In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Hernando County & Surrounding Areas

I am a native of Canada, born and raised in Montreal and no stranger to the hustle and bustle of big city living. I was immersed at a very young age in its diverse culture, cuisine and lifestyle, and spoke fluent English and French. Growing up, I always longed to escape the business of city life and sought solitude in the beautiful mountains, rivers and countryside, connecting with nature every chance I could.

I dreamt of becoming a veterinarian from an early age. I watched nature shows and read countless books on animals and science. My parents were never surprised when I brought home stray cats, injured birds and abandoned baby squirrels to care for them. I remember taking our cat to our local vet for vaccines at the age of 9 and knew from that moment on that I would pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I was hired on as a kennel worker/tech assistant at the Montreal Humane Society during my undergraduate studies, where I gained invaluable experience caring for injured, abandoned, and unwanted animals. Some days were particularly emotional for me as I comforted them in their final moments, however I truly believe this experience made me realize the blessing of being able to alleviate suffering. 

After receiving my veterinary degree at the University of Montreal College of Veterinary Medicine, I accepted a 4 year internship and residency at University of Illinois in Food Animal Internal Medicine and Surgery. My training focused on research, herd health, and production medicine in the rural community. Although I enjoyed working with farmers and their cattle, goats, sheep, and llamas, I found myself gravitating towards the individual pet cow, pot-bellied pig, or pygmy goat where I could nurture the intimate human-animal bond. After my residency, I accepted a position in a fast-paced, well-respected Veterinary Hospital caring for canine and feline patients. During my 18 years of general practice, the importance of end-of-life care and improving the experience for families and their beloved pets became more apparent. I completed the AHPC (Animal Hospice and Palliative Care) program and obtained my certification in October 2020 as an effort to better serve these families. I joined Lap of Love a few short months after resigning from my position in general practice and it could not have come at a more perfect time. I found my passion in guiding and supporting families and pets through their own unique end-of-life journey. 

As we get older and wiser, I think we come to realize what is truly important in life. Making time for loved ones and creating new memories with them is something I cherish dearly. I've been blessed with a wonderful husband and three beautiful children whom I thank God every day for this priceless gift. I have the privilege of sharing our home with 4 Cornish rex cats who allow us to come and go as we please as long as we continue to pay the bills and put food on the table (or in this case their bowls!). Needless to say, we cater to their every whim! In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband, taking road trips across North America and exploring new places. This special time away allows me to refuel and focus on my spiritual and mental health and well-being so that I can continue to serve the veterinary community, while making a difference in the lives of people and pets.

I grew up in Park Hills, Kentucky, a suburb of Cincinnati Ohio. It looks how the name sounds - lots of green space and rolling hills. Growing up my family described me as "a fixer of broken things." Anything that was lost or injured, I took in and tried to care for: from humans down to neglected house plants. I surrounded myself with animals. One of the first books I read at 6 years old was Where the Red Fern Grows. This is a book that addresses both the love and loss of animals. It shaped my view of life and death and the journey that happens between. 

I received my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and started my career as a mixed animal ambulatory veterinarian. I practiced equine, food animal, small animal, and even exotic animal medicine in that capacity. I later moved into small animal general practice. I enjoy surgery of all kinds, supporting the human-animal bond, and end of life hospice care.

Since becoming a veterinarian, I have had the privilege of helping several of my own pets pass peacefully at home with familiar surroundings and loved ones. I believe this opportunity should be available to all pets and families. I believe death is the beautiful end to a life well lived. It need not be feared or abhorred. I want to be a part of creating a treasured memory filled with peace and closure. For many people, children especially, the loss of a pet is the only time they see death up close. I am honored to help them experience this natural part of life.

Outside of work, I enjoy beekeeping, art, running with my Australian Cattle Dog Piccolo, and taking care of my horses and chickens. I am happiest when I am outdoors whether I am hiking in the mountains or paddleboarding in the ocean.

Although I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I have always felt more like a small-town gal. I left Philadelphia to join the Army when I was 17, returned in 2002, moved to a smaller suburb in 2005, and recently moved to Florida. I have always loved animals and wanted to help them in some way. As a teenager, my career choices included veterinarian, a police officer (but only if I could work with the dogs or horses), or a marine biologist. 

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in combined sciences from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and then attended veterinary school at Colorado State University. I love general practice—the mix of internal medicine, preventive medicine, and surgery keeps things interesting. However, over the past several years, I have found my calling with hospice work and euthanasia. I love being able to assist animals who are old, ill, or suffering as well as the people who love them. 

Over the years, I have found that more pet owners are interested in hospice. I have often spent hours on the phone with clients who have gone as far as they could for their pets, and who want to keep their pets happy and comfortable for as long as they can. I enjoy not only advising these clients, but also listening to stories about how special their pets are to them. I started attending more lectures about hospice and end-of-life care during veterinary conferences, and I was able to incorporate much of what I learned into caring for pets at the clinic where I worked. I then realized that working with Lap of Love would be the perfect next step.

I have lost many pets over the years, and the experience never gets easier. I had to let go of my heart cat two years ago, and I still miss him every day. I can relate to people in similar situations because I have gone through such loss myself. I am honored to provide compassion and gentleness at the end of a pet's life, and enjoy really connecting with people during such an emotional time.

When I am not working, I love horseback riding, reading, walking, and spending time with my own pets—currently four cats and two dogs. 

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania with a love for animals. However, I’m not one of those veterinarians who knew they wanted to pursue this career since they first learned to walk. In fact, it wasn’t until college that I discovered my passion for veterinary medicine. 

While completing my bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology in Pittsburgh, my professor, who was a veterinarian, encouraged me to get involved in shelter medicine, a field of veterinary medicine that focuses on caring for underserved animals and communities. Getting involved with shelter medicine revealed my passion for helping people and animals in need and supporting the human-animal bond. 

After completing my undergraduate studies, I attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where my interest in shelter medicine continued to grow. I received my veterinary degree and began practicing, and every day I feel fortunate to work in a field where I can use my skill set to help the people and pets who need me most. 

I enjoy building connections with clients and pets, providing families with the education and resources they need to continue caring for their pets at home, and of course, helping homeless animals find their forever homes. 

Connection is never needed more than when a family has to say goodbye to their beloved pet.  I experienced the care and connection that Lap of Love provides when I used their services for my own pets, and I look forward to providing that same support for others in my role at Lap of Love. 

When I am not helping pets and their families, I enjoy spending time with my animals and friends, exploring the outdoors, practicing yoga, reading, and—most recently—learning how to knit.