My love of animals, science, and nature blossomed at an early age. I spent my childhood surrounded by all manner of creatures and immersed in outdoor activities. In 1996, I graduated with honors from Colorado State University with my DVM degree, proudly becoming the third generation of veterinarians in my family. From there I sought an additional year of training and completed a rigorous yearlong
internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Although I had originally intended to complete a residency towards becoming a veterinary specialist, during my internship I discovered that I enjoyed being all kinds of doctor (optometrist, dermatologist, cardiologist, behaviorist, surgeon…) to my patients too much to limit myself to a single area of practice. I spent three years at a companion and exotic pet hospital before following my heart to specialize in feline medicine. In 2000, I joined one of the few exclusively feline hospitals in the San Francisco area and spent 14 happy years in practice there until quality of life called our family back to Colorado. The goal of relocation was to strike a better work-life balance, so I became my own boss working as a relief veterinarian at local veterinary practices, animal shelters, and emergency clinics. While I loved the freedom of setting my own schedule, the satisfaction of forming lasting bonds with clients and their pets was noticeably absent from relief work. I also was not spending nearly enough time with my favorite species, cats! Over the course of a typical workday, on a “good day” I might only see a single feline patient. Thus, I am pleased to announce the launching of Happy Cats Housecall Vet, LLC, a mobile veterinary practice dedicated to providing quality medical care solely for cats in the comfort and convenience of their own home. My husband, daughter, and I share our home with two mischievous kitties, Dottie and Dexter (a.k.a. Mischief and Mayhem), who excel at keeping us on our toes. Dottie (tuxedo) and her brother Dexter (all black) were found orphaned at just 2 days old, and with love and attention have grown up to be healthy adult cats. When not at work, I enjoy hiking, drawing (cats of course!), and volunteering with the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program in Fort Collins. For more information about the RMRP's life saving mission visit www.rmrp.org.