Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I spent my childhood in Bangor, Maine before moving to Butler, New Jersey for high school. I loved growing up in the Maine community where I first realized my dream to help animals.  Veterinary medicine was actually my second childhood career choice—my mother says I initially wanted to be a lion tamer in the circus. I think I made the right decision! I loved school, and especially science and math, which fit well with my passion to pursue veterinary medicine. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Chestnut Hill College, a liberal arts, catholic women's college in Pennsylvania, before attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree. 

After graduating, I worked in small animal private practice for 19 years and then in a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) facility for eight years. I certainly enjoyed anesthesia and surgery, but I missed interacting closely with clients to solve difficult medical cases and improve their pet’s quality of life. 

Over the years, I’ve loved and lost many wonderful pets, and while there’s always a part of you that wants to keep them around because you can't bear the thought of not having them, I’ve learned that sometimes letting a pet go is the best, most loving decision you can make for them.

I am sincere in my desire to make a pet's end-of-life transition as smooth and peaceful as possible because I understand how important those final memories are for families as they heal. I often receive notes of appreciation from clients after I help their pet pass, thanking me for my empathy and support—I find that being a tiny female and a big hugger really helps people feel comforted. I know how difficult it is to part with our pets, and I am grateful to be able to make the experience a bit easier for families and their beloved pets. 

Outside of work, I enjoy doing CrossFit with my husband, rock climbing, and hiking—most recently in Iceland where we hiked to an active volcano. Clearly, I enjoy traveling, too. I also love organizing outings, such as escape rooms, arcades, amusement parks, segway tours, museums, ziplines, and other adventures, with friends.