Biographies
In Loving Arms In-home Euthanasia
Dr. Tracy and Lulu
Dr.Tracy Rohrer has been practicing veterinary medicine in the Napa Valley since 1996. She worked for Napa Small Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian and medical director, before establishing In Loving Arms in the fall of 2018. She is a native of California and grew up in the East Bay Area city of Orinda. She developed a passion for animal care at an early age, raising and nurturing a wide variety of furry and feathered friends, including dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, parakeets and chinchillas. She attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Upon graduation, she worked as an embryologist and later as a research scientist in genetic engineering. Although research work was fascinating, she missed working with animals and felt her heart pulling her toward her true calling. Her deep love for all animals and a keen interest in medicine lead her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She achieved her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis in 1996.
After years of being in general small animal practice, she recognized a growing need for in-home pet care and especially euthanasia. "Our pets are relaxed and comfortable in their home environment where they are surrounded by familiarity and love. They bring us pure joy and unconditional love during their lives. When they are at the end of their journey, helping them have a gentle passing is the greatest gift we can give them." Being able to provide compassion and support for clients during this very difficult end of life process in the comfort and privacy of their home is an invaluable service and one that she holds dear to her heart.
Dr. Tracy enjoys staying active, hiking, camping, gardening and being outdoors and in nature. She loves music, concerts and playing her guitar. She shares her home with her precious dog Lulu and is an auntie to Timmy the adorable
Shih Tzu pup and two lovable kitties Julius and Missy.
Activities:
Volunteer for the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps
Veterinary Consultant for We Care Animal Rescue
Memberships:
California Veterinary Medical Association
International Association for Animal Hospice and
Palliative Care
Napa Solano Veterinary Medical Association
Advanced Training:
Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy
Dr. Valerie and Cooper
Since graduating from UC Davis Veterinary School in 1990,
Dr. Valerie Merrill has practiced veterinary medicine for over 32 years in California as a general practitioner focusing on the care of our beloved companion animals. She has had many treasured furry, hoofed and feathered family members over her lifetime all who touched her life deeply and are no longer here in body but are close to her heart in spirit. She currently lives with her lovable kitties and is auntie to her dear friends dog, as well as any dog she meets along the way. She adores the outdoors, surrounding herself with nature, even if simply feeding the wild birds, tending to the garden or bird watching on walks. She loves hiking, especially with our canine friends who show an exuberant joy for life as well as living in the moment, which is such an inspiration to her.
As her career has matured, she has elected to focus her skills on providing care to our older and ailing furry family members who are approaching the end of their life. Supporting their family during this time is an extremely important component to helping us honor our loved ones during this difficult process and transition. Aiding our pets to gently and peacefully pass away in their home where they are most comfortable, surrounded by their family's love, she believes is truly a most loving gift we can give our beloved furry babies when the time comes. Helping guide families through this time is her current calling, allowing her to give back to these amazing beings who have given themselves to us completely, showing us powerful and unconditional love until their final breath, beginning their next journey peacefully.
Memberships:
American Veterinary Medical Association
California Veterinary Medical Association
Contra Costa Veterinary Medical Association
International Association for Animal Hospice and
Palliative Care
Certifications:
Fear Free Certification
Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy