In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Milwaukee & Surrounding Areas

My story begins as many in my field: for as long as I can remember, all I have ever wanted to be was a veterinarian. I was born and raised in rural Northeast Wisconsin, but unlike some raised in the country, I did not grow up with a menagerie of animals. Rather, my family had a black lab named Star, and I was able to persuade my parents into letting me have the occasional hamster (much to my mother’s dismay). Ultimately, it was our dog, and the unbreakable bond and unconditional love that we had, that led me to my very focused career path of veterinary medicine at the ripe age of 5.   

Fast forward 17 years later: I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI in 2003 and was fortunate enough to be accepted into veterinary school at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After four years of veterinary school (which felt a little like dog years to me) I graduated in 2007 and pursued a career in small animal general practice.

For 13+ years I was honored to help thousands of animals (and their families) throughout all life stages. As with most veterinarians in general practice, I performed a wide array of services including wellness visits and vaccines, surgery and dentistry, and diagnosing illnesses and diseases of all sorts. It was the final end of life visit, however, that has always impacted me the most. Thinking back to my very first pet, Star, the only visit I can seem to remember is when we brought her to our veterinarian to be euthanized. I was 17 years old at the time. I remember we asked the vet to come out to our car since Star was unable to walk anymore, and he did. Although everything went very smoothly, I also remember the experience feeling cold, and it always saddened me that her last moments were in the back of our station wagon (a place she did not enjoy being in the first place). After my own experience so long ago, it has always been important to me to make sure those final moments for a pet and their loving family were as peaceful and dignified as they could be, even in a clinic setting. I have been fortunate since becoming a veterinarian, to be able to help my own pets, as well as those of family and close friends, to pass peacefully in their own home, the place where they had no fear and only felt love. Therefore, when I learned about Lap of Love, I was particularly passionate about the service they provide for so many families. The priceless opportunity of being able to be alongside one’s beloved pet, in the comfort of their own home until the very end. I am honored to be a part of the Lap of Love family now and provide the care that every animal deserves to have at the end of their lives.

When I’m not working, I enjoy camping, hiking and spending time with family. I live north of Milwaukee with my husband, Jeremy, and his daughters Maddi and Estella. We also have a blended family of fur babies: a chihuahua mix named Keeda, an Airedale Terrier named Greta and a longed haired cat named Izzy (proof that with good training, Airedales and cats can indeed live in harmony!). 

I am a Wisconsin native, born and raised in the heart of the beautiful, dynamic city of Milwaukee. I am honored to provide care and support for pets and families in need in my community. I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a child. Although I did not grow up with many household pets, I always had a caring disposition and would help the local stray animals in my neighborhood on my way back from school. My first pet was my dog Coco, who further cemented my decision on becoming a veterinarian. With Coco, I felt the impact that our furry friends can have in our lives and the pawprints they leave on our hearts through their unconditional love and loyalty. I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for our cherished animals.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI and journeyed onto veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. I have an ongoing interest in palliative medicine as well as preventative and behavioral medicine, and thus far, have dedicated my career to offering peaceful hospice and end of life care.

I lost my heart dog, Coco, suddenly and unexpectedly while I was away at veterinary school. Although my family was with him during his last moments, I was unable to be with him at that time. Due to this experience, I find great pride in offering owners these special final moments with their pets as I know how precious and important it is to families. It is an honor to provide pets the gift of a peaceful transition in the comfort of their homes and surrounded by the love of their favorite people.

In my spare time, I enjoy moviegoing, playing board games with friends, traveling and spending time outdoors with my two cuddly, playful Pomeranian pups.

I was born and raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, which is in the greater Milwaukee area, and moved to Hartland during middle school. Other than my time at the University of Minnesota during veterinary school, I have always lived in Wisconsin. 

As a young child, I was always attracted to animals. When I was 9, I begged my parents to sign me up for horseback riding lessons after my grandparents took our family on a trail ride. They obliged and the barn quickly became my second home. When I wasn't riding horses, I could be found spending time with the barn cats and dogs. I now have my own horse, and I still hang out at the barn.

I received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and then went to the University of Minnesota for vet school. Since graduating, I've held several positions in general practice, treating mainly cats and dogs. I enjoy making a difference for people who love and care for pets as much as I do. I love meeting new people and learning about ways they connect with their animals. 

We lost my childhood cat to cancer when I was in college. We kept her comfortable with medications for a few short weeks before she declined to the point that we knew it was her time. I remember being scared to go to the vet because I didn't want my last memory to be of her passing on. My mom said everyone at the clinic was so compassionate and caring and reassured her that we were making a kind decision. I’m now more comfortable being with my pets during their final moments, but absolutely understand that whatever feels most comfortable is right for an individual family. I am grateful that I can help families navigate this difficult time and give them peace of mind knowing they are making a kind and compassionate decision. 

Outside of work, I spend several days a week riding my horse, an American Saddlebred named Joey, and occasionally competing in small-scale pleasure shows. I also enjoy arts and crafts, particularly sewing, cross stitch, and painting. I recently dabbled in gardening, but I wouldn't consider myself a green thumb just yet!