Ann Marie Hamilton, DVM
Like many children I always asked Santa for a real pony and wanted to be a veterinarian. The desire to become a veterinarian became more intense at the age of 7 years when I lost my first dog, Lumpy. Lumpy was a miniature dachshund and had herniated a disc in her back, leaving her paralyzed. Our family could not afford the surgery she needed. I learned how to express her bladder and clean her. Unfortunately she had to be euthanized.
The James Herriot novels also inspired me. I read every one multiple times knowing that is exactly what I would like to do. Our family was fortunate enough to move next door to a veterinarian. He helped with the guinea pigs I raised. I graduated from high school with highest honors and a small scholarship. Not enough to attend the university to which I was accepted. Instead I went to trade school and obtained a certificate to sit for the California State Board in Animal Health Technology. I was already working as a technician for five veterinarians and absolutely loved it. As an A.H.T. (Animal Health Technician since re-named Registered Veterinary Technician) I was able to suture, extract teeth and assist in surgery. I also returned to the school I attended to teach.
At the age of thirty I began to wonder what happened to that dream of becoming a veterinarian. Some people would call that a mid-life crisis it suddenly seemed time. So I earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science at California State Polytechnic University at Pomona while working full time. I then applied to six veterinary schools and was accepted to three. I chose to attend the University of California at Davis and graduated in the class of 2000.
During the time I earned my veterinary medical degree I also worked at the Center of Companion Animal Health, Small Animal Intensive Care Unit, and Clinical Pathology Laboratory. Somehow I created time to get married and had my son DiAngelo. I was the first veterinary student to be hired. October of my senior year I met with my former boss. Two weeks after graduation I started my first job at Atascadero Pet Hospital and Emergency Center. In six years this practice grew from 2 veterinarians to 8 veterinarians!
By 2006 I had survived a divorce, the unexpected death of my father, and a flood almost destroying our home. My mom, son and I moved to Bakersfield where my brother and his family already lived. I joined the team at Coffee Road Animal Hospital and bought a home at the peak of the market, just before the recession. Over the last two years I have sadly watched neighbors lose there homes and clients decline necessary medical treatments for their pets. I, as a founder of Affordable Pet Hospital, began to dream of an oasis for families and their pets.
Dreams do come true, especially with hard work and divine intervention. Quality veterinary care at an affordable price will be available to the community of Bakersfield. I am excited to be a part of the team of Affordable Pet Hospital and look forward to meeting you and your family soon.
