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Dr. Stacy

Orlando & Surrounding Areas

I was born and raised in Decatur, IL, the “Soybean Capital of the World”. One of my fondest childhood memories is from my eleventh birthday, when a gray kitten wearing a pink bow jumped out of a box and into my heart. Being my first pet cat, Hilary (named after a character on "All My Children" in the 80s) was a gift that would pave my road to veterinary medicine. Through the years, she gave me comfort and made me laugh. I couldn’t imagine life without her. I’d always loved animals, but I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. Then one day, I honestly had one of those “aha moments" while standing in a pet store at the local mall. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for animals!

While in veterinary school at the University of Illinois, I gained experience with horses, cows, pigs and goats, but cats and dogs were still my favorites. I graduated with my DVM degree in 1999, and could not wait to escape the cold Midwestern winters to start my career in sunny Orlando, FL. Of course, Hilary moved along with me. She was starting to show signs of her advancing age. A few years later, while battling several chronic illnesses, I could see a decline in her quality of life and I knew it was time to say "goodbye". I loved Hilary for 18 years, and she taught me first-hand, the strength of the human-animal bond.

I have worked in small-animal, general practice now for over fifteen years, and I enjoy seeing excited “new parents” with puppies & kittens, but I find the challenges of caring for older companion animals to be much more rewarding. I have such respect for my aging patients, and I have had the privilege of seeing many of them through their entire lives. Our pets are living longer, and I strive to make their “golden years” the best they can be. And when it’s time, I want to make the end-of-life process less stressful and more peaceful for these beloved animals.

Our services

We’re here to support you when you need it

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

In-Home Euthanasia

At Lap of Love, we take the utmost pride in helping your pet experience a peaceful passing in the comfort and tranquility of their home.

Veterinary Hospice

Family-focused, in-home hospice care ensures your dog or cat is comfortable and happy during their final days.

Aftercare

From cremation to personal keepsakes, our aftercare services allow you to forever memorialize your beloved dog or cat.

Telehospice

Personal phone/video calls, during which a Lap of Love team member will help you gain clarity around what's best for your ailing or aging pet.

Pet Loss Support

Join our free, virtual Pet Loss Support Groups. Discussions are focused on healthy coping skills, grief reactions, and honoring the lives of your furry family member.

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Shannon

Jacksonville, Florida

Hershey came to be a part of our family almost 14 years ago. She came to us after we lost another dog and while I wasn't sure I was ready, it was the best decision we every made. She grew up along side our two daughters and helped raised a kitten when he came to be a part of our family as well. Everyone who met Hershey became a friend and there were LOTS of friends. When her health began to deteriorate, we did what we could to help her be as comfortable as possible. When it became clear that she wouldn't ever recover, the decision was made to call in Lap of Love. We saw it as the last gift we could give her, the gift of a peaceful goodbye. When Dr. Katie arrived, she went straight to Hershey and gave her a chocolate Hershey's kiss, a fitting treat. She pet her and spoke softly to her and listened to us reminisce about the life Hershey shared with us. When we were all comfortable, Dr. Katie gave Hershey the sedative and for the first time in months, we saw our Hershey relax and be comfortable. The ability to have our last memory be of Hershey curled up comfortably on her bed, in front of the fire place where she spent so much time was so comforting and peaceful for all of us. I know that she transitioned in the most comfortable way possible, surrounded by the people she loved. I cannot thank Dr. Katie and the Lap of Love family for loving our animals enough to provide this service. Love, Hershey's family, Shannon, Tom, Shelby, Savannah & Margaret

Valrico, Florida

My 18 year old kitty Lexy peacefully passed to heaven in my arms in her favorite spot in our home. It was sad and beautiful at the same time. Dr. Alli Peterson was wonderful! She explained the process and meds thoroughly and was so compassionate and patient. I used Laps of Love years ago too for my other cat. Both experiences made their dying process very sentimental. Highly recommend.

Kimberly

Bellport, New York

Letting my Lexie go was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Someone recommended Lap of Love and I couldn't be more grateful. Dr. Kristine was incredibly compassionate, patient and sweet. She explained everything step by step and was very gentle. Lexie passed peacefully in my arms and there aren't enough words to express how thankful I am for that. The keepsakes and the card were also very touching. Thank you, again, Dr. Kristine and Lap of Love- you are a godsend.

Arcadia

Jacksonville , Florida

Dr Sarah was amazing she was sweet and loving and caring it was like we had known her forever she gave us plenty of time as I said goodbye to my beautiful little girl and made the experience bearable thank you forever Sarah.

Fountain Valley, California

In a time that’s truly heart wrenching, Dr. Charlie was the perfect person to take us all through it with compassion and thoughtfulness. You can tell he understands the sorrow and offers the right words at the right times. We were so lucky to have him there at such a sad but important moment.

Kayla

Omaha , Nebraska

Dr Woodward was amazing. He was exactly what I needed to allow my baby to pass peacefully. I don’t know how I could have found the strength to let her go without him there to support me. It was truly one of the hardest days of my life. He was attentive, empathetic, educated and well spoken. He took his time and made sure I knew what to expect and when. It went exactly how he told me it would go and I never felt pressured or rushed. I will never forget his kind words and the email he sent me following up after our loss. He is truly a God send!

Valeri

Vero Beach, Florida

Dr. Katie was like and angel from heave in a very dark time for us. She was such a kind and calming presence when we needed just that. She reassured us we were doing the right thing for Pooh. She treated him with such tenderness and dignity, it was a beautiful experience even though it was one of our saddest days. I cannot recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Katie more highly.

Marc

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dr. Skiba expressed genuine understanding and comfort to help us through an incredibly difficult but natural, final part of life. She provided patient, informed and compassionate care, and afterwards, she reached out to us again with kind words and resources for extra support. Although we are still grieving, we will forever be thankful to Dr. Skiba in helping us secure a safe and loving passing for our beloved Hachi.

Colleen & Joe

Davie, Florida

Our 20YO kitty Stitches was going downhill fast. After meeting with the ER doctor and her regular doctor we made the decision to make sure she wasn't going to continue to be in pain. We then contacted Lap of Love. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Dr. Marlana Brown contacted us to advise she was on the way. When she arrived, she was so very kind. Her compassion, kind words and helpful answers to our questions only helped us to solidify our decision to help our little one. Guiding us through what was going to happen and letting us talk through our grief was so very thoughtful. She seemed to instinctively know what we needed to hear. It was a horrible time made so much easier by her sensitivity and counsel. We have 2 other 4 legged babies in our home and as we will probably need Lap of Love again, hopefully we will be able to request Dr. Brown to be part of our care team for our girls. Thank you Lap of Love, and thank you Dr. Brown for being there for us. Colleen, Joe, Molly & Merri!!!

Shannon

Jacksonville, Florida

Hershey came to be a part of our family almost 14 years ago. She came to us after we lost another dog and while I wasn't sure I was ready, it was the best decision we every made. She grew up along side our two daughters and helped raised a kitten when he came to be a part of our family as well. Everyone who met Hershey became a friend and there were LOTS of friends. When her health began to deteriorate, we did what we could to help her be as comfortable as possible. When it became clear that she wouldn't ever recover, the decision was made to call in Lap of Love. We saw it as the last gift we could give her, the gift of a peaceful goodbye. When Dr. Katie arrived, she went straight to Hershey and gave her a chocolate Hershey's kiss, a fitting treat. She pet her and spoke softly to her and listened to us reminisce about the life Hershey shared with us. When we were all comfortable, Dr. Katie gave Hershey the sedative and for the first time in months, we saw our Hershey relax and be comfortable. The ability to have our last memory be of Hershey curled up comfortably on her bed, in front of the fire place where she spent so much time was so comforting and peaceful for all of us. I know that she transitioned in the most comfortable way possible, surrounded by the people she loved. I cannot thank Dr. Katie and the Lap of Love family for loving our animals enough to provide this service. Love, Hershey's family, Shannon, Tom, Shelby, Savannah & Margaret

Valrico, Florida

My 18 year old kitty Lexy peacefully passed to heaven in my arms in her favorite spot in our home. It was sad and beautiful at the same time. Dr. Alli Peterson was wonderful! She explained the process and meds thoroughly and was so compassionate and patient. I used Laps of Love years ago too for my other cat. Both experiences made their dying process very sentimental. Highly recommend.

Kimberly

Bellport, New York

Letting my Lexie go was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Someone recommended Lap of Love and I couldn't be more grateful. Dr. Kristine was incredibly compassionate, patient and sweet. She explained everything step by step and was very gentle. Lexie passed peacefully in my arms and there aren't enough words to express how thankful I am for that. The keepsakes and the card were also very touching. Thank you, again, Dr. Kristine and Lap of Love- you are a godsend.

Kayla

Omaha , Nebraska

Dr Woodward was amazing. He was exactly what I needed to allow my baby to pass peacefully. I don’t know how I could have found the strength to let her go without him there to support me. It was truly one of the hardest days of my life. He was attentive, empathetic, educated and well spoken. He took his time and made sure I knew what to expect and when. It went exactly how he told me it would go and I never felt pressured or rushed. I will never forget his kind words and the email he sent me following up after our loss. He is truly a God send!

Valeri

Vero Beach, Florida

Dr. Katie was like and angel from heave in a very dark time for us. She was such a kind and calming presence when we needed just that. She reassured us we were doing the right thing for Pooh. She treated him with such tenderness and dignity, it was a beautiful experience even though it was one of our saddest days. I cannot recommend Lap of Love and Dr. Katie more highly.

Marc

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dr. Skiba expressed genuine understanding and comfort to help us through an incredibly difficult but natural, final part of life. She provided patient, informed and compassionate care, and afterwards, she reached out to us again with kind words and resources for extra support. Although we are still grieving, we will forever be thankful to Dr. Skiba in helping us secure a safe and loving passing for our beloved Hachi.

Colleen & Joe

Davie, Florida

Our 20YO kitty Stitches was going downhill fast. After meeting with the ER doctor and her regular doctor we made the decision to make sure she wasn't going to continue to be in pain. We then contacted Lap of Love. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Dr. Marlana Brown contacted us to advise she was on the way. When she arrived, she was so very kind. Her compassion, kind words and helpful answers to our questions only helped us to solidify our decision to help our little one. Guiding us through what was going to happen and letting us talk through our grief was so very thoughtful. She seemed to instinctively know what we needed to hear. It was a horrible time made so much easier by her sensitivity and counsel. We have 2 other 4 legged babies in our home and as we will probably need Lap of Love again, hopefully we will be able to request Dr. Brown to be part of our care team for our girls. Thank you Lap of Love, and thank you Dr. Brown for being there for us. Colleen, Joe, Molly & Merri!!!

Shannon

Jacksonville, Florida

Hershey came to be a part of our family almost 14 years ago. She came to us after we lost another dog and while I wasn't sure I was ready, it was the best decision we every made. She grew up along side our two daughters and helped raised a kitten when he came to be a part of our family as well. Everyone who met Hershey became a friend and there were LOTS of friends. When her health began to deteriorate, we did what we could to help her be as comfortable as possible. When it became clear that she wouldn't ever recover, the decision was made to call in Lap of Love. We saw it as the last gift we could give her, the gift of a peaceful goodbye. When Dr. Katie arrived, she went straight to Hershey and gave her a chocolate Hershey's kiss, a fitting treat. She pet her and spoke softly to her and listened to us reminisce about the life Hershey shared with us. When we were all comfortable, Dr. Katie gave Hershey the sedative and for the first time in months, we saw our Hershey relax and be comfortable. The ability to have our last memory be of Hershey curled up comfortably on her bed, in front of the fire place where she spent so much time was so comforting and peaceful for all of us. I know that she transitioned in the most comfortable way possible, surrounded by the people she loved. I cannot thank Dr. Katie and the Lap of Love family for loving our animals enough to provide this service. Love, Hershey's family, Shannon, Tom, Shelby, Savannah & Margaret

Valrico, Florida

My 18 year old kitty Lexy peacefully passed to heaven in my arms in her favorite spot in our home. It was sad and beautiful at the same time. Dr. Alli Peterson was wonderful! She explained the process and meds thoroughly and was so compassionate and patient. I used Laps of Love years ago too for my other cat. Both experiences made their dying process very sentimental. Highly recommend.

Kimberly

Bellport, New York

Letting my Lexie go was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Someone recommended Lap of Love and I couldn't be more grateful. Dr. Kristine was incredibly compassionate, patient and sweet. She explained everything step by step and was very gentle. Lexie passed peacefully in my arms and there aren't enough words to express how thankful I am for that. The keepsakes and the card were also very touching. Thank you, again, Dr. Kristine and Lap of Love- you are a godsend.

Helpful resources

Informational resources to help you navigate your pet’s quality of life

Explore all of our resources

Axel, Paterson, NJ
How Will I Know It's Time

Roger, Dumont, NJ
Blog

Bodhi, Yorba Linda, CA
Common Geriatric Pet Symptoms

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