In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Asheville & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I was born in Newport, Rhode Island, but as a navy brat, I spent most of my life between Florida and Virginia. When my father retired, we settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Like most veterinarians, I became fascinated with animals at a young age. I am passionate about animal rescue and shelter medicine, and I volunteered with local humane societies and rescue groups during college and veterinary school. I earned bachelor’s degrees in animal science and biology from Virginia Tech in 2012, and a veterinary degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020.

I first learned about Lap of Love while helping my best friend through her dog’s last days. Storm was more than a beloved family member to my friend—he was a living reminder of her family's battle with cancer. After the recent loss of her mother, Storm’s cancer diagnosis was devastating for my friend, whose husband was deployed overseas. I drove from veterinary school to Jacksonville to pick up Storm and my friend, and called Lap of Love. During the next 24 hours, we fulfilled Storm’s bucket list. I borrowed a wagon and toted him to the beach, where he laid in the sand next to my friend one last time. We fed him all sorts of goodies. It was a beautiful last day. When Lap of Love came the next day to perform his euthanasia, the experience was better than I could have hoped for. My friend was at peace with her decision, which was the biggest relief to me. That experience taught me how much peace and closure in-home euthanasia can bring to a family, and that quality of death matters.

That experience prompted me to take an end-of-life care course my final year of veterinary school, and I fell in love with home hospice care and euthanasia services. After working in several small animal practices, I joined the Lap of Love family. My work allows me to make a difference every day, and touch people's lives in a very intimate and personal way. It is an immense privilege to help families provide a peaceful end-of-life experience for their beloved pets.

Outside veterinary medicine, I love exploring my new home in western North Carolina. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time with my 3 dogs, Cooper, Callie and Lily, and my 3 cats, Taylor, Steve, and Bramble. 

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up on a farm in Waynesville, nestled in the North Carolina mountains. My ancestors first settled in the area during the 1700s, and most of my family still lives there today. It truly is my home. Since I was a child, I’ve loved animals and have had a desire to care for and connect with them. The bond I shared with my childhood cat, Shelby, is one of the biggest reasons I became a veterinarian. 

While completing my undergraduate studies at Meredith College in North Carolina, I discovered a passion for science, which—combined with my love for animals—naturally led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and have worked in small animal general practice for 15 years. 

I have trained in and practiced a variety of specialties including dentistry and ultrasound. Adding at-home end-of-life care is something I have felt drawn to for many years, and I am honored to incorporate this important calling to my career. It is such a gift to be present with families as they allow their beloved pet to pass away peacefully at home. 

Losing my dad unexpectedly in my early 20s changed how I view grief and made me comfortable supporting others in their own loss and grief. When my heart dog, Phoebe, experienced a decline in health to the point that she was no longer enjoying her life, I knew it was time to say our goodbyes. It was important to me that our last moments together be peaceful and that she not be scared or worried. We were able to say goodbye on the back porch as a family while the veterinarian that came to our home allowed her to pass peacefully. Through my role at Lap of Love, I can provide this same gift for other pets and families by creating a peaceful and loving tribute to their time together and the bond they share. 

Outside of work, I stay busy with my husband, our three children, our goldendoodle named Fenway (after my husband's love of the Red Sox) our two kitties (Emmett and Lilah) and our two pet ducks (Bernard and Derek). We enjoy traveling as a family, and my husband and I especially enjoy visiting New York City for Broadway shows, pizza, and bagels. In my alone time, I enjoy flower gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading.