In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

I grew up in a small town on the Arizona/Utah border where I was very involved with 4-H and raising animals.  I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 7 years old and I obtained my bachelor's degree at Arizona State University. While there, I worked at a zoo and was convinced I wanted a professional career in zoo animal medicine. My time in veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine made me realize that small animal companion medicine is where I was meant to be! One of the most important things I learned in veterinary school is that, as a veterinarian, sometimes our job is to relieve suffering and give a peaceful passing when necessary.  I am grateful we’re able to do this for our beloved pet family members.

Throughout my years as a general practitioner in Hanford, California, I enjoyed the care I delivered to my clients but, while I, of course, loved the new puppy appointments, I received the most satisfaction and fulfillment from giving families peace by helping their pets pass with dignity and love. I recently lost 2 of my wonderful dogs, Moose and Brutus.  I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to say goodbye to them at home. They both had the last day that included everything that made their hearts happy.  Their passing was peaceful because both were able to lay on their favorite human’s lap, Moose outside watching the sunset and Brutus on his favorite couch surrounded by all that loved them.   Moose and Brutus gave me one last gift, knowing that Lap of Love is my true calling. Being able to help guide families through this tough time and give pets the same peaceful passing my Brutus and Moose received is an honor and privilege.  

My husband and I have 4 dogs (including a new puppy who is reminding us what trouble makers puppies are!) and 5 chickens.  In my free time, I enjoy camping and hiking with our dogs, Broadway musicals, and laying on the couch reading a good book.

I was born in Flemington, New Jersey, but moved to Berkeley, California at the age of 3. My brother and I lived with my single mother, which was tough at times. However, those previous hard times have allowed me to better appreciate my accomplishments and the amazing life my family and I have built. My interest in veterinary medicine developed from a love of animals at a young age, and later in life from a love for science, especially biology and physiology. 

I earned a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1992, and then attended the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated in 1997 and earned the University Medal award for graduating at the top of my class with a 3.97 GPA!

I enjoy general practice and emergency medicine, and particularly soft tissue surgery. During the first half of my career, I was able to offer in-home euthanasia to my most special clients and favorite patients. This was always a very rewarding experience and made the bond with those clients—who became more like family—stronger than I ever experienced. Those early experiences with in-home euthanasia led me to join the Lap of Love family. 

When I was a young child, my family lost our beloved white German shepherd, Champagne, to a major illness. This was devastating for all of us, but seeing how my mom needed many years of mourning and recovery before she was ready for another dog showed me how deep the human-animal bond can be. I have been able to perform in-home euthanasia for many family pets with my wife and three children laying with, holding, or cuddling our pets. This has helped them understand that what we were doing was the best, most loving, and most compassionate thing that we could possibly do for each of those furry family members. I hope to help many other families let their furry family members pass at home in a peaceful and comfortable manner. 

Outside of work, I love traveling, camping, gold mining, playing the guitar—self-taught during the pandemic—reading, listening to true crime podcasts, riding ATVs, and being a die-hard 49ers fan!

I was born in San Diego, California but I moved to Massachusetts when I was 8 years old. Having family on both coasts gave me the best of both worlds—New England’s culture and history, and California’s beautiful weather. From a young age, and after countless trips to the San Diego Zoo with my grandfather, I knew I wanted to live a life of service to animals. 

I attended college at the University of Massachusetts Boston, majoring in biology and simultaneously working at a local veterinary hospital. I moved to Davis, California shortly after graduation and established residency while working at another veterinary office. I graduated from UC Davis veterinary school in 2020. I began working in general practice, and discovered a love for animal behavior, the human-animal bond, and hospice care. I solidified my calling to end-of-life care by transitioning to solely veterinary hospice medicine in 2022. I am passionate about honoring the love we share with our furry family members, and take great pride in working in this aspect of the veterinary profession. 

I grew up in Denair, California, where there are more cows than people! I always knew I wanted to work with animals, but wasn't sure in what capacity until I had an internship with a dog shelter and surgery center in Santa Barbara. There, I fell in love with medicine and knew exactly what I wanted to do. 

I went to undergrad at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I then joined Teach For America and taught 9th grade science in Boston. The course I took on preparing families for euthanasia was one of my favorites. After that, I went to veterinary school at UC Davis. I really enjoy being able to take time to educate and comfort owners. Having been a teacher, I think one of the best ways we can help our patients is by helping their owners to understand exactly why we're doing what we're doing and what may come next. I've been able to do this to the best of my ability in general practice, and now in end-of-life care. Helping families and providing comfort to patients and clients make this a rewarding career. 

My childhood dog, CJ, was euthanized at our home by a wonderfully caring vet on Easter. We were amazed that she was willing to come out on a holiday and impressed by her compassion. I hope to emulate that experience for other pet families. I'm also on borrowed time with my heart dog, Coconut, and I hope that I can bring a bit of comfort to other pets in the same way that I want to ensure my own dog's comfort during his final moments. 

A pet’s last moments are forever seared into the memories of their remaining family members. If I can help make those final moments a little more serene, I'll know I've done a good day’s work. Additionally, helping pets cross the rainbow bridge in the comfort of their own home and without fear is one of the most honorable services I could provide. 

Outside of work, I like to hike, read great books, watch good movies, and sleep in! I also enjoy cooking—and eating out—and exploring hidden gems around town. 

I have always had a sensitive soul. I remember crying when a predator caught prey watching Wild America as a kid with my dad. While I understood it was the natural order of things, I felt deeply that all living beings were important. So when I learned at a young age that I could become a doctor to help animals who might otherwise struggle or suffer, I became determined to become a veterinarian. 

I received my veterinary degree from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout my career, I have worked in general medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, and shelter medicine settings. In practice, I found I enjoyed most when I could spend time with patients and their families to understand their unique needs in order to improve health or quality of life. 

My love and appreciation for senior pets and end-of-life care came from my bond with a special Doberman companion I had for 14 years, named Webber. Experiencing life with him as he traversed from tiny puppy, to vibrant adult, to frail senior was such a special gift I didn't know I was getting until all that time came to a close. It made me realize behind the eyes of every senior pet there is a lifetime of stories, shared experiences and so much love given and received.  

While I have this special place in my heart for senior pets, I believe that regardless of their age or ailment they are suffering from, an assisted passing with dignity, free of pain or fear, in a comfortable environment, and surrounded by loved ones is what they deserve. It is important to me to be able to serve families through this process. 

I am married with two children and live with 2 dogs - an elderly chihuahua mix and a young mixed breed dog; 1 cat - an elderly long-haired tuxedo, and a pet rat. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time outdoors - trail running, camping and enjoying the rivers and lakes of the Sierra Foothills.