Veterinarian Overview
Since I was a child, I remember my mom telling stories of my grandfather?s veterinary practice and his compassion for animals in need. My parents soon recognized that same compassion in me and encouraged me to pursue my dream of following in his footsteps. Growing up around a small farm in northeast Missouri, I was able to experience firsthand the joy of sharing life with a variety of animals. My first love was a Quarter horse named Babe, who was my partner in crime, shoulder to cry on, and a little horse-crazy girl?s dream come true. She always greeted me with a nicker, especially if I came bearing treats. From her, I learned patience, perseverance, and above all, the power of the human-animal bond. The discovery of the impact of the human-animal bond made me determined to acquire the necessary skills to help others nurture and sustain that bond with their own pets. This determination to become a skilled and caring veterinarian led me to graduate in the top of my class from Southeast Missouri State University in 2012 and University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Just weeks before graduation as a veterinarian, I suffered from sudden heart failure secondary to a previously undiagnosed adrenal tumor. An amazing team of doctors and a major surgery allowed me to walk across the stage and fulfill my dream, but the weeks of recovery to follow gave me time to reflect on my experiences and also a newfound empathy for pets suffering from similar chronic conditions. Several months after graduation, I entered general practice in the St. Louis area with the goal of helping pets to live full and happy lives with the owners that love them. It was here that I first discovered my interest in end-of-life care. Watching families say goodbye to their scared and confused companions in an unfamiliar environment broke my heart, and I tried my utmost to improve the experience for those families when I could. When I discovered Lap of Love, I knew I had found the perfect way for me to help those families make their pets? last moments as comfortable and loving as possible. Our bonds with our pets have a profound impact on our lives, and I strive every day to preserve that bond, especially throughout the difficult decision of saying goodbye.
