Dr. Mary Gardner wasn’t always thinking about being a veterinarian. After graduating from the University of Miami, she began working as a software Business Architect for an omni-channel order fulfillment software company in Florida. After 10 years in software she found herself longing for something different and more meaningful – after a twist of fate, the path she selected was to become a veterinarian. She completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 from the University of Florida.

After spending a few years in general practice, she co-found Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice which has over 400 veterinarians helping families with in home end of life care. Dr. Mary and Lap of Love have been featured in numerous local and national news media including DVM News Magazine, Today's Veterinary Practice, DVM 360, Entrepreneur Magazine and The New York Times.

Dr. Mary developed Lap of Love's proprietary web-based practice management software called Sunshine. The program is specifically designed for veterinary hospice and euthanasia services and also dynamically ties to the Lap of Love website to allow families the ability to locate the veterinarian closest to them. And now serves as CEO ensuring the vision of Lap of Love carries on.

Geriatric medicine, the aging process in animals and teaching family’s practical ways to care and manage their elder pets is Dr. Mary’s passion. She is the co-editor and author of the academic textbook, “Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient”. And has written two books for the pet parents - “It’s Never Long Enough” and “Nine Lives are Not Enoush”. She writes and speaks for professional and lay audiences on all aspects of geriatric medicine and end of life care, including veterinary hospice and euthanasia, as well as finding happiness in your career and life. She has spoken at NAVC, AVMA, WVC, Fetch, AVMA, state VMA's, IAAHPC, professional sales meetings, veterinary schools and animal hospitals around the world.

She was also honored with presenting the keynote address to the graduating Class of 2014 Oregon State Veterinary Medicine students, received the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Florida in 2016 and Small Animal Speaker of the Year for VMX in 2020