In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Southeast Michigan

I grew up in the small Northern Michigan town of Gaylord. We had many dogs and cats when I was growing up, whom I loved from afar because I was severely allergic to them! Thankfully, I grew out of my allergies and was able to pursue a career involving my love for animals. I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate work and veterinary school and achieved my dream in 2001. I practiced small animal medicine in the area, including clinics in Kalamazoo, the eastern Detroit area, and Howell, where I was able to help, heal and treat my furry clients.

While working in one small animal practice, we were getting several requests for in home euthanasias, and I was wiling to help. As I started to perform in home euthanasias, I found it was such an honor and privilege to help clients with their beloved pets in their home. To allow a pet to remain in the comfort of their home, surrounded by their loving family for their final moments was a feeling I can't describe.

Although I found myself drawn to helping families for end of life care, I understand the enormity of this decision as a pet parent. I had to endure the heartbreaking decision-making process as a pet parent with our dog, Quimby. Even though I'm a veterinarian, I'm also a pet parent, so I felt the anxiety and helplessness of making this difficult decision. I hope I can bring you some comfort and assurance that this decision can be your last gift to your pet. I performed Quimby's euthanasia at home with my family hugging him and loving on him as he took his final breath.

I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful children and share our loving home with a myriad of pet children including our crazy German Shorthaired Pointer, named Monty, who can't sit still. We also have two cats, named Frodo and Jess, who love to lounge in the sun on the screened-in porch as I read, which is how I love to spend my time.

I grew up in beautiful Southeast Michigan, and for as long as I can remember, had a passion for helping animals. It started with tending to strays and injured wildlife, and thanks to my training in veterinary medicine has evolved into so much more. I graduated from Michigan State’s College of Veterinary Medicine several years ago and completed an internship program in Florida before moving back. I spent my time working in both general practice and emergency medicine, developing great interest in geriatric and end-of-life care. When the opportunity to join Lap of Love presented itself, I knew it would be a great fit. I think the bond between animals and their humans is unlike any other; helping pet parents make the end of their loved ones’ lives as peaceful as possible is a privilege.  

Personally, I lost my German Shepherd, Diesel, a few years ago. He was accustomed to joining me at the hospital while I worked, so fortunately, bringing him to the clinic that last night was not stressful for him, as it can be for so many pets. For that, I am so incredibly thankful! The last thing I want for any pet or pet parent is to feel stress during what is already such a difficult time. This is why I feel in-home euthanasia, when possible, is so special; allowing pets to be in their safe space surrounded by the people (or other pets!) that love them is how I want them to exit this world.

In my free time, I enjoy playing games, buzzing, and hanging out with my family and friends, tinkering on projects around my house, and spoiling my pets. Millie, my cat, is too smart for her own good and is quite the comedian. She prefers trash to actual store-bought toys, and enjoys playing fetch and posing for pictures. Keaton, my Lab mix, is the happiest dog I’ve ever met, and often reminds me how valuable a positive attitude is in life. His interests include making friends with everyone and, you guessed it, food.

In any circumstance, euthanasia can be difficult; however, I like to think of it as the ultimate final gift we can give our furry family when all of our other efforts are no longer enough. I am honored to be able to help during these times.

I was born and raised outside of Topeka, Kansas on a small hobby farm with a menagerie of animals. As a horse-crazy animal lover, veterinary medicine was an obvious choice for me. I went to Kansas State University to study biology and later earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri. 

After graduation, my husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest and lived outside of Seattle where I practiced small animal medicine. We moved to Michigan for my husband's schooling and despite the cold, fell in love with the state. We currently live in Ann Arbor with our two dogs, Julep (a scruffy Lab mix) and Konza (a pure cuddle monster), and Filson (part cat, part Golden Retriever). When not helping pets and their families, I am usually at the barn riding my handsome horse Mojo, hiking with my dogs, or traveling. 

My husband and I recently suffered the emotional loss of our beloved cat, Apollo. At the young age of 6, Apollo was diagnosed with cancer that quickly ravaged his little body despite aggressive chemotherapy. It was by far the hardest thing that either of us have ever had to go through. The light in the darkness was his incredible oncologist who helped us say goodbye to our little buddy. I will never forget the peace we felt in those final moments and how thankful we are that Apollo was granted that gift.  

Every pet deserves to be calm, comfortable and surrounded by their loving family in their final moments. I am honored to be able to provide families and their beloved pets with the gift of a peaceful passing

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up in the once small town of Midland, Michigan and have always had a deep fascination with animals. This led me to declare—in kindergarten—that I would become a veterinarian. Twenty-one years later, that dream became reality.

I received my veterinary degree from Michigan State University. After graduation, I spent seven years practicing small animal and exotic pet medicine in Memphis, Tennessee. I enjoyed my time in Memphis and the connections I made with my clients and their pets, but I also missed the Great Lakes, my family, and the Midwest culture. I decided to move back to Michigan, and I have been happily living here ever since. 

My career in veterinary medicine has been very fulfilling, and I love being able to help animals and their families in their greatest time of need. I have had many pets of my own over the years including turtles, rabbits, a guinea pig, birds, and several dogs and cats. Losing a pet is never easy, but I am fortunate to have been able to care for my pets’ end-of-life needs in the comfort of home, without the additional stress of a trip to the hospital. 

After 26 years of general practice, I am excited to transition into end-of-life care because I believe this is an important service and a gift we can give our pets in their final days. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our sweet blue Staffy, Bunny. I also like to garden, beekeep, cook, bike, camp, and paint with watercolors.