Dog-Breath

I began my veterinary career in the late 1970’s while curled upon a sofa one summer reading the adventures of James Herriot—a small town veterinarian who wrote about his courageous endeavors in his best selling books: All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Wise and Wonderful. Herriot has remained my secret mentor ever since. Determined to follow in his noble footsteps, I enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona and later graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, California in 1986.  Two years later in 1988 I opened my own practice in Brea, California.

Starting my own practice allowed me the professional freedom I needed to develop my knowledge and skill in the discipline of natural health care, also referred to as holistic medicine. Holistic health care recognizes the important role of diet and nutrition to prevent illness—understanding that nutrient deficiencies lead to chronic illness. Striving to reach an optimum state of health demands the cautious use of drugs and the knowledge to prescribe better diets, helpful medicinal plants (phytonutrients), and the best quality of nutritional supplements available.

With a growing public interest in holistic health care for both people and pets, I soon became recognized and appreciated for offering my patients alternatives to routine medical protocols and standard drug treatments. My integrative approach to health care has offered my patients better treatment outcomes than traditional therapies alone. I firmly believe that all doctors (human and veterinary) need to appreciate not only the progress made by modern science but the wisdom found in Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet and the importance of rejecting processed, adulterated foods in favor of eating whole foods, as we did generations ago.

After enjoying twenty rewarding years of teaching dog owners how to play an active role in their dog’s health care, I decided it was time for me to share my medical journey and hard earned experience with other dog owners. So, in 2007, I set out to become an author/teacher and began a new career in writing. My goal has been to quickly teach busy dog owners everything they need to know about three crucial health topics: vaccines, nutrition, and skin allergies. Each of these three topics are taught in lessons that can be read in about 30 minutes—giving real meaning to the title of my writing project: 30 Minute Vet Consult.

Also known for my outspoken stand against Breed Specific Legislation, I have organized a grassroots movement against restrictive breed polices by city government and insurance companies called ROVERlution.org. In my limited spare time, I delight in the joyful companionship of my beloved dogs, Rosie, Woody, and Rover, who continue to inspire me!