I was born with a deep love of dogs, despite not having one of my own until I was nine years old. After much begging and pleading, and reading ever dog book I could check out from the library, my dream finally came true with my rough collie, Jessie (Countrystyles’ Fashion Fair). She was my introduction to the dog world, training, and dog events. Fortune would have it that I would be among the first members of the BCSPCA’s youth program, and would attend one of the first day camps at the Burnaby SPCA in 1994. I spent the next decade working every summer as one of their camp counselors, and during the school year as a humane educator. In 1999, I adopted Fletcher from the Richmond SPCA after working at a camp held there, and he became my humane education partner. Fletcher and I were featured in the BCSPCA’s Bite Free Program literature; I still come across photos of us being used today. After graduating from UBC with Bachelor’s of Agroecology, I adopted Granger from Bullies In Need. Granger, aka Tiki, has worked in formal obedience, agility, weight pull, rally-o, and nose work. Through my involvement in the dog world, I met my husband, Eric, and his dog, Jake.
During university and vet school, I was fortunate enough to work at Mosquito Creek Veterinary Hospital, Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital, Vancouver Animal Shelter, and the Winnipeg Humane Society. I was also a volunteer for free spay/neuter clinics in remote areas of California and North Dakota. During my final year of vet school, a friend recommended me to Dr. Leah Montgomery at Shaughnessy Veterinary Hospital, and I was thrilled to be offered a job there. My background reflects my current interests: high quality medicine, animal welfare, and a holistic, integrated approach to veterinary care. I maintain an interest in shelter medicine and rescue work by volunteering as the veterinarian for Network for Animals.