In-Home Pet Euthanasia in South Shore

I have wanted to be a veterinarian for almost as long as I can remember. I grew up in a suburban town in Metrowest Massachusetts, and was raised by a nurse, which fostered an interest in science and medicine from an early age. As a young child, I remember meeting a joyful dog that lost her leg after being hit by a car. The three-legged dog loved life, and was clearly not slowed down by her injury, and I thought the veterinarian who performed the life-saving amputation was a hero. In my later childhood, like many others, I developed a passion for horses that further solidified my veterinary career path. 

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, which provided great opportunities to work with horses and farm animals, and I earned my veterinary degree from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. I have worked in mixed animal and small animal practices. These experiences have repeatedly demonstrated the strength of the human-animal bond, regardless of species. With continued advances in science and medicine helping pets live longer lives, I have seen the importance of not only wellness and preventive medicine, but also geriatric and hospice care.  

Since I have had pets all of my life, I have also experienced loss. Several years ago, I unexpectedly lost my heart cat. This experience, and the perspective it gave me, guides me as I help support pets and their families in their final moments. I feel that being able to provide a calm, peaceful transition is a wonderful gift to give to our most beloved family members. 

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy gardening, cooking, photography, and live music

I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Southeastern Massachusetts and attended an agricultural high school where I learned to care for small and large animals. I developed a passion for helping animals of all shapes and sizes and a deep fascination with science, which solidified my desire to become a veterinarian. 

I attended Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, for my undergraduate studies and Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts, for veterinary school.

After receiving my veterinary degree, I worked at a privately-owned mixed animal practice in Massachusetts, where I first began providing at-home euthanasia services and determined that this was my niche. I find great honor in helping a pet transition in their home surrounded by loved ones—humans and animals alike. I know how hard it is to lose a pet and strive to make the process as pain-free and comfortable as possible for everyone involved. 

I recently lost my first dog as an adult after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and spent several months receiving palliative care. It was a difficult time for my family, but I found solace in knowing she was comfortable during those last few months. My husband and I eventually decided to let her go peacefully, and while we are glad she is no longer suffering, we miss her every day. Having gone through this experience personally, I find that I can more closely relate to my clients, and I strive to bring peace and comfort to others through my role at Lap of Love. 

When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, reading, spending time with my husband and our two cats, Herbert and Manuel, going to the beach—you can often find us on our boat—and venturing to new restaurants in the area. 

I was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and my father was a veterinarian serving in the military. We lived in many different places, including Newport News, Virginia, Wurzburg, Germany, Bradford, Pennsylvania, and Damascus, Maryland, the “home” where I spent the majority of my childhood. As a child, I was obsessed with any furry four-legged creature, and I was always looking for animals to rescue. I dreamed of following in my father’s veterinary footsteps.  

Following that dream, I completed my undergraduate studies in animal science and biotechnology at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania before attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies.

As a veterinarian, I am passionate about preventive, behavioral, and sports medicine. With preventive medicine, I can provide my pet patients with a strong foundation and help clients keep their pets happy and healthy throughout their life. Sports medicine is a personal interest because I participate in dog sports with my own pets, and I enjoy educating clients about appropriate care of joints and muscles. I’ve always been fascinated by animal behavior and believe that we can not only teach our animals but also learn from them. 

I can empathize with the heartbreak of losing a pet, having experienced it myself. My first dog, Timber, passed away after I returned from veterinary school, and I believe he was waiting for me to come home and say goodbye. When my Chihuahua, Monte’s health declined, I could see in his eyes that he was ready to let go, and I was able to help him pass peacefully while I held him. I can’t imagine a better way to leave this world than surrounded by loved ones in a comfortable setting, and it is an honor to provide this gift through my role at Lap of Love. 

Outside of work, I love training and competing with my dogs in agility and obedience. I also enjoy traveling and painting.