With this option, your pet is cremated privately at a licensed crematory. The ashes are contained in a lovely rose wood urn with engraved nameplate (optional) and will be returned to your primary care veterinarian in two weeks. Other arrangements are possible (please inquire) or made available directly from the crematory.
There may be a fee of $50-$100 if additional assistance to safely carry your pet out of your home is needed.
I grew up in the small Northern Michigan town of Gaylord. We had many dogs and cats when I was growing up, whom I loved from afar because I was severely allergic to them! Thankfully, I grew out of my allergies and was able to pursue a career involving my love for animals. I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate work and veterinary school and achieved my dream in 2001. I practiced small animal medicine in the area, including clinics in Kalamazoo, the eastern Detroit area, and Howell, where I was able to help, heal and treat my furry clients.
While working in one small animal practice, we were getting several requests for in home euthanasias, and I was wiling to help. As I started to perform in home euthanasias, I found it was such an honor and privilege to help clients with their beloved pets in their home. To allow a pet to remain in the comfort of their home, surrounded by their loving family for their final moments was a feeling I can't describe.
Although I found myself drawn to helping families for end of life care, I understand the enormity of this decision as a pet parent. I had to endure the heartbreaking decision-making process as a pet parent with our dog, Quimby. Even though I'm a veterinarian, I'm also a pet parent, so I felt the anxiety and helplessness of making this difficult decision. I hope I can bring you some comfort and assurance that this decision can be your last gift to your pet. I performed Quimby's euthanasia at home with my family hugging him and loving on him as he took his final breath.
I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful children and share our loving home with a myriad of pet children including our crazy German Shorthaired Pointer, named Monty, who can't sit still. We also have two cats, named Frodo and Jess, who love to lounge in the sun on the screened-in porch as I read, which is how I love to spend my time.
"I just want to take the time and thank Dr. Laura for being there for our family, being so compassionate, and for helping to make saying goodbye to Dakota a little easier for us. She was so sweet to Dakota and took her time making sure he felt comfortable. He went so peacefully surrounded by everyone that loved him. There is a special place in heaven for people like her."
"Dr. Laura Porta was amazing!! She was calming and compassionate. She made the passing of our beloved Guinness special."
"Dr. Porta was very compassionate & knowledgeable in this extremely emotional time. She explained everything before hand and encouraged us that Jackson’s health was rapidly declining, & we were being selfless by helping her not be in pain. But the best thing about Dr. Porta was that she was respectful and honored Jackson. She tenderly touched Jackson; she spoke softly and kindly to her; she made her face and neck comfortable even after she was gone; she very carefully pet and touched her paws to give us a keepsake, and she lifted Jackson with great carefulness and addition to detail. I felt like my baby was in good hands the entire time. This experience was peaceful and calm, even though it was terrible loosing her."
"Everyone I encountered at Lap of Love was fantastic. This is a difficult time, and everyone I spoke with made it as easy as possible. We chose at home euthanasia mostly for us. Our pup LOVED the vet. I mean, why wouldn't he? They gave him treats and pets and always told him how pretty he was. (He was very pretty.) But, this is a hard thing. I don't think he would've minded the vet scenario, but we would have. I'll never have it another way. It was peaceful, and we were able to help him on his way. I'm more grateful than I can ever say for this service."
"What a wonderful person Dr. Laura is! She combines kindness, compassion, and professionalism that makes the time of separation from your beloved pet a much less painful and emotionally distressing experience. She was also kind enough to read for us and Perry the Rainbow Bridge Poem."
"Dr. Laura was wonderful. So kind, compassionate, and professional. Her calm demeanor did so much to help make this process as peaceful as possible. We cannot thank her enough, and we are eternally grateful that Lap of Love exists. Junie deserved nothing less. And we couldn't have asked for anything more."
We proudly serve west of Detroit, including the areas surrounding Ann Arbor, Plymouth and Brighton. Due to the expansive area covered, there may be a travel fee of $50 based on your location.
“Guinness was our goofball dog. He was the most vocal Greyhound we’ve ever seen. He would reply with howling to us when we would say “I love you”.