Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

Growing up in Thousand Oaks, California, I spent a lot of time reading about animals in Zoobooks magazine and watching nature shows on TV. I enjoyed learning about science in school and always had an interest in animals. We got our first family dog, Lucky, when I was 7 years old, and I’d never felt such devotion and love. That’s when I knew I could join my love for animals and my love for science by becoming a veterinarian! 

I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go—I just knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I stopped at a booth for the University of California, Davis at my high school career fair because I saw a picture of a pig that caught my eye, and I learned they had an animal science program and veterinary school—exactly what I was looking for. I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school at the University of California, Davis, and have been practicing small animal medicine for the past 10 years. 

What I love most about being a veterinarian is using my skills for the betterment of society by helping animals. I get the most satisfaction from providing low-cost animal care for the community. I see and feel such gratitude from the people and their animals, and doing this work is meaningful and grounding for me. 

I used Lap of Love to assist with the passing of my senior Westie, Max, and I deeply appreciated that he could be in the comfort of his home and how peaceful and painless the experience was for us both. 

Veterinarians are some of the only medical professionals that can actively end the pain and suffering of another being, and that is a profoundly moving responsibility. I feel honored to be able to help families and their pets when they are at their most vulnerable. 

When I’m not working, I like to stay active by hiking and running. I've recently started participating in 5K and 10K runs, and I’m training for a half marathon. I also enjoy trying new foods and restaurants, and someday soon, I hope to start traveling again.