Providing gentle end-of-life care for your furry family member.

“The meaning of life is service to others.” This pearl of wisdom was shared by a mentor in my hometown of Corning, a small community in rural Upstate NY. The truth of his statement resonates with me as much today as when I first heard it. Thanks to my husband’s military career, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve animals and clients all over the country. My husband and I agree, however, that Albuquerque is the first place that has truly felt like home. We are so glad, after a short hiatus in Connecticut and Hawaii, to be back home in New Mexico for good.

The first time I experienced the joy of an animal’s unconditional love was when my mother finally succumbed to years of begging for my very own kitty. I still remember the excitement I felt when I came home from school to hear the indignant yowls of a half-Siamese, gray fuzzball who had been hidden in the bathroom as a birthday surprise. His name was Mooters and we were inseparable.

Despite the many years and happy memories we had together, it was during the heart-breaking loss of Mooters that I found my calling. I knew at that moment my purpose in life was to care for, heal, and relieve the suffering of animals. During my training at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine I volunteered with the Pet Loss Support Hotline, taking calls from pet owners who were grieving the loss of a beloved friend. It gave me a unique glimpse at the enduring power of the human-animal bond, and I embrace the responsibility of nurturing and honoring that bond in my work every day.

I do my best to assist clients during some of the hardest decisions they will ever make: when to transition from seeking a cure to hospice care and when to say goodbye to their four-legged family member. Giving the gift of a peaceful, dignified, and pain-free journey over the Rainbow Bridge to their companion – who is so much more than “just a pet” – is an honor and privilege that touches my heart. I hope to help you and your special loved ones during these difficult times with the compassion and understanding of having been there myself, first with Mooters and several furry family members since.