In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Greater Boston Area

I was born and raised in East Boston, and have spent most of my life in the Boston area. Like most young girls, I was obsessed with horses, and we had all sorts of pets who also fueled my love affair with animals. However, I did not think about becoming a veterinarian until I reached my mid-twenties. My first degree was in psychology, so I got a second degree in veterinary technology, both to ensure I enjoyed working in the field, and to get the prerequisite courses for veterinary school at Mississippi State University.

Since graduation, I’ve spent most of my time working in emergency and critical care medicine at a large volume specialty hospital, and have also worked with cardiologists and internal medicine specialists. Rehabilitation and pain management have become my professional focus, and I’m excited to learn more in these areas to better help my patients.

My goal as a Lap of Love veterinarian is to use my experience and skills to help families make difficult decisions about their pet’s passing, and to ensure that the transition is peaceful. A situation with my own dog helped shape my viewpoint on euthanasia, and serves as a reminder on how I can best help my patients by being their advocate. When I was working as a veterinary technician, my family dog had her first congestive heart failure episode because of mitral valve disease. We were able to stabilize her for some time, but her quality of life wasn’t the same. Her veterinarian told me that considering euthanasia would be appropriate, but I was waiting for my dog to tell me she was ready. We made the decision to euthanize her after a shift at work, and when she walked through the doors into the treatment area, I realized we had waited too long. This experience has stuck with me, and is something I always keep in mind when families and patients who call for help. 

Pronouns: She / Her

I grew up in the small town of Goffstown, New Hampshire, just outside of Manchester.  Like many, I wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age. I had all kinds of pets growing up and was fortunate that my family supported my love for animals. When I turned 16, I worked as a veterinary assistant at the animal hospital where we brought our family pets, and my love for the profession only grew. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in New York and my master’s degree in animal and public policy from Tufts University in Massachusetts. I attended veterinary school at Kansas State University and went on to complete a small animal rotating internship in Illinois with a focus on emergency medicine. 

During my internship, I often helped pet owners who, suddenly and without warning, had to consider euthanasia for a beloved pet. It was a humbling experience that taught me how to discuss end-of-life care and provide support to families during a very emotional and difficult time. After completing the internship, I began working at a small animal general practice. I enjoy providing care and compassion to animals, as well as educating and communicating with my clients. 

I had numerous pets growing up and subsequently learned about death from a very young age. As I grew older and started working in veterinary hospitals, I began to understand how important end-of-life care is, and how peaceful and kind humane euthanasia can be. I know that quality end-of-life care and creating a peaceful transition are some of the kindest things I can do for my patients, and I am fortunate to be able to provide this gift to pets and their families. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four cats—Rowan, Seba, Eva, and Pharah. We enjoy spending time with friends and family, finding new places to eat, and playing video games together.

I grew up on a small farm in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania surrounded by horses, sheep, chickens, barn cats, and the family farm dog. My father was a physician and my mother was a nurse, and I would help them care for all of our farm animals. My love for animals and interest in medicine made a career in veterinary medicine a natural choice. 

I graduated with a bachelor in science from Muhlenberg College and then attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation I worked at a family-owned small animal practice in Massachusetts. While performing countless euthanasias in private practice, I realized that a peaceful passing in the comfort of their own home was one of the greatest services we could offer our patients and their families. 

Unfortunately, I have lost several pets of my own—from dogs, to cats, to horses—and it is never easy. I have learned that choosing the correct time to say goodbye is one the most challenging decisions families have to make. I am honored to offer comfort and support to families as they navigate difficult end-of-life decisions. As a veterinarian, I believe that relieving suffering and providing a peaceful passing is the ultimate gift we can offer our beloved pets. 

When I am not helping families, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bridget and Tommy.