Frank

Working at Friendship is amazing and I cannot imagine practicing anywhere else. After graduating from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine I was thrilled to be accepted in Friendship’s highly competitive internship program. This elective program is one of the very few in the area intended to provide new graduates with experience and mentorship. After completing the internship I was lucky enough to be offered a position as a staff veterinarian. My duties at the hospital include seeing wellness appointments, working emergency shifts and performing both elective and emergency surgeries.

 Before attending vet school I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in mechanical engineering. It wasn’t until I was out of college for a few years that I realized becoming a veterinarian was the perfect career path for me. I spent the majority of my childhood and high school riding horses, and at home I was always surrounded by our many dogs. Still, I never truly understood the remarkable bond that one can have with a pet until I found my dog Westin, a golden retriever mix. She has been my best friend since college, when I found her as a puppy living on the streets in the Bahamas. My relationship with Westin has inspired me to become a veterinarian so that I can help others experience the unconditional love and fulfillment that a pet can bring to your life. Sadly I lost her to cancer a few years ago but she is always with me and I think of the joy she brought to my life every day.

Westin

I live in Northwest DC with my four dogs, Frank, Poppy, Sparkle and Lilly and three cats, Vegas, Breaker and Furla. The kitties are rescues I met while working at the animal shelter in vet school. Sparkle is a rat terrier who is very talkative and feisty; she apparently has an opinion about everything. Lilly is a Chihuahua mix I found playing in on the side of a highway in Florida and is by far one of the cutest dogs I have ever met (I could be biased). Poppy is an Australian Shepherd - Golden Retriever mix and the problem child of the bunch.  The youngest is Frank the Labradoodle, who is an absolute delight.  I have never met a dog as happy and easy going as he is.  Needless to say with this crew there is never a dull moment in my house.

Lilly, Sparkle and Poppy

 My goal in creating Friendship Tails and The Polite Puppy is not only to inform the community about all the amazing things that happen at Friendship but to offer a source of reliable information for pet owners. Every doctor at Friendship is committed to providing the highest quality of medicine for their patients, the technicians work tirelessly to make sure everyone is given the best care possible, and the front desk staff ensures everything runs smoothly. In addition to what we do at the hospital, Friendship is also very active in the community, with close ties to Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League.

 Apart from describing what an exciting place Friendship is, I also want to educate pet owners so that they can work with their veterinarian to ensure a long and healthy life for their own dogs and cats. I find that my clients often have the same questions and concerns regarding their pets medical needs, I hope Friendship Tails can answer some of these questions. I would be lost without the animals in my life; let me help you care for the pets in yours.