In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Salem & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I was born and raised in Minnesota. My family moved from the city to the country when I was very young so we could have pets. We started with dogs, and then added horses, rabbits, and sheep to our little farm. I loved caring for all of them. I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian at a young age, and was inspired by the veterinarians who came out to the farm to help us with various animal health issues. 

We moved to Oregon when I was in high school, after selling off most of the menagerie. Following family tradition, I went to nursing school straight out of high school. I completed nursing school at Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center School of Nursing, and then completed a bachelor’s degree in biology with a language minor at Western Oregon State College, now Western Oregon University. After working for several years, mostly in intensive care and critical care, I decided to pursue my original dream of attending veterinary school. I graduated in 1995 from Oregon State University and Washington State University Colleges of Veterinary Medicine when their programs were combined. My work in the veterinary and nursing fields overlapped for eight years. 

I practiced in a mixed animal practice right out of vet school, where I most enjoyed internal medicine. I went on to work for the State of Oregon and then the federal government, handling animal health and welfare issues. My side work since 2016 has involved working with an animal sanctuary for mostly senior and hospice animals, as well as animals with chronic health and behavior issues. 

I have been surrounded by animals since childhood, and the heartache of losing them has always been difficult. In my experience, having the option of private end-of-life care has been a huge comfort, and I am honored to provide this service to pets and their families. 

I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but my family moved within the state several times, which helped me learn to make new friends easily. Many of these friends were animals, and I spent much of my childhood looking for wildlife to rescue, befriending any creature who crossed my path. I loved watching the BBC series “All Creatures Great and Small" and have read all of James Herriot's books several times. I always knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. 

When I was 12, I moved to Livermore, California, where I worked as a veterinary assistant throughout high school. For College, I returned to Wisconsin, where I attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where I received my bachelor's degree in biology. I then worked as a licensed veterinary technician for humane societies, zoos, and veterinary clinics in Wisconsin and Georgia before completing veterinary school at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. 

I worked in private practice in Atlanta, GA for a year before my husband’s career in public health took us to Nairobi, Kenya where we lived, worked, and created a daughter. We relocated to Salem, Oregon the summer of 2019. I have always been drawn to mobile medicine because it allows me to develop closer connections and provide more comprehensive client education. I enjoy combining Western and traditional Chinese medicine (e.g., acupuncture and herbal medicine) and am passionate about providing individualized care plans for pets and their families. 

I’ve had to say goodbye to several of my own pets, and I am grateful to have done so at home in a calm and peaceful way. I cannot think of a more intimate and supportive service to offer than to hold space, bear witness, and respect the life of a well-loved pet. I honor the depth of respect and love humans and animals share, and am honored to be a part of their journey.  

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family camping, hiking, listening, cooking, and taking in the smells (including the smells of our furry and feathered family of dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens). I am fortunate to live in Oregon, where we can experience the best nature has to offer. I also enjoy listening to music (The Chieftains and Talking Heads and the Police to name a few artists) and podcasts— my favorites include This American Life, Being Well, Insights at the Edge, and 10 Percent Happier, and teaching my daughter the value of service by fostering animals and volunteering with humane societies.