My first true love was a small calico kitty named Tabitha, whom my father brought home in a cardboard box. I remember the moment vividly and being able to give her that first hug as a young child. She had the distinct smell of a dairy barn, and it was love at first sight. The human-animal bond wasn’t a label in such a young child’s life but instead could be described as this intense emotional love of animals.
That initial seed of passion grew as I was immersed in animal care as a young child growing up in Cohocton, NY, on a small hobby farm. I was given endless opportunities throughout my childhood, including participating in the youth organizations of 4H and FFA. After high school, I attended Alfred State College for my associate in Veterinary Technology. I worked as a licensed veterinary technician while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo. After so many years of studies, gathering as much animal experience as possible, including working on dairy farms and shadowing veterinarians, my childhood dream became a reality when I was accepted to the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.
After graduation in 2012, I returned to New York where I took a job as a mixed animal practitioner working on all species. I obtained an amazing amount of experience and knowledge from some fantastic mentors and elected to venture into practice ownership in 2016 when I purchased Rio Vista.
It is difficult to keep up with the ever-changing knowledge of veterinary medicine, and I currently offer medical and surgical services to companion animals, exotics, including pot-bellied pigs, and select farm animals, including small ruminants, poultry, and honey bees.
I am thankful to share my life with my amazing husband, Eric and our family of critters. Many of you may meet Stella, a pot-bellied pig who often accompanies me to the office, and my amazing cavalier, Ellie. My husband and I also share our home with our four cats: Mr. Simon, Gabby, Izzy, and a blind cat named Birdie. Outside, you will find a small flock of cochin chickens and a large number of honey bees. My darling beagle, Snape, who many were able to meet, passed away in August of 2020. I enjoy travel, wildlife photography, gardening, hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing.
I am grateful to be able to nurture the human-animal bond every day, and for the amazing people I get to meet along the way. Thank you for your interest in our team!
~Dr. Dodds
