Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Buffalo, New York—Go Bills!—and I still miss the snow. I have always loved animals and during the Blizzard of 1977, when I was 14 years old, I found a 145-pound Saint Bernard wandering the streets. I took him home, located his owner, and felt so good being of service and reuniting him with his owner. I was inspired by that experience and eager to continue serving animals. I began volunteering at a cat clinic and never looked back. 

After high school, I completed veterinary technician school in Delhi, New York, and worked as a technician for several years before deciding to attend veterinary school. I graduated from Cornell and Ross University respectively, received my veterinary degree, and began working as a veterinarian at a small animal practice. 

I have never truly “worked” a day in this field, and that is why I love it. I love kitties, and their tiny kitten teeth, pugs and their adorable curly tails, and “orange boy” cats and their friendly personalities. Of course, there is more to being a veterinarian than the abundance of cute animals, although that is quite a perk. I also enjoy teaching new technicians and vet school grads, doing surgery, and even performing euthanasia to relieve a pet’s suffering. 

Losing a pet is always heartbreaking. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to euthanize my own pets at home, which gave the rest of my family a chance to say goodbye and made the process more peaceful for everyone. 

Providing at-home, end-of-life care for pets and their families is a gift I feel honored to use, and I am grateful that my Lap of Love role allows me to comfort and support others by creating a quiet and compassionate space to say goodbye to a beloved furry family member. 

When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, attending sporting events, reading, watching movies, and taking my three pugs to the beach.