my family’s small hobby farm, where we have several horses. I also enjoy cooking, quality time with my husband, and lazy days on the couch with my sweet dog, Bentley.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Rachel Moe
I grew up in the Northeast, and spent most of my summers in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. I loved to swim, walk, pick wild blueberries with my grandmother, and beg my aunt to let me take her little dog on yet another walk. My grandfather taught me how to fish and build a campfire, and the importance of being honest and true. I miss them both with all my heart.
I decided to become a veterinarian on September 11, 2001. When the twin towers fell, I was living in Corning, New York—not too close, but not far enough away to avoid being touched by this tragedy. It was a turning point for me. I decided to leave an unsatisfying career and chase what made me truly happy. A life-long love of animals and nature, a penchant for science, and great mentors led me to veterinary medicine. The decision woke me up, and I started loving life again. Twenty-seven years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, I earned my veterinary degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating magna cum laude.
My veterinary career has focused on small animal general practice. My first position was at a practice that saw their own emergencies, which meant I was often on call. The past 11 years, prior to joining Lap of Love, I worked at a corporate veterinary practice.
I lost my first dog, Cosmoe, to a meningioma, which is a tumor of the central nervous system’s lining. Cosmoe’s symptoms were subtle at first, but then progressed rapidly. She was 16 years old, and I knew her prognosis was poor. For a short time, I stayed at home and held her, since that was what made her most comfortable. I made the decision to bring her in to my hospital and have a colleague perform the euthanasia. I was the only person she still recognized, and I am comforted to know I was the last person she saw, heard, and smelled—her hound dog nose worked to the very end. Since that day, geriatric pets and their caretakers hold a special place in my heart. I feel closest to families during a pet’s last appointment. Having puppies and kittens is great, but those are happy, easy times. When things are difficult, the news is grim, or an uncomfortable truth needs to be spoken— that's where I am needed. I enjoy helping pet owners do the right thing, and alleviating any fear or guilt they have. To be the trusted provider of that care is most important to me.
When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, hiking, camping, freediving, birdwatching, travel, and cheering on my Auburn Tigers—War Eagle!
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Maria Rogers
I spent most of my childhood in Dayton, Tennessee, a small town—though not so small anymore—outside of Chattanooga. From the moment I learned what a veterinarian was, I knew I wanted to be one. I started riding horses at 5 years old, and when I observed our veterinarian care for them, I decided that I also wanted to help animals feel better. In elementary school, we were asked to draw our future job, and, of course, I drew a veterinarian—it’s been a constant throughout my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.I completed my undergraduate studies and attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee—go Vols!
As an avid Tennessee football fan, there was no other school for me. I have experience working in equine and mixed-animal practices, caring for small and large animals. Regardless of the animal’s size, I enjoy connecting with families. During an appointment, I ask as many questions about an owner’s relationship with their pet as I do about the animal’s clinical history. As a general practitioner, I am grateful I have the ability to spare an animal from pain and suffering at the end of their life, and I'm very open and honest with families about deciding when the time is right. I was fortunate to have parents that allowed me to be with our animals as they passed, and I know how important it is for families to be present for those final precious moments with their pet.
One of my greatest reminders to families facing the end of life stages with their pet is that it's better to say goodbye to a pet a few days too soon than a moment too late. We naturally want to hold on to them as long as we can, but it's our duty as pet owners to give them the dignity of leaving earth when the time is right with as little pain as possible. I feel fortunate to be able to be a part of one of the most selfless acts and the last gift we can give pets after they dedicate their lives to loving us.
My biggest passion is riding horses, and when I’m not working, I enjoy spending time on my family’s small hobby farm, where we have several horses. I also enjoy cooking, quality time with my husband, and lazy days on the couch with my sweet dog, Bentley.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Rachel Moe
I grew up in the Northeast, and spent most of my summers in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. I loved to swim, walk, pick wild blueberries with my grandmother, and beg my aunt to let me take her little dog on yet another walk. My grandfather taught me how to fish and build a campfire, and the importance of being honest and true. I miss them both with all my heart.
I decided to become a veterinarian on September 11, 2001. When the twin towers fell, I was living in Corning, New York—not too close, but not far enough away to avoid being touched by this tragedy. It was a turning point for me. I decided to leave an unsatisfying career and chase what made me truly happy. A life-long love of animals and nature, a penchant for science, and great mentors led me to veterinary medicine. The decision woke me up, and I started loving life again. Twenty-seven years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, I earned my veterinary degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating magna cum laude.
My veterinary career has focused on small animal general practice. My first position was at a practice that saw their own emergencies, which meant I was often on call. The past 11 years, prior to joining Lap of Love, I worked at a corporate veterinary practice.
I lost my first dog, Cosmoe, to a meningioma, which is a tumor of the central nervous system’s lining. Cosmoe’s symptoms were subtle at first, but then progressed rapidly. She was 16 years old, and I knew her prognosis was poor. For a short time, I stayed at home and held her, since that was what made her most comfortable. I made the decision to bring her in to my hospital and have a colleague perform the euthanasia. I was the only person she still recognized, and I am comforted to know I was the last person she saw, heard, and smelled—her hound dog nose worked to the very end. Since that day, geriatric pets and their caretakers hold a special place in my heart. I feel closest to families during a pet’s last appointment. Having puppies and kittens is great, but those are happy, easy times. When things are difficult, the news is grim, or an uncomfortable truth needs to be spoken— that's where I am needed. I enjoy helping pet owners do the right thing, and alleviating any fear or guilt they have. To be the trusted provider of that care is most important to me.
When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, hiking, camping, freediving, birdwatching, travel, and cheering on my Auburn Tigers—War Eagle!
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Maria Rogers
I spent most of my childhood in Dayton, Tennessee, a small town—though not so small anymore—outside of Chattanooga. From the moment I learned what a veterinarian was, I knew I wanted to be one. I started riding horses at 5 years old, and when I observed our veterinarian care for them, I decided that I also wanted to help animals feel better. In elementary school, we were asked to draw our future job, and, of course, I drew a veterinarian—it’s been a constant throughout my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.I completed my undergraduate studies and attended veterinary school at the University of Tennessee—go Vols!
As an avid Tennessee football fan, there was no other school for me. I have experience working in equine and mixed-animal practices, caring for small and large animals. Regardless of the animal’s size, I enjoy connecting with families. During an appointment, I ask as many questions about an owner’s relationship with their pet as I do about the animal’s clinical history. As a general practitioner, I am grateful I have the ability to spare an animal from pain and suffering at the end of their life, and I'm very open and honest with families about deciding when the time is right. I was fortunate to have parents that allowed me to be with our animals as they passed, and I know how important it is for families to be present for those final precious moments with their pet.
One of my greatest reminders to families facing the end of life stages with their pet is that it's better to say goodbye to a pet a few days too soon than a moment too late. We naturally want to hold on to them as long as we can, but it's our duty as pet owners to give them the dignity of leaving earth when the time is right with as little pain as possible. I feel fortunate to be able to be a part of one of the most selfless acts and the last gift we can give pets after they dedicate their lives to loving us.
My biggest passion is riding horses, and when I’m not working, I enjoy spending time on my family’s small hobby farm, where we have several horses. I also enjoy cooking, quality time with my husband, and lazy days on the couch with my sweet dog, Bentley.
Pronouns: She/Her