Suzy joined our family in 2002, when she worked on a part time basis as she earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from UCLA. During that time, her dog, Cinco, had a severe stroke and was unresponsive. Suzy drove him to the hospital at light speed and spent the next 48 hours by his side. He did recover with her TLC, and because of that crisis, Suzy realized her passion for animal care. She became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2010, and she was a natural fit, as she and Dan are brother and sister! Although Suzy is a dog lover like all of us, she is also the proud mama to four gorgeous cats! Our feline patients are always in good hands with Suzy on board.

In 2005, our trio headed off to an adventure that would forever bond them as a true family. After Hurricane Katrina, Dan learned of a rescue center that was in need of medications. After researching it further, he learned that the center not only needed medicine, but also had no doctors. Within 24 hours, the three were on a plane headed for the Mississippi-Louisiana border. They expected to be travelling on boats into the heart of New Orleans. Upon arriving in Jacksonville, MS, the rescue center asked that they stay and help them build and run an emergency ICU. Over the next four days, they slept a total of 5 hours and worked in sub-standard conditions.

With no diagnostic equipment other than penlights, a stethoscope, and their combined years of training, they ran the emergency hospital and oversaw the care of over 450 animals, and only lost one patient, a very stressed out pet bird. The experience showed them how much you can do with only your education and instincts to guide you, and it changed them forever.