In-Home Pet Euthanasia in East Bay & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in Federal Way, Washington, which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. Although I love the green landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, California's sunny skies called to me. From the time I was born, there were always cats in our home. We later added a bird, fish, and a dog. These early connections ignited in me a passion for animals, and led me to want a career in veterinary medicine. For a 5th grade art project about my future career, I drew a picture of myself taking care of an elephant's foot. Although I have yet to care for an elephant, I did help care for grizzly bears and a baby tiger during veterinary school!

After earning my undergraduate degree in biology, with a minor in psychology, from Stanford University, I went to Washington State University for veterinary school. Following graduation, I worked at a small animal general practice. I enjoy preventive care and helping owners learn how to care for their pets. Building relationships with pet owners, and supporting them when they need guidance is my favorite part of being a veterinarian. I especially enjoy seeing the human-animal bond in action everyday.

The decision to say goodbye to my childhood dog was difficult. But, in the end, I knew euthanasia was the compassionate choice because her quality of life had declined to an unacceptable point. Letting her go gently was honoring the life she had lived. Making end-of-life decisions can make pet owners doubt their judgement, so being there as a kind and knowledgeable guide feels like the best way I can make the process less stressful. 

Outside of veterinary medicine, I love hiking, cooking, and taking trips to the beach. 

I grew up on the northern coast of California. I spent most of my time on horseback, riding through redwoods and along the beaches of Mendocino County. Horses were my first love, but I have never met a creature on this planet that did not inspire awe.

I lived and worked in Southern Africa as a safari guide in my twenties, and being in the presence of wild animals further developed my connection to the natural world. 

I completed my prerequisite classes for veterinary school at the University of Southern Maine, and attended vet school at Colorado State University. My first job out of vet school was in mixed animal medicine. I loved never knowing whether a pot-bellied pig or a Pomeranian was going to walk through the door! In 2015, I opened my own fully integrative veterinary clinic, offering both Western and Eastern medicine. I enjoy working with geriatric patients, and I completed veterinary acupuncture training so that I could offer additional options to decrease my patients’ pain and increase their mobility. 

I have had to say goodbye to three beloved dogs, and allowing them to pass at home was transformative. I have extensive training in in-home euthanasia, but being the "client" is such a different experience. 

My father, who raised me, was diagnosed with a terminal illness when I was 13, and died when I was 19. In the last months of my fathers life he was in hospice. The nurses who cared for him were amazing, and they made a devastating experience a little less awful. I believe providing pain and stress-free end-of-life care is one of the most important services I provide as a veterinarian. I love talking to families about their pet’s life, and honoring their memory. 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, cooking, laughing, and walking. I picked up powerlifting a few years ago and look forward to investing more time in this quirky sport. 

I ride horses every chance I get, jump in ice cold water most days, and recently took up Salsa dancing.

I was born in Clear Lake City, a community in Southeast Houston, Texas built around NASA and the burgeoning space industry. My best friend growing up was Dagny, our English Bulldog. She was my partner in crime and confidante, taught me to wrestle and play tug-of-war, and encouraged me to avoid the sweltering summer heat by lying in the shade of our backyard tree. Her death was the first time I understood that the love we feel for our pets far exceeds their lifespan. 

I never would have guessed that my next companion would be a cat. However, when I saw the little black ball of fur with bright, green eyes in the “Free kittens” box, my life became inextricably linked with hers. Eleanor lived with me in Houston throughout high school, and in California during undergraduate school at the University of California, Berkeley and veterinary school at UC Davis. 

As a vet student, I volunteered with the Pet Loss Support Hotline, providing counseling for people who had lost a pet or had a pet with a terminal illness.  When Eleanor died from complications of diabetes, the lessons learned and resources available through the hotline were invaluable in helping me work through the loss. 

While at UC Davis, I was also part of a program that provided training for shelter dogs and matched them with forever homes. I knew Medea was ours as soon as I brought home the sweet, brown-eyed foster and my husband asked, “What are we naming her?” When Medea was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer, and it was time to say goodbye, I was incredibly grateful for the ability to euthanize her in the comfort of our home, snuggled on her bed, surrounded by those she loved and was loved by in return.

Since graduating and returning to the Bay Area to raise our family, I’ve worked at multiple small animal veterinary clinics and a local animal shelter providing wellness care for pets of veterans. My focus has always been to connect with clients, communicate effectively, and provide quality care. As a veterinarian with Lap of Love, I hope to offer compassionate care to other families as they make end-of-life decisions for their own beloved pets. 

Growing up, I moved around often between the US and Taiwan, where my family is from. I enjoyed my time living in a small city in southern Taiwan full of friendly people, delicious food, and urban culture. As a child, I loved learning about and interacting with animals and was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged my passion by providing opportunities for me to care for animals—whether it was the class turtle or their own dog. 

I completed my bachelor’s degree in integrative biology from The University of California, Berkeley, and later received my veterinary degree from The Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Southern California. 

I have worked in many different capacities as a veterinarian, from small animal general practice and emergency care, to in-home euthanasia services, to an office job with the state.  While I’ve enjoyed a variety of experiences, I most enjoy working directly with families and their pets, creating connections, educating clients on their pets' health, and supporting people through challenging times such as their pet’s passing. 

A year out of vet school, my family had to say goodbye to our sweet Labrador. The process of deciding when was the best time for her was extremely difficult, and I truly empathize with families when they are going through that same internal turmoil and are questioning the right time to let go.

I appreciate the intimate setting of in-home euthanasia and getting to know the families and pets I serve. It is beautiful to witness the special ways that people love their pets, and I am honored to be a part of their journey through my role at Lap of Love. 

Outside of work, I like to stay busy, and I have a bad habit of picking up too many hobbies. I especially enjoy being active outdoors, listening and dancing to music, reading, and traveling.