In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Charleston & Surrounding Neighborhoods

Growing up, I moved often, yet the main constant in my life was loving and caring for many pets, including everything from fish, to dogs, to gerbils, and even an iguana and different types of frogs. My love for the human-animal bond started at an early age and led me to follow my dream of becoming a veterinarian. 

I attended veterinary school at St. George's University, and worked at a small animal general practice after graduating. However, it was while working as a relief veterinarian at the local animal shelter’s low-cost veterinary clinic that I was really able to connect with clients and their beloved pets, and experience the bond they shared. After leaving general practice, I continued working full time for another local animal shelter, and I also provided services in their low-cost veterinary clinic. There, I was able to help with many end-of-life care decisions for my patients, which I found gratifying. During that time, I also cared for my own heart dog, Migo, who was terminally ill with inoperable bone cancer. His oncologist and I provided the best, most compassionate end-of-life care possible to ensure his quality of life was well maintained. In the end, he was able to pass comfortably, peacefully, and with dignity. These are things I wish for all animals when their time comes. 

After moving to South Carolina, from New Jersey, with my family, I decided to pursue my passion for connecting with families, and providing comfort and care to pets during the end-of-life process. Being able to provide stress-free services during the most difficult time is truly a gift, and one last act of kindness we can provide. This decision has led me to Lap of Love, and I am grateful and honored to be part of a wonderful team who shares my beliefs. 

When I am not working, I can be found participating in a variety of dog sports with three of my duck tollers, Drummer, Bodhi, and William. My golden retrievers, Hailey and Harper, love hanging out at home. I am also owned by 3 cats—SimonJack, Phelps and Steve—who are all foster failures from my time working at the animal shelter. Outside of spending time with my pets, I enjoy gardening, tending to my reef tank, relaxing with my family, and checking out new local restaurants with them.

I grew up in Michigan, near the Lake Saint Clair shoreline. I spent my summers swimming and sailing, and my winters ice skating and sitting by the fireplace. I always knew I wanted to become a veterinarian, and could often be found “doctoring” my stuffed animals. I remember fostering and caring for many stray animals as a child. Some we kept, and others we found nearby homes, where I could still see them.

After attending the University of Michigan for my undergraduate studies, and then Michigan State University’s veterinary school, I settled into practice. Although I focused mainly on dogs and cats, I also enjoyed treating exotic and farm animals. I feel a strong connection to animals, and am grateful that I am able to use that passion to make them healthy and happy parts of their human family. 

Unfortunately, I have experienced many of my own pet losses over the years. The most difficult was the loss of my "heart dog" during my first pregnancy. She saw me through undergraduate and veterinary school, marriage, and moving to two different states. I really clung to her and recall sleeping with her on the floor during her final weeks, and feeding her anything she wanted. Unfortunately, she went downhill quickly, and I had to take her to be euthanized unexpectedly. I wish I knew what I know now, and would have planned her passing earlier. Sometimes, it is hard for even veterinarians to know the best time to allow a beloved pet to transition, and unexpected things happen. Since then, I have followed the belief that it is better to let a pet go a week too early, than a day too late. I have pursued that philosophy when having to say, "see you later," to other beloved pets. Although it is one of the hardest jobs as a pet parent, a peaceful passing is the last great gift we can give a faithful companion. 

I like to be available to families and their beloved pets at the end because I feel families need extra support during that difficult time. When I go to someone's home to help their pet transition, I feel like I am giving them the right and respect to allow their pet to pass in a beautiful and safe place. I am there to serve the family at their hardest time, and my goal is to make it just a bit easier for them, and for them to be able to say "see you later" in the best way possible. 

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 23 years, Marty, our three daughters, and our menagerie of pets— Kristy the German shepherd, Tui the flat-coated retriever, Sheila the nosy, noisy cockatoo, Mun and Cricket the cats, Charlie the chinchilla, and 4 rescue rats. We all enjoy spending time at the beach, and visiting Historic Charleston. I also enjoy sailing, walking, swimming, and reading.