Dr. Jennifer Stone

Coming Soon

Dr. Alton Esdaile

Coming Soon

Dr. An Le

Dr. An Le was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, where her lifelong love for animals first took root. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Washington before going on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 2019. Following veterinary school, Dr. Le worked as a general practice veterinarian in Seattle-area clinics, where she became Fear Free Certified. This certification reflects her deep commitment to ensuring pets feel safe, calm, and respected during their veterinary care, while also supporting families through stressful moments with empathy and clarity. Dr. Le knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian. The loss of her childhood Golden Retriever, Pooh, to cancer was a defining moment that solidified her calling. That experience shaped her passion for helping animals and guiding families through some of the most difficult times of their lives with compassion, patience, and understanding. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Le enjoys hiking and paddle boarding in the Pacific Northwest, as well as baking, cooking, and playing the piano. She and her husband, Chris, share their home with their beloved rescue Doberman Shepherd mix, Zuko.

Dr. Stephanie Lewis

Coming Soon

Dr. Gomez

Originally from Colombia, Dr. Veronica Gomez earned her veterinary degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked in private practice since 2009 and offers 16 years of clinical experience dedicated to thoughtful, compassionate care. Throughout her career, Dr. Gomez has been deeply committed to personalized patient care and whole-body health, believing that every pet deserves an approach tailored to their unique needs. She is especially passionate about client education and empowering families with the knowledge and choices they need to make confident, informed decisions. Dr. Gomez is dedicated to supporting families through chronic illness and end-of-life care with dignity and compassion, creating a calm, supportive environment where families feel safe, seen, and truly heard.

Dr. Buckweitz

Dr. Sandra Buckweitz brings over 20 years of experience providing compassionate veterinary care to families and their pets throughout South Florida. Her deep love for both animals and people is at the heart of her work, guiding every interaction with empathy, patience, and respect. Dr. Buckweitz has a special interest in geriatric medicine, palliative care, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, allowing her to support pets and families through complex medical and end-of-life journeys with a holistic and thoughtful approach. Fascinated by the human–animal bond, Dr. Buckweitz brings a deeply personal perspective to her practice. As a wife, mother of two, and pet owner herself, she understands how profoundly pets are woven into the fabric of family life. Known for her gentle, calm, and peaceful demeanor, Dr. Buckweitz is patient and clear in her communication, helping families feel supported, informed, and at ease during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Dr. Poon

Dr. Poon is a Sacramento native, born and raised in the community she is proud to serve. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 and has been practicing in general veterinary medicine in the Sacramento area since graduating. Dr. Poon has a special professional interest in geriatric care, alleviating chronic pain, and providing compassionate end-of-life support for pets and the families who love them. She is deeply committed to ensuring each patient’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life, and to guiding families through some of the most emotional moments of pet ownership with empathy and respect. Outside of work, Dr. Poon enjoys spending time with her own fur family—three senior dogs and two spunky cats. In her downtime, she can often be found reading, caring for her plants, or expressing her creativity through painting.

Dr. Padilla

Dr. Kim Padilla grew up in a military family and spent her early childhood living along the East Coast before eventually settling in Southern California, where she spent the remainder of her youth. From a very young age, Dr. Padilla knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. Although she explored other paths over the years, she consistently returned to veterinary medicine, driven by a lifelong passion for caring for animals and supporting the families who love them. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Irvine and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis. Following veterinary school, Dr. Padilla completed a rotating internship in Southern California before relocating back to the Sacramento area. Dr. Padilla brings a well-rounded clinical background, with experience in emergency medicine, family practice, and relief work, where she has supported local clinics in need of additional coverage. This diverse experience allows her to adapt to a wide range of medical situations while maintaining a compassionate, thoughtful approach to patient care. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Padilla cherishes time with her family and pets. She enjoys long walks with her dog, quiet evenings cuddling on the couch with her cat, and joyful dance parties with her husband and children.

Dr. Sarah Mikhail

Dr. Mikhail earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year at Louisiana State University, where she gained extensive hands on experience across a wide range of medical and surgical cases. This diverse training helped shape her confidence and clinical skill in high-acuity and time sensitive environments. Dr. Mikhail thrives in fast paced clinical settings and is particularly drawn to the challenges and rewards of emergency medicine. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high quality care, with a focus not only on the medical needs of each pet but also on supporting the families who love them during difficult moments. Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Mikhail enjoys staying active and spending time with her four dogs. She values the human animal bond and looks forward to building meaningful, lasting relationships with the pets she treats and the families she serves.

Dr. Kendall Oziminski

Dr. Oziminski earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and has since practiced in general veterinary medicine, where she has developed a strong foundation in comprehensive, lifelong pet care. She finds deep fulfillment in guiding and counseling families through every stage of their pet’s life whether discussing preventive care, managing chronic disease, or helping families navigate important quality-of-life decisions. Dr. Oziminski is known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach and her commitment to ensuring both pets and their families feel supported, informed, and respected. Her dedication to animals extends beyond her clinical work. Dr. Oziminski actively volunteers and fosters with Wags & Walks Nashville, reflecting her belief in advocacy, rescue, and community involvement. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys staying active through ice hockey, Pilates, and pickleball. She values balance, wellness, and meaningful connections, all of which inform the care she provides to the families she serves.

Dr. Ginger

Dr. Ginger Pelger grew up in a small town in western Ohio, surrounded by animals and inspired by a love of both cats and horses. From the beginning, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian—imagining a life much like Dr. Herriot’s—caring for all kinds of animals in her community.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and began her DVM studies at Mississippi State University before pursuing a specialty in swine production medicine. Drawn by the intelligence of pigs and the importance of maintaining a healthy food supply, Dr. Pelger went on to complete a Master’s degree and began her career with Land O’Lakes. As her family grew, she transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where she contributed through research and technical service support.

After many successful years in leadership and industry roles, Dr. Pelger embraced early retirement—though, as she likes to say, “veterinarians don’t really retire.” Instead, she returned to the roots of her calling: providing personalized veterinary care, comforting families, and creating meaningful end-of-life experiences for pets.

Today, she brings her deep compassion and expertise to Heartstrings Pet Hospice in Indianapolis. With a special focus on geriatric medicine and palliative care, Dr. Pelger is dedicated to ensuring that families have access to comfort-focused support and that beloved pets receive a peaceful, respectful farewell at the right time.

Outside of her work, Dr. Pelger treasures the lessons she continues to learn from both pets and their people—believing that every companion animal deserves compassion, dignity, and respect throughout every stage of life.

Dr. Fink

Dr. Fink is a proud Tampa native whose love for animals began in childhood, surrounded by cats, dogs, birds, and even hamsters. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Florida before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.

For more than a decade, Dr. Fink practiced small animal general medicine in Southeast Florida, where she discovered her true calling—providing families with compassionate in-home end-of-life care. This experience shaped the course of her career, guiding her back to her hometown of Tampa, where she now dedicates her work to bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to pets and their families through mobile visits.

At home, Dr. Fink shares life with her two rescue companions—a 15-year-old cat and a 7-year-old mixed-breed dog. Beyond veterinary medicine, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures through food, and cheering on her favorite teams: the Gators, Bucs, Dolphins, Rays, Lightning, Panthers, Heat, and, of course, her Kansas State Wildcats.

Dr. Shayla Saulsbury

Dr. Shayla Saulsbury, DVM Originally from California, Dr. Shayla Saulsbury moved east to pursue her veterinary education at Lincoln Memorial University. After completing her training, she chose to make Chattanooga her home, where she now cares for a lively and loving family of pets—including a coonhound, house bunnies, and a rosy boa.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Saulsbury enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her creativity and love for the outdoors. She spends her free time gardening, painting, sewing, hiking, and reading.

Dr. Saulsbury is grateful to serve families in the Chattanooga community, bringing compassion, dignity, and respect to every pet and family she has the privilege of supporting during life’s most tender moments.

Dr. Julie Guthrie

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Julie Guthrie has always been drawn to the natural world and animals of every kind. She studied Marine Biology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and spent time abroad in Bonaire scuba diving, researching coral reefs, and watching flamingos in their natural habitat.

Following her passion for animal care, Dr. Guthrie earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, completing her clinical training at the University of Georgia in Athens.

She began her career in small animal practice in Seminole, Florida, where she cared for local pets for four years before an Air Force move with her husband took her to Omaha, Nebraska. There, she pivoted to working with the USDA and cattle for six years—an experience she fondly sums up as “just cows and corn.”

In 2025, Dr. Guthrie happily returned home to Largo, Florida, ready to get back to her roots in companion animal care. She is thrilled to be part of the Heartstrings Pet Hospice team, supporting families and their beloved pets with compassion and dignity.

Outside of work, Dr. Guthrie enjoys Florida’s beautiful outdoors with her family. She and her husband have a young son, Benji, who shares his mom’s love for animals and fish, along with their 11-year-old terrier mix, Jane, and Jeffro the leopard gecko. Whether it’s paddleboarding, snorkeling, camping, boating, or spending time at the beach, you’ll find Dr. Guthrie making the most of life back in the Sunshine State.

Dr. Kempin

Born and raised in Olathe, Kansas, Dr. Kempin completed all of their studies at Kansas State University before moving to the Chicago area with his partner and beloved pets — two dogs, Bumper and Adele, and a cat named Henry. With a deep passion for compassionate care, Dr. Kempin finds nothing more fulfilling in veterinary medicine than guiding pets and their families through the tender journey of end-of-life care. He is honored to bring their experience, empathy, and dedication to the Heartstrings Pet Hospice team in Chicago, helping local families say goodbye with dignity, comfort, and love.

Dr. Rhonda Faulks

Has dedicated her life to caring for animals with compassion, dignity, and respect. Born and raised just west of Nashville, Tennessee, she began her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel and veterinary assistant in her hometown. Her passion for animal care led her to earn a degree in veterinary technology, working as a licensed technician in clinics and as a research assistant for over a decade.

While working as a research assistant, Dr. Faulks pursued her BS in Biology at Belmont University. At 37, she was accepted into the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2001. She later became a practice owner in central Virginia, where she cared for pets and their families for 13 years before selling her practice and moving to Florida.

Recently, Dr. Faulks returned to Tennessee and developed a passion for end-of-life care, guiding families through one of the most emotional moments of pet ownership. She believes that every pet deserves a peaceful, dignified transition and is honored to provide this compassionate service to the Greater Knoxville community.

When she’s not caring for pets, Dr. Faulks enjoys bike riding, woodworking, and cheering on Tennessee women’s basketball.

She is proud to be part of Heartstrings Pet Hospice, where she can support families with warmth, understanding, and expertise.

Dr. Roy Johnson

Dr. Roy Johnson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Heartstrings team in Boise, with a career spanning over four decades in veterinary medicine. After earning his BSc from Colorado State University in 1975, Dr. Johnson completed the rigorous Vorphysikum and Physikum exams at the University of Munich’s College of Veterinary Medicine before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he received his DVM in 1982. His career began in Arizona, working with a mixed animal practice, and then led him to own and operate a similar practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for seven years. After selling his practice, Dr. Johnson specialized in emergency small animal medicine and surgery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before ultimately focusing exclusively on small animal medicine. Dr. Johnson has now practiced in Idaho for a cumulative 12 years, including 8 years with the Sun Valley Animal Clinic in Ketchum. Actively licensed in both Idaho and New Mexico, his primary focus is on the internal medicine of dogs and cats. With a deep commitment to patient care and an empathetic approach, Dr. Johnson is an invaluable part of the Heartstrings mission to offer compassionate, dignified end-of-life care. Dr. Johnson and his wife, Barbara, have been happily married for 29 years. They share their home with Winnie, a lovable rat-terrier/schnauzer/poodle mix, and a cat named Remy. In his free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys camping, hiking with his family, reading, cooking, gardening, and watching movies. Fun Facts: Dr. Johnson and Barbara lived in a yurt for nine years, a unique lifestyle that fuels their love for the outdoors. He has also logged over 5,000 hours on an Atomic Force Microscope, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and scientific curiosity.

Dr. Katie Knepler

Dr. Katie Knepler has been dedicated to the Colorado pet community for over 23 years. A 2002 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, she began her career in a mixed animal practice before focusing on small animal medicine and surgery. For eight years, she owned and operated her own clinic, and she now continues her veterinary journey with Heartstrings. Dr. Katie has developed deep, meaningful connections with clients, especially when guiding families through the emotional process of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. She believes strongly that end-of-life care should take place in the comfort and familiarity of home, where the experience can be more personal, peaceful, and compassionate for both pets and their people. Growing up on a small urban farm in the Midwest, Dr. Katie knew from a young age she wanted to become a veterinarian. Her early commitment to animal care earned her one of the few early admission spots into veterinary school, allowing her to accelerate her path into the profession. Over the years, she’s shared her life with an incredible variety of animals—including horses, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, ferrets, turtles, fish, guinea pigs, and even a raccoon. She is deeply passionate about the human-animal bond and believes animals are among the greatest gifts in our lives. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Katie is a proud mom to two children, two dogs, a cat, four chickens, a guinea pig, and some very lucky fish. She embraces everything Colorado has to offer—gardening, skiing, camping, and being outdoors. She also volunteers her time coaching youth soccer, and when she’s not coaching, she’s on the sidelines cheering her kids on.

Dr. Jones

Dr. Lisa Jones is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian with a deep commitment to providing peaceful, dignified end-of-life care for pets and their families. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Cornell University and has since devoted her career to ensuring that pets receive comfort and kindness during their final moments.

Originally from Western New York, Dr. Jones has lived in Central Michigan and now calls North Carolina home. She holds a Silver-Level Certification in Low Stress Handling, demonstrating her expertise in creating a calm and stress-free experience for pets in need of gentle care.

When she’s not supporting families through Heartstrings Pet Hospice, Dr. Jones enjoys hiking and camping in the great outdoors, embracing the beauty of nature. She also loves cozying up indoors with a good book and a cup of tea, balancing her adventurous spirit with moments of quiet relaxation.

Dr. Jones is honored to be part of the Heartstrings team, helping families navigate one of the most emotional moments in their pet’s life with compassion, respect, and empathy.

Dr. Sprague

Dr. Sprague has enjoyed her role as a hometown veterinarian since moving to Colorado in 2010. Originally from Arizona, she has spent time living in England and Tennessee prior to settling in beautiful Colorado.

Dr. Sprague is grateful to be part of the Heartstrings team, committed to helping local families provide peaceful, compassionate end of life care with kindness and respect.

In her spare time, Dr. Sprague enjoys spending time with her horses, dogs, cats and various barn animals! She also likes to tend to her gardens and spend time reading and traveling with her husband.

Dr. Jennifer Tate

Dr. Jennifer Tate is a dedicated veterinarian with a deep passion for providing compassionate end-of-life care to pets and the families who love them. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Tate spent 17 years in a veterinary role she truly loved before transitioning to hospice care.

With a lifelong appreciation for the human-animal bond, Dr. Tate brings warmth, empathy, and expertise to every family she supports. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys spending time outdoors, surrounding herself with family and friends, and staying active—once an avid runner, now a devoted walker. She shares her home with two wonderful children (who are well-behaved) and two beloved dogs (who, unfortunately, are not).

Dr. Tate is honored to be part of Heartstrings Pet Hospice, where she helps families navigate their pets’ final moments with Compassion, Dignity & Respect.

Dr. Echeverri

Dr. Echeverri grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where her love for animals began at an early age. She later moved to Tennessee to pursue her education at the University of Tennessee, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Since entering the veterinary field in 2006, Dr. Echeverri has dedicated her career to providing exceptional medical care to pets while building strong, trusting relationships with the families who love them. Over the years, she has developed a special passion for supporting patients and their owners during some of the most challenging moments—particularly in hospice care and end-of-life support. She believes in creating a peaceful, compassionate experience for pets and helping guide families through the emotional journey of euthanasia with empathy and grace. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Echeverri is a strong advocate for the veterinary profession and is committed to mentoring others in the field. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys mountain biking with her husband Jesse, hiking with her Beagle Luna and reading and values staying current with the latest advances in veterinary medicine through continuing education.

Dr. Heather Puksta

With over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Heather Puksta brings deep compassion, expertise, and dedication to her work with Heartstrings Pet Hospice. A graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Puksta completed her clinical training at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she developed a passion for preserving and honoring the human-animal bond.

In addition to her role at Heartstrings, Dr. Puksta is the co-owner of Bella Terra Animal Hospital. Her special interests include pain management, anxiety and behavior, quality of life assessments, and end-of-life care. She is especially committed to ensuring that every pet’s final chapter is marked by comfort, dignity, and love.

Dr. Puksta is married and a proud pet parent to one French Bulldog and two Staffordshire Terriers. She is honored to walk alongside families during some of their most meaningful moments, always focusing on compassion, quality of life, and the deep connection between people and their beloved companions.

Dr. Katie Huter, DVM

A proud Ohio native, Dr. Katie Huter brings a deep love for animals and a passion for compassionate care to the families she serves in Columbus and the surrounding communities. Originally from Cleveland, Dr. Huter began her professional journey in education, earning her degree in Integrated Mathematics from Ohio University in 2002 and teaching high school math in 29 Palms, California for five years.

Inspired to pursue her lifelong dream of veterinary medicine, she returned home to Ohio and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 2015. Since then, she has provided thoughtful and thorough general practice care at Berwick Animal Clinic. Dr. Huter is currently working toward her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through Chi University, further expanding her ability to offer holistic and comfort-focused care to her patients.

Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Huter is an avid native plant gardener and long-distance cyclist. She has participated in Pelotonia since 2012, proudly riding and raising funds for The James Cancer Hospital. Her love of animals is shared at home with her four beloved dogs—Evie, Sophie, Finn, and Josie—and her cat, Charlotte. Dr. Huter is honored to be part of the Heartstrings Pet Hospice team, where she can help families navigate the most tender moments of the human-animal bond with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Dr. Rosalie Rowland

Originally from Detroit, MI, is a compassionate veterinarian proudly serving the Seattle area with Heartstrings Pet Hospice. A graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she began her career in emergency and urgent care, where she developed a deep commitment to providing calm, comforting care during critical moments. Outside of work, Dr. Rowland is a licensed pilot and avid hiker who loves exploring the Pacific Northwest. She shares her home with her beloved pitbull, Nacho, and two cats, Simon and Matcha.

Dr. Otto Williams

Our greatest satisfaction comes from caring for our patients. Here, your cat or dog can expect the highest level of expertise, kindness, compassion, and professional veterinary care. We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Otto H. Williams, our newest doctor at Heartstrings Pet Hospice. Dr. Williams, a graduate of Tuskegee University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Bachelor's degree from Morehouse College, brings a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of compassion to our team. Growing up visiting his grandfather’s farm in Aberdeen, MD, Dr. Williams developed a deep passion for animal care surrounded by cows, pigs, and dogs. He is a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, and the Cobb County Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Williams is committed to serving each and every family with compassion, dignity, and respect, embodying the very essence of what Heartstrings Pet Hospice stands for.

Dr. Jacqueline Houser

Dr. Jacqueline Houser grew up in Portland, Oregon, and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Oregon State University. With a deep passion for animal care and a compassionate approach, she joined Heartstrings Pet Hospice to help families navigate the delicate and meaningful process of in-home euthanasia and aftercare. In her free time, Dr. Houser enjoys immersing herself in nature through camping, kayaking, and climbing with friends. She also loves spending quiet moments reading, strategizing in chess, and relaxing at home with her beloved dogs and cats. Dr. Houser’s dedication to animals and their families reflects her belief in providing comfort and dignity during the most tender moments of a pet’s journey.

Dr. Conforti

I have always been the quintessential animal lover, proudly proclaiming as a child that I wanted to become a veterinarian. My parents patiently endured my passion, which included bringing home stray dogs, rescuing injured wild animals, and amassing every kind of pocket pet imaginable. Thankfully, I stayed true to my dream and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Upon graduation, I spent two years practicing dairy medicine and surgery in Wisconsin. Although I didn’t grow up on a farm, I developed a deep love for dairy cows, the rural lifestyle, and the James Herriot “All Creatures Great and Small” approach to veterinary practice. However, my career in dairy medicine was short-lived as my passion for life sciences and medical research, particularly in the field of medical devices, drew me in a different direction. This led to a 25+ year career in the medical device industry, where I wore many hats, including business owner, scientist, veterinarian, and even janitor when needed. Running a business taught me invaluable lessons about empathy. It helped me understand that everyone is navigating their own battles, and being compassionate toward others' experiences is one of the most important qualities in life. As a pet owner, I’ve faced the same difficult questions and overwhelming emotions that arise when making end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet. I’ve had the privilege of euthanizing my own pets in the comfort and love of a home environment. While these moments were heartbreaking and profoundly emotional, I believe this approach is a beautiful and peaceful way to honor the bond we share with our pets. My goal is to provide you, your family, and your pet with comfort and support during this challenging time, ensuring that the end of your journey together is met with care, dignity, and compassion.

Dr. Montgomery

Dr. Montgomery's bio: From a very early age growing up in Indiana, Dr. Joni Montgomery knew she was destined to become a veterinarian. A lifelong animal lover and devoted 4-Her, she poured her heart into an average of 25 projects annually—excluding the countless animals she raised and showed. Her childhood was filled with training and competing with dogs in 4-H, AKC, and NADAC events, and raising and exhibiting poultry through both 4-H and the American Poultry Association.

Dr. Montgomery began her veterinary journey as a kennel assistant in high school, laying the foundation for what would become a deeply compassionate and diverse career in animal care. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, following a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from The University of Findlay in Ohio.

Since graduation, Dr. Montgomery has practiced mixed animal medicine, caring for everything from horses and farm animals to beloved companion pets. Her career began in Benson, North Carolina, but she later relocated north to be closer to her faith community at The Summit Church in Raleigh.

Dr. Montgomery shares her life with a joyful array of animal companions: Nikko the Golden Retriever; Koji, a rescue cat she bottle-raised with the help of her dog; Ranger, her Haflinger horse; Chibi, a spirited Quaker Parrot; and a carefully tended flock of Orpington chickens in blue, black, splash, and partridge colors. When she’s not caring for animals, she enjoys painting and drawing through her art business, The Motley Mouse Art, as well as playing the ukulele and banjolele, riding, baking, gardening, hiking, and DIY projects around her home.

Her passion for hospice and at-home euthanasia care stems from her own personal loss. Saying goodbye to Samson, her beloved childhood Standard Poodle, was a defining moment. Despite a lifetime of love and care, Samson’s final moments at a traditional clinic felt cold and clinical. From that day forward, Dr. Montgomery made a vow—to ensure that no family she helps will feel what she did in that moment. In Samson’s honor, she now strives to make every goodbye as peaceful, compassionate, and meaningful as possible.

Dr. Montgomery understands that choosing euthanasia is never easy—but believes it is often the most selfless, loving, and courageous decision a family can make for a pet who is suffering. Through her work with Heartstrings, she honors each pet’s life with dignity, compassion, and deep respect.

Dr. Drake

Dr. Emily Drake is a dedicated veterinarian with a strong background in animal welfare, compassionate care, and end-of-life support for pets. A 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota**, Dr. Drake initially pursued equine medicine, spending a year in ambulatory equine practice before transitioning into medical device research. Over the next 15 years in the medical device industry, she served as both a veterinarian and operational manager, gaining extensive experience in veterinary care, innovation, and animal well-being. Dr. Drake’s passion for in-home pet hospice and euthanasia comes from her own experiences with pet loss. She understands the profound impact of allowing pets to spend their final moments at home, surrounded by love and comfort. This deep personal connection fuels her commitment to helping families navigate end-of-life care with dignity, support, and compassion. Now serving the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Dr. Drake is honored to provide pet owners with the guidance, care, and empathy they need during one of life’s most difficult transitions.

Dr. Lattimer

Dr. Lattimer brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a unique background to her role at Heartstrings Pet Hospice. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Dr. Lattimer has lived in nearly every region of the United States, from California and Massachusetts to North Carolina, Missouri, and Kansas, before finding a new home in Colorado. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia – College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Dr. Lattimer’s career began in corporate veterinary medicine, followed by time in private general practice. Although she has a keen interest in cardiology, orthopedics, and clinical pathology, she discovered her true passion lies in providing care for geriatric pets and hospice patients, allowing her to make a meaningful difference in their end-of-life journeys. At home, Dr. Lattimer shares her life with her husband, a Denver-based airline captain, and their five beloved cats – Boomer (17), Inky (17), Goober (12), Flower (9), and Sesame (4). Beyond veterinary medicine, Dr. Lattimer is an accomplished aerialist, performing, teaching, and competing on a variety of apparatuses, including lyra, trapeze, aerial straps, and hammock. When she’s not in the clinic or the air, you’ll find her exploring the Colorado outdoors, hiking, skiing, drawing, or baking. Dr. Lattimer’s expertise and dedication to compassionate care make her a valued member of the Heartstrings team in the Denver market.

Devin Barnard

Meet Devin Barnard, Senior Veterinary Care Specialist at Heartstrings Pet Hospice Devin Barnard brings over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and optical industries to Heartstrings Pet Hospice, holding certifications as a Licensed Optician with ABO and NCLE credentials. Devin is dedicated to providing quality patient care and has a passion for giving back, having worked with global vision clinics and served on the Board of Directors for various nonprofit organizations. Currently pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership, Devin also has extensive leadership experience in patient care and team development. A lifelong animal lover, Devin has been actively rescuing and fostering dogs, with a special place in her heart for pitbulls. She lost her beloved “heart dog,” Savannah Marie, in July 2023 and recently rescued her newest companion, Charlotte Ann, from the streets of Atlanta in January 2024. Devin’s compassion, dedication to service, and love for animals make her a wonderful addition to the Heartstrings family.