Dr Renee Gray

I absolutely fell in love with California's Central Coast when I attended (and graduated from) Cal Poly, SLO. I got a very practical “learn by doing” veterinary education at Auburn University, but the southern US was not a good fit for this California girl. My husband's work and health then took us to western WA state.

I worked for mixed animal practices right out of school, then had my own primarily equine ambulatory practice for several years. I opened and ran a wonderful small animal hospital in a lovely suburban community that I recently sold with the intention to move back to my beloved Californian central coast.

Dr. Chick Newman

Chick@newmanveterinary.com

(206) 949-3719

Dr. Kathleen Koppa

kkoppa@yahoo.com

(425) 495-2626

Amber Larsen-Truax, LVT

mbrgeiske@yahoo.com

(425) 345-5507

I love the variety of working with small mammal and other exotic animal patient. I have gained experience in the special demands of exotic pet medicine and surgery, and consider essential client education in appropriate husbandry, diet and other aspects of their care.

I established positive relationships with clients through clear communication and empathy about their pets' health and care. I specifically set out to acquiring more knowledge and skills to help counsel them on their pet's behavioral issues, particularly anxiety and/or aggression. Enhancing human-animal relationships is one of my favorite parts of this career.

Mentoring staff members (many with the practice long term) and seeing them advance in their capabilities and careers Has been very rewarding. Encouraging them to learn more and allowing to do what they were trained to do is a win-win for the whole team. I saw less burn out and more enthusiasm for our careers, not to mention an improved bottom line for the business.

I love my old dog, Alvy and my gorgeous horse, Raven, and getting them out for a walk on the trails or a romp at the beach is our happy place on a nice sunny day. This is a huge reason for my move back to California- sunny days are quite rare in WA. We love camping just the three of us or meeting up with friends for prize rides, clinics or workshops to introduce us to new skills such as working cattle, mounted shooting or archery, obstacles, police work and scenting/search and rescue.

I have tried dozens of hobbies and find that participating in group meetings devoted to those hobbies is an easy way to make new friends. Book clubs, native style basket making, knitting/crochet/other crafting groups, and just single craft seminars and workshops have been fun "meet up" opportunities. 

Beach combing is a particular passion of mine, enjoying the fresh ocean air, exercise and collecting treasures the waves bring out of hiding. 

I enjoy gardening, flowers as well as veggies and fruits, and also collecting/propagating  interesting and diverse indoor plants.  

I have a special interest and some advanced training in soft tissue and many orthopedic surgeries. Here is a list of the categories of surgeries I generally feel confident performing. I can provide a comprehensive list of specific surgeries in these categories.

Note: Many are done when recommended board certified surgeon referral is not available or declined, usually due to cost.

Eyes/Eyelids

Ears

Oral Cavity

NasoPharynx/Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Salivary Glands

Stomach

Intestines

Liver/Biliary

Lungs

Kidney

Urinary Bladder

Uterus

Vulva

Testicles

Mammary Glands

Thyroid

Skin

Spleen

Bones and Joints