Staff

I continue to learn new things every day and love the process. I know I am truly blessed to be in a profession where I am able to give but yet get so much back in return.

According to my mom, I was a typical southern California kid spending too much time at the beach. She however predicted that I would be a veterinarian some day as was never surprised at what critters I would bring home. My pets included of course dogs, cats and birds but my menagerie also included Queenie, my California King Snake, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, owls, several horny toads and the infamous turtle named after my grandmother-Myrtle the Turtle.

In 1972, I graduated as a Dental Hygienist and life took me from San Diego, to Salt Lake City and then to Seattle. After working as a dental hygienist for 10 years, I decided to go back to school to pursue my first love, Veterinary Medicine. After completing a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington, a B.S. in Animal Science and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University, I looked for the perfect place to live, work and play. With an eye on family and friends in both Washington and California, the beauty of Southern Oregon and the myriad of wildlife, Klamath Falls was a natural landing. In 1987, I moved to Klamath Falls and worked as an associate veterinarian. My dream of owning my own veterinary hospital finally came true in 1992.

I continue to pursue my training in small animal, avian, exotic and wildlife health care and have received accreditation in orthopedic surgery techniques. With my training, I have been authorized by both Oregon and California Fish and Wildlife Departments to provide veterinary services to wild animals and I am still very active in raptor (eagles, hawks and owls) and mammal rehabilitation.

My home is never empty thanks to my 2 dogs, Ellie and Ruby and Hazel my cat. Being a type A personality, I am always busy and active. My exercise routine involves walking my 4 legged friends, weight lifting and swimming and I enjoy golfing and numerous other outdoor activities. Perusing through antique stores, flea markets and yard sales always gives me a thrill. Traveling has become a new passion and I have been fortunate to visit Mexico, China, Tibet, Paris and Greece so far. My dream of visiting Italy will become a reality next fall.

Starting as a Kennel Attendant, I worked my way up through just about every position in the hospital while attending Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and graduated with a BS in Health Sciences. Although I loved my job as a Veterinary Assistant, my goals and dreams remained to become a veterinarian and work here in the Klamath Basin. In 2001, I was accepted to Oregon State University's (OSU) four-year Veterinarian program. My class was the last class able to split our time between OSU and Washington State University while OSU developed a complete small animal program to accompany their already great large animal program. While in school, I happily returned to work with EVH during summers and holidays to further my experience and keep up my relationships with the wonderful clients and patients here. On June 5th 2006, I graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from both Oregon and Washington State Universities and re-joined my family here in the Klamath Basin. I also re-joined the team at EVH as Dr. Tawnia Shaw. I love medicine and surgery and always try to bring a fresh perspective to the hospital.

The Klamath Basin is my home and I love the people and animals that live here. By providing care to all of the animals in this area, I'm fulfilling my dream. In addition to working with dogs and cats, I work with exotic pets such as birds and reptiles. Holding a State Wildlife Rehabilitation permit from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, I also treat sick and injured wildlife from both Oregon and California. With a common goal of treating, rehabilitating and releasing these animals back into the wild, I work closely with Badger Run Wildlife Rehabilitation.

In my spare time I love spending time with my fiance', John, my family and our dogs, cats, horses and ferrets. We are looking forward to expanding our family and are expecting our first baby in August of 2010. I enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, gaming, reading science-fiction/fantasy novels and hold a black belt in American Kenpo Karate.

In 2005, I was then moved into Reception, then Lead Receptionist and Inventory Manager, followed by Collection Manager and now the position of Hospital Manager. I still oversee all of these roles making sure our clients, patients and guests needs are met. I enjoy every minute of it and still look for a new challenge every day. However, I do miss being at the reception desk & seeing all of our wonderful clients and their pets, so occasionally you will see me there.

Since 1991, I have been married to my wonderful husband, Jeff. Our teenage daughter, Desmin, also wants to pursue her career in veterinary medicine. The three of us are definitely owned by our seven cats & two dogs. Whenever possible, we love to escape to the coast and Southern California. When I have free time, I enjoy reading and listening to Desmin play her electric guitar & saxophone.

My enthusiasm evidently showed in my work performance as they hired me full time within a couple of months.

Even after two maternity leaves, I wanted to return to work. I love coming in each day and seeing the tail wags and receiving kisses from the pets. Although I enjoy all aspects of patient care, I love surgery and dentistry the most. This may involve setting up the surgery suite, aiding in anesthetizing and prepping our patients, assisting with laser surgery or monitoring patient care pre-op through post-operatively. To help sick and injured animals and watch their positive results with treatment, is tremendously rewarding and keeps me motivated. Fortunately, my responsibilities also allow me to talk and interact with our great clients.

As a Veterinary Assistant, the education never ends. I am learning more every day, especially when it comes to bird and exotic care. I now hold a certification in Radiology and have a Nutritional Counseling Certification.

Running and weight lifting keep me physically and mentally in shape and I ran in the Pear Blossom Run this year. My hobbies include reading, sewing and gardening.

My family, career and church are the most important aspects of my life. My husband, Tim, and I stay busy with our 2 sweet daughters, Tabby and Leah, plus our 3 dogs.

As the hospital has grown, so have I. You will find me in every department of the hospital from Reception to Technician Assistant and even helping out in the Boarding House.

Knowing that I am a part of improving the quality of life for many animals, gives me deep joy and satisfaction. I love each of the challenges that it presents every day.

My joy and love for all animals has encouraged me to go to school to become licensed as a Veterinary Technician. I also continue to grow my passion for wildlife rehabilitation by volunteering with the local wildlife group whenever I can.

My free time is spent with my fiance' and our new daughter, Ava Grace, born September 2009. We also like to spend time with all of our extended family. My house is filled with extra love by our dog, Bam Bam, 1 cat and 2 super sweet Quaker Parakeets.

I love the feeling of knowing I made them feel loved, even when they were very sick and having their worst day. I believe that every patient deserves to feel like they are loved, whether they are at home or hospitalized.

Although marine biology was my first career choice, I became a licensed Veterinary Technician in California in 1998. After my family and I moved to Klamath in 2008, I then challenged the Oregon Veterinary Technician Medical Boards and am now licensed in the state of Oregon as well. I choose Everett Veterinary Hospital & Boarding House Inc, as I love working with a variety of species and it seems to be the perfect fit. I especially enjoy working with birds and exotics and am dedicated to their nutritional and husbandry needs for their preventive care. My job description involves a little bit of everything so you may find me anywhere within the facility from exam rooms, to surgery, to lab to prep and back again.

Although my son, husband and niece come first in my life, I eagerly get involved with numerous "pet projects". From injured and sick wildlife care to fund raising for needy animals, I am definitely a type A person that stays active.

My critter filled house includes four dogs, four cats and a bearded dragon.

From saving unwanted pets to now working with animals that have caring and loving owners, is at the opposite ends of the spectrums. Both are very satisfying for me. As a Receptionist, I get to work with both our wonderful clients and their precious companions. I love what I do. My goals include expanding my knowledge in animal care to help educate our clients better.

Being a mom and working has some challenges, but my philosophy is to be the best mom that I can be. My son, Aiden, and I enjoy spending time in the outdoors and love road trips. We have traveled through all of the western states and are looking forward to a trip to the Grand Canyon. I am now pregnant with my second son, Devlin. My pets include Kona the Husky, Blackee my cat that believes she is a dog and a ball python named Allister.

I know the regulars by name, individual personalities, their likes and their needs. When a guest boarder comes here for their vacation and runs to me with excitement, I feel a huge amount of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Working on machinery is something that I enjoy and have a lot of experience with. I utilize my skills here with the necessary task of equipment maintenance. My background is in building construction and I have been involved with residential, commercial and industrial projects. My goal is to continue my education and obtain my electrician license.

My free time is spent with my family, friends and pets. While my cat, Bo patrols our house, my dog, Little Miss, and I enjoy an extremely active lifestyle including hiking, fishing, camping and rock climbing.

My education includes computer training classes through Klamath Community College. My work experience included working in the kitchen of a retirement home, worker/server in different restaurants and sales floor associate at different retail stores. My husband and I also managed an 85-space mobile home park here in Klamath for 12 years.

Since joining EVH & BH in 2006, my job description has changed numerous times. From facility cleaning, equipment maintenance, gardening or working with our boarding guests, I find it a privilege to work with such a professional and compassionate medical team. With my love of animals, I will pitch in and assist anyone, anywhere and anytime to help care and comfort a patient.

At home, my husband, two cats and I are owned by our Yorkie. Together our family includes 5 grown children, their mates and a dozen grandchildren (6 girls and 6 boys). We enjoy camping and fishing on the Chewaukan River near Paisley. My winter month's activity is continuing to complete my genealogy search.

I was the white ugly ducking and the runt at birth, but I caught up quickly in size and attitude to my brothers and sisters. My sister, Ruby, and I get to go to work every day and lounge in our special area in the reception area. We love it as we get to greet all the animals that come in. Helping out other dogs, I have given many blood transfusions through the years but I'm now retired since I'm a senior citizen. My passions include swimming whenever I can and I demand to be walked everyday or I whine. My nickname is Smelly Ellie as I love to roll in smelly things on my walks. The smellier the better is my philosophy. Come say hi and rub my belly, next time you're in the office.

The pet store said that I was a mistake from my Pug mommy and West Highland Terrier daddy. What's a mistake? I love being a clown and feel that cardboard is very dangerous and must be destroyed immediately. As a terrier cross, I should be allowed to hog more than my share of the couch and bed and have first choice of all of the toys. Right? Usually upon meeting me for the first time, people always ask -What is it? Good thing that looks aren't everything as I am a small package but I'm loaded with personality.

On June 6th 2005, I adopted Everett Veterinary Hospital as my new home and family. I kept following clients in the front door until the EVH team said "Let's keep him." My duties as a special greeter allow me to lounge up front or I may join you in an exam room waiting for some attention. My passions include sleeping, eating, chasing Audrey and running after a laser light. I occasionally get into trouble however, as I like to taste test the bags of Hills Science Diet. It's very palatable you know. I promise I will only steal a morsel or two from each bag. You can thank me though as the staff offers these bags as a discounted "Cooperized" bag. Ask for me next time you are in, I'd like to see you too.

In April 2007, my siblings and I were brought to the hospital to allow the staff to choose just one of us for the next hospital kitty. How could I be the chosen one, I thought? So, when Cooper (my big brother) came in to see what all the commotion was about, my sisters all ran up to him and hissed and slapped him across the face. Instead, I walked up to him and kissed him on the nose. My ploy worked. Cooper cast his vote and I became the newest inductee. Although a little shy, you may see me lounging on the reception desk.

I think you can guess by our names, which one of us is blue and which one is green in color. We came to Everett's in 2005 and love it here. Our ancestors hail from South America and although we are compact in size, our personalities are parrot like. We love to play constantly with toys and are fun to watch. Often people ask the staff, what is in the cage as it looks empty? We love to play and sleep under the newspaper so just gently tap on the glass and we will happily come out to greet you.