In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Greater Houston Area

Growing up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, I always knew I would work with animals. However, becoming a veterinarian was a long and winding road. I loved to play with the animals my parents had at home and at the pet store they owned. As a teenager, my mother worked as a veterinary technician at the Houston Zoo, and my after-school time was spent there, behind the scenes. Some of my fondest memories are of watching the veterinary team work to save the old bull elephant, and observing the veterinarian as he performed necropsies. 

Although I began my undergraduate work in Sacramento, California, I completed my veterinary degree at Texas A&M University in 1996. I enjoyed practicing as a general practice veterinarian, getting to know my patients and their owners, providing them with the best care I could, and being part of their lives from beginning to end. Being able to make a difference in an animal's life is the best part of being a vet. So many animals need an advocate in their lives—someone to speak up for them when no one else listens—that's what I'm meant to do! 

I have lost many pets over the years and every one of them was difficult for me. It's one thing to know that you're doing the right thing for your pet, but it's totally different to have to do it yourself. I think the situations when I may have waited too long to make the decision have had the most significant impact on my thoughts about end of life care. Choosing the right time to say goodbye is an extremely difficult decision for anyone to make, but I believe that quality should be prioritized over quantity, and every soul should be allowed to pass peacefully, with as little pain as possible.

Every pet, whether a dog, cat, or horse, should be able to die with dignity at home, surrounded by those who love them. While I may not be able to physically do many of the things I once took for granted and enjoyed while practicing equine work, this is a gift that I can still provide for the animals and the people who love and respect them. 

When I am not working, I enjoy woodworking, stained glass art, and restoring and repurposing furniture (and other found objects). I also plan on interrupting one of my horse's retirement plans and getting back in the saddle soon.

Growing up in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana (the crawfish capital of the world!), I spent my time outdoors, basically in the middle of a swamp. As a child, I loved animals of all kinds- I was the kid who brought home strays, frogs, and all kinds of bugs.

I attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for undergraduate school, and then Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. My passion has always been shelter work and helping pets find loving homes. I also spent years working in emergency veterinary medicine as well in general practice. I have helped many pet owners navigate very difficult times and make hard decisions for their pets. Most of all, emergency medicine helped me understand what it's like to lose a beloved pet.

I lost my own boy, Jax, very suddenly to undiagnosed juvenile onset diabetes. He passed away years ago, but I'm still heartbroken and I think of him often. That experience has changed my outlook on veterinary medicine, and the care I provide to owners— especially when I listen to their concerns, as that was the most important thing to me when my cat got sick.

In-home euthanasia allows pets to pass where they are comfortable and relaxed, instead of having the stress of being brought to a clinic for the last time. I feel honored to provide this comforting service to pets and their families.

Outside of work, I am an avid gardener—I love all plants and being outside. I also love traveling and I want to see every country!

I grew up in a house full of animals—dogs, cats, turtles, and frogs—in a small town outside of Houston. As a child, I took an active interest in their care and always wanted to accompany them when they visited the veterinarian. In high school, I volunteered at several hospitals—human and animal—which helped me realize my dream of combining my love for animals with my interest in medicine as a future veterinarian. I got my first job as a veterinary technician in college and that cemented my love for the veterinary field.  

I attended Trinity University in San Antonio for my undergraduate studies where I majored in biochemistry and molecular biology and minored in mathematics. After undergrad, I completed veterinary school at Louisiana State University and began working in general practice. 

As a veterinarian, I have always been passionate about delivering palliative care—helping to maintain a good quality of life for senior pets and pets with terminal illnesses—as well as providing care for shelter animals. I am also working toward my small animal acupuncture certification. 

Losing my heart dog, Nina, who had an aggressive autoimmune condition, was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, but after fighting her disease for several months, I knew euthanasia was the best decision because I couldn’t let her suffer. Going through this process with Nina made me appreciate how important those last moments with your pet are. It meant so much to have been able to let her pass peacefully in her favorite bed alongside her family.

End-of-life care and humane euthanasia are gifts we can offer our pets to prevent suffering. It's probably the most difficult decision any pet owner will make and being able to help and make the process flow as smoothly as possible is so important in helping with acceptance and closure, and I am honored to do this work. 

In addition to veterinary medicine, I enjoy crafting and creating things with my hands, including knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, sewing, and painting—I find the process so relaxing and love being able to create something out of nothing.

I grew up in Brooklyn, New York. I loved that there was always something to do, and everything was close enough that we did not need a car to get around. I also loved the historical buildings and neighborhoods with people from all backgrounds. I distinctly remember being scared to cross the bridge to Manhattan when I was in elementary school—it seemed like another state. I loved animals growing up, although my parents were not responsible pet owners, and I never visited a veterinary clinic until I adopted my first dog after college. 

I graduated from D'Youville College in Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in biology. It was a small college, and my first time away from home. I was able to study abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester. I took a year off after graduation to obtain different animal experiences required for my veterinary school application. I attended The Royal Veterinary College in London and was able to travel around Europe during my time overseas. Although I loved visiting different countries, I couldn't wait to return to New York City after the five-year program. 

Although I grew up with pets, my first euthanasia experience was during vet school, with the first dog I adopted as an adult—a Cane Corso I rescued from the ASPCA. I treated her to Reese’s peanut butter cups on her last day. I cried for days after losing her. Letting go of subsequent pets became easier. 

I appreciate that as a veterinarian I have the ability to end a pet’s suffering, and I can help loved ones leave in a controlled manner. Family members are able to say their goodbyes and I can let a pet pass before their condition worsens in some instances. 

In my spare time, I like to work with my hands, and I enjoy arts and crafts and DIY projects. I am a new homeowner, so I am slowly renovating and putting my skills to the test as time and funds allow. I am also getting back into colored glass work and would love to make pieces for my three large windows.

I grew up in Brownsville, Texas with a deep passion for animals. My parents are British, and my favorite childhood memories are of summer trips to England where I spent my days among the horses and sheep on the hill behind my grandma’s house. I knew from a young age I wanted to work with animals, and as soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering at the local animal shelter. I also attended a high school with a medical magnet program and shadowed a veterinarian for a year, which solidified my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from Rice University in Houston, where I had the unique opportunity to spend a summer as an intern working with dolphins and sea turtles in Hawaii. After graduating from Rice, I attended Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree. 

My husband and I moved to Waco, where I practiced as a companion animal veterinarian at a wonderful clinic for 12 years. My experiences there have given me a deep understanding of the powerful bond between humans and their beloved pets, and I look forward to using my medical expertise and deep empathy for pets and people during some of life's most challenging moments.

Losing my first cats, Ginny and Ellie, who saw me through veterinary school, was heart wrenching, but gave me the ability to connect and empathize with other pet owners going through similar situations. 

In my role at Lap of Love, my goal is to provide a peaceful and loving end-of-life transition for pets in the warmth of their home, surrounded by the people who love them the most, and to comfort families during a difficult time. I am honored to do this work, as I know the tremendous healing and comfort that these services provide.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, practicing pilates, and baking. I spend most of my free time with my husband, daughter, and son. We have two cats, Poppy and Marigold, and are happy to be back in the Houston area. 

I am a highly experienced veterinarian who has been serving the Houston community for more than 30 years. I earned my veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 1989 and have since dedicated my career to providing top-quality care for pets. 

I have gained a wealth of experience in various areas of the veterinary field over the years, including relief work and emergency medicine. In 2003, I opened my own veterinary practice, where I worked for the next 10 years. Throughout my career, I have gained a reputation as a skilled and compassionate veterinarian. I have helped many owners say goodbye to their beloved pets, and I understand how difficult it is for families to let their pets go. 

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my son, hairless cats, Boston terriers, and numerous chickens on my five-acre property. I also love to travel and have been all around the world with my son.