A Love of Animals from the Very Beginning
For some people, a love of animals starts early. For Dr. Shannon, it began with an animal encyclopedia, a fascination with nature, and dreams of becoming a zookeeper.
From caring for pets as a child to pursuing the challenging path of veterinary medicine, her journey has always been rooted in a genuine appreciation for animals and their well-being.
“Like most veterinarians, I loved animals from a very early age.”
As a child, Dr. Shannon owned an animal encyclopedia filled with illustrations and fascinating facts about different species. She was especially captivated by the incredible diversity found within each animal family. Nature shows only fueled that curiosity, and before long, her dream was to become a zookeeper.
Growing up surrounded by a variety of pets provided an early lesson in animal husbandry and welfare, too. Over time, that passion for animals evolved into an interest in medicine, ultimately leading to the demanding, but rewarding, journey of becoming a veterinarian.
Finding Meaning in the Tough Days
Veterinary medicine comes with plenty of rewarding moments, but it also has its share of difficult and emotional days. What helps keep things in perspective?
“When I think about easing an animal’s suffering and bringing peace to their family, that definitely helps take the load off.”
There is a profound sense of purpose in being able to help animals when they need it most, and in supporting the people who love them through challenging moments.
After a long shift, the best way to recharge is simple: family time.
Whether it’s spending time with the kids, settling in for a favorite show or movie, or getting cozy under a blanket with a good book and a hot cup of tea, there’s nothing quite like slowing down after a busy day.
One Patient at a Time
Busy days are nothing new for someone whose very first job was at a small pizza place.
The approach to staying organized under pressure is straightforward, take things one at a time and “get orders out” as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. Dr. Shannon also served as the drum major for the marching band her senior year of high school. Talk about a role that requires confidence, coordination, and keeping everyone moving in the same direction!
That same mindset translates surprisingly well to veterinary medicine. You need to stay focused, keep moving, and make sure every patient gets the care and attention they deserve.
We’re excited to have such a dedicated animal lover, lifelong learner, and family-oriented veterinarian as part of our team. As Dr. Shannon settles in, we’re looking forward to getting to know the person behind the scrubs.
Welcome to the team!