“This must be so hard for you.”

“I can't imagine how anyone can do this job!”

The truth is, this is never a job and has never felt like work. Helping my patients pass peacefully in the comfort of their home, surrounded by family, is an honor and a privilege to be able to assist.

Here is some background information about me:

I was born in the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, and I spent my first 16 years developing a passion for animals and an interest in medicine by following around the veterinarian who cared for all the many species on my parents' farm in Namibia. I moved to the USA when I was 16 and completed my senior year of high school in South Florida before continuing to college on a pre-vet track. During college, I worked as a kennel assistant, veterinary assistant, and eventually a veterinary technician. Thus, my appreciation and respect for medicine grew, and my love for our patients flourished.

Fast-forward to the present day, and I have achieved my dream of becoming a veterinarian—not caring for the exotic animals I grew up with, but instead focusing on more "traditional" pets, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits.

My education was completed in Florida, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida. It was also during this time that I became a proud American citizen and met my husband, Barry, an Officer in the United States Navy.

Upon graduation, I entered a very busy general practice in Annapolis, MD. It was during these first few years that I realized my interest in, and sense of responsibility for, the support and care of my sickest, terminal, disabled, and/or geriatric patients. Discussions about quality of life and the notion of "just because we can do something doesn't always mean we should" were words I lived by. It was an area where I felt I could make the greatest impact and where I was needed.

When I became a veterinarian, I never thought caring for geriatric patients and eventually saying goodbye would be something I would want to do, but rather a necessity or responsibility that came with my career. However, after witnessing a family member pass at home with the support of hospice, I realized that hospice gave both my terminal mother-in-law and our family the greatest gift—the ability for her to pass surrounded by her family in the place where she felt most comfortable.

Hospice and end-of-life care have become a true passion of mine. Over the years, I have been honored to help hundreds of incredible families and their beloved pets in Maryland, Rhode Island, and now Virginia. Each time I have entered a home as a stranger, I have left as a friend. Each family and patient has a piece of my heart, and I am so thankful to have been able to help my patients pass with dignity, love, and comfort. Whenever I receive gratitude from a family, I am almost embarrassed, as I have only cared for their "fur baby" for a mere hour or two in the same manner that they have cared for and cherished them their entire lives. For that, I am thankful to my families!

The military has moved my little family all over the country. When I moved to Virginia Beach, I had very little expectation. It was meant to be just another stop in the multitude of military assignments, but it is Virginia Beach where I truly feel at home. The sense of community, the small-town feel in a sprawling, diverse collection of amazing cities, sites, and people make Hampton Roads special. I am proud to be a local, to raise my kids here, and to be part of this amazing community.

I currently reside in Virginia Beach with my husband, Barry, our two human kids (Zachary and Abigail), and five canine kids: the Golden Girls, Willow and Zelda; my little "rotten" but cute Princess Peach the pug; and her silly brothers, Charlie and Tugg. It is my honor and privilege to serve families in both Hampton Roads and NoVA.

~ Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia of Hampton Roads & NoVA – Angel Pets ~

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