In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Boulder & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I grew up in multiple states across the Western U.S., including California, Colorado, and Montana, where I spent most of my childhood. My hometown was a picturesque, off-the-grid mountain town where I loved playing high school sports, including running, volleyball, and basketball, while also hiking, fishing, and riding horses. 

Unlike most veterinarians, I choose to become a vet later in life, after completing my undergraduate education. I was considering different career paths in human medicine; however, that changed after a pivotal veterinary appointment with my dog. In only a few minutes, the veterinarian diagnosed and treated my dog, providing her instant pain relief. I realized the amazing opportunity veterinarians have to impact people and their animal companions. 

I completed my undergraduate degrees in health sciences and biology at Carroll College, a private liberal arts college in Montana. I then completed my doctorate degree at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. I enjoy practicing small animal emergency medicine, critical care medicine, and end-of-life care, because these areas allow me to do something meaningful for people and their pets. I also like being a veterinarian because I get to love on animals all day!

I have lost many pets, including my own personal pets and patients whom I consider to be my pets. The experiences are never easy. However, each moment of loss reminds me of the powerful and unconditional love we share with our companions, and how lucky we are to experience that during their lifetime and after we say goodbye. I believe that pets are

not only family members, but companions who represent a loving, authentic, and irreplaceable friendship that impacts each person who becomes part of their journey. Therefore, helping people through their grief and their pet transition to death with dignity is an honor. 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my wonderful husband, two dogs, and cat. I enjoy the great outdoors—hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping—traveling, playing golf, and eating lots of really good food.

I grew up surrounded by animals in the small town of Lufkin, Texas. While I always loved animals as a kid, it was my experience working as a recreational therapist that inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In this position, I taught horseback riding to disabled children and adults, and it was such an amazing experience to see the healing power of the human-animal bond in action. Part of my job involved caring for the animals in the program, which came naturally to me as I had experience raising horses, cattle, sheep, and hunting dogs. I realized how passionate I was about animal care, and I decided to become a veterinarian. 

I completed my undergraduate studies and attended veterinary school at Louisiana State University. After receiving my veterinary degree, I began working at a mixed animal veterinary practice, where I cared for all kinds of farm animals including cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and llamas, as well as dogs and cats, and small pocket pets. 

Later in my career, I transitioned to working at a small animal veterinary clinic, caring only for cats, dogs, and pocket pets. It was during this time I learned first-hand how appreciative families were to have the option of in-home euthanasia when saying goodbye to their beloved pet. I was—and still am—honored to be able to provide this gift to pets and the people who love them. Knowing that I can provide support and peace during a difficult moment in someone’s life gives me great fulfillment. 

Death is a part of the circle of life, but that does not mean it’s ever easy to lose a pet. I have lost several pets over my lifetime, and understand this deeply. Having the ability to say goodbye in a peaceful way is an important part of the grieving process, and I am honored to be a small part of this process and path to healing for the families I serve through my role at Lap of Love. 

I grew up in Fairport, New York, a suburb of Rochester located along the famous Erie Canal. My family always had multiple pets, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to care for animals one day. I remember standing up in front of my grade school class, dressed in a pint-sized white jacket, stethoscope, and homemade “Dr. Katie” name tag, proudly telling my classmates I was going to be a veterinarian when I grew up. As I got older, I sought out any opportunity to surround myself with animals. I volunteered at animal shelters, did pet sitting, and worked as an assistant at a local veterinary hospital. These experiences only furthered my resolve to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. 

I earned my bachelor's degree in biology from Syracuse University in upstate New York before attending the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, outside of Boston. After graduating, I worked in North Carolina briefly and then moved to Colorado because I missed the snow. I worked in a small animal and exotic general practice where I cared for all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats to reptiles and birds. I quickly discovered a passion for senior pet care, and I enjoyed being able to collaborate with owners to ensure their pets enjoyed a good quality of life throughout their golden years. 

When my childhood Lab, Angie, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, her health declined rapidly, and our family veterinarian did everything he could to keep her comfortable. When we knew it was time to let Angie go, our veterinarian came in on his day off and was such a big support for my family. I was touched by his compassion, and I strive to offer this same level of care and support to pets and families.  

The bond that we share with our pets is truly one of a kind, and I'm honored to be able to provide a peaceful and gentle passing for four-legged family members. I also know how difficult this time can be for loved ones as I have experienced it firsthand, and my goal is to make the grieving process a little bit easier for pet owners 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends, hiking with my golden retriever, Zuko, and curling up on the couch for movie marathons with my two cats, Otto and Theo.