"BRINGING BACK THE OLD FASHIONED HOUSE CALL"
An integrated and common sense approach for your pet's everyday veterinary needs
Who I am:
I have spent my life working with and getting as close as I possibly can to nature and animals. My family loves to tell the stories of my childhood where I was repeatedly getting injured by animals due to my intense desire to be close as possible. There were kitty scratches and bites, “kitty tried to want to get down” I stated perplexed with blood dripping. Rooster attacks, broken bones and many bruises by the equine species, sow near death experiences and many canine nips and scratches just to name a few. But, most importantly, there was the beautiful connection of the human animal bonds made and the reward of soft warm puppy kisses.
At age 15, I started working at a veterinary clinic in town with one of those veterinarians you think of in the “good old days”, Dr. Duke Blackford. He was as much as a character as his name implies. I adored him and he loved teasing me endlessly. He was an interesting man, he was as country as they come, but his passion was holistic medicine and this was my first introduction to holistic animal care. I worked with Duke for about 6 years learning lots, but most of all, having a great time with an amazing old coot.
In my early twenties, I moved from the Midwest to San Diego California and had the chance of a lifetime. With a little luck and excellent swimming skills, I landed a job working at SeaWorld. This was a dream come true and it was being played out in my young adult life. I spent the next 12 years working with these unique marine mammals. These priceless experiences and human animal bonds will always be held very dear to my heart.
On on my birthday and on a magical surfing trip to Baja California, I decided to finally go to veterinary school. Five months later I ended up in St. Kitts in the Caribbean, beginning my formal education in veterinary medicine. I figured if I had to be in school, it might as well be on a beautiful island in the Caribbean! Life long friendships made and many amazing island experiences carried me through the rigors of veterinary school. It certainly makes school a lot more fun when you can go surfing and snorkeling on a warm and beautiful Caribbean island.
Post veterinary school I ganged up with my soul sisters from the island and we all started working in New York together. These were definitely the “learning years.” As soon as I was able, I headed south for warmer weather and water. I have lived in Charleston now for over 13 years, enjoying the beach and lifestyle here and getting to know many of you and your loved ones. The animals and nature are a part of my soul and as long as I can, I will continue to get as close as possible, despite a few nips and scratches.