I was born in Bakersfield and although I love the beach Bakersfield is my home.  I graduated early from South High and started my first business, Dee 's Dial-a-Klean at the age of 17. While business was good I knew it was not a lifetime career. I have had a variety of other successful business ventures including; Snow Biz Shaved Ice, Divine Deli, Credit Cleaners and 50 States Signings (a mortgage loan closing company). While successful, and rich with experience, I found these ventures unrewarding. My true dream was to make my living working with animals.

October 22, 2005 my husband and I lost our beloved cocker spaniel Murphy to acute severe necrotizing hepatitis. In an attempt to spare his life we had driven over two hours to a special referral service, all to no avail. Although extremely devastated by his loss, I found myself amazed by the efforts made to save him. 

On April 1, 2006 tragedy struck again when Sammy, our second cocker spaniel, died of Evan's Syndrome despite Dr. Chad Anema's valiant efforts to save her and a blood transfusion from her sister. These negative experiences, created within me, a positive dream. My dream was to build a veterinary hospital to help pets like my Sammy and Murphy here in Bakersfield .

On November 2006 Angel, Sammy's sister, was acting strangely. Despite my lack of medical training, and relying on my "doggy mom" experience, I knew something was dramatically wrong. My husband had recently seen Dr. Hamilton with our other cocker spaniel Kahlua and was impressed by her knowledge and communication skills.  I rushed Angel to her immediately. Despite an absence of early symptoms, Dr. Hamilton trusted my intuition, and acted aggressively for Angel's sake. Refusing to wait for lab studies and following our combined experience she initiated treatment for Evan's syndrome. As a team, we saved Angel's life! Angel is happy, healthy and still with us today.

Dr. Hamilton and I became best friends. She encouraged me to enroll in college courses to become a registered veterinary technician.  I started a preceptorship with a local hospital and absolutely loved it. My dream to build a veterinary hospital grew stronger. A dream, as luck would have it, Dr. Hamilton harbored as well. 

My husband and I developed a business plan. We knew which doctor would be our choice to help us make the dream become a reality; Dr. Hamilton. Through thought and effort the concept of Affordable Pet Hospital is now a reality.  I am excited to be an integral part of a team that offers quality veterinary care at an affordable price.