Dr Colley - WALNUT, CA

I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but I hated high school chemistry and biology, and math, and trigonometry. So in college, I chose the business path and obtained a degree in Agriculture Business Management, which led me to banking. But banking was not my first love, so ten years later, with the help of a very supportive husband, I went back to school to study chemistry, biology, trigonometry and physics—and it turned out I enjoyed them all! I was accepted at UC Davis in 1992, and graduated in 1996—I was the oldest student in my class!

I became a veterinarian because I have always loved animals—this is why I do what I do. My love for animals compels me try to relieve their suffering, to heal their wounds, to assuage their pain, to calm their fears, and to comfort their owners when death is near. It all boils down to love—love for animals and love for people. My dad always seemed to be able to spot an animal in distress. One Sunday afternoon, coming back from a drive in the mountains, we saw a lost dog running frantically alongside the road. My dad pulled to car over, opened the door and the dog gratefully jumped in the front seat! (We were in the back seat.) We took him home, gave him water and food, and tried to find his owner. But he was abandoned, so he became our dog.

I am a Los Angeles County city girl who grew up with cats, dogs and a sister. We both enjoy ballet, tap and horseback riding. I have a Toy Poodle who can crawl on her belly like a commando; a Malti-Poo whose nick-name is "Eggy-Lift-His-Leggy" because he likes to pee on things; and a rescue cat who had her collar grown into her leg, but she is fine now! My hobbies are much more humble: yoga, reading about history and hunting for the good find at thrift stores. Read more: http://vetnpets.com/veterinarian-diamond-bar.html