Originally from San Jose, Dr. Karen Vine attended college and veterinary school in Virginia, earning her DVM from VA Tech in 2000. Since then, she has been in private practice in Northern Virginia. Working at the same hospital for 17 years, she developed many close relationships with clients and their families, and helped guide and support them through good and bad.

Easing the pain and suffering of her patients, and helping owners through the loss of their beloved family members became increasingly important to her. She strived to make the process of euthanasia as peaceful as possible for both the owner and their pet, with both compassion and respect. She also learned that in many cases, it is difficult to achieve that peace in the veterinary hospital, and that most pets and people are more comfortable in their own home.

In 2012, Dr. Vine had to euthanize her beloved 16 year old lab mix. Although he loved going to work with her in his younger days, his illness made any kind of travel stressful and uncomfortable for him. As difficult as it was, Dr. Vine was so grateful to be able to ease his suffering at home, in his favorite bed, surrounded by family.

This personal experience along with her experience in practice helped Dr. Vine to understand the importance of end of life care for dogs and cats and their families.