Dr. Ryan Klobusnik

Vet bio coming soon...

Dr. Jenna Pham

Dr. Jenna Pham was born and raised in Hawaiʻi, where her passion for animal care began at an early age. She worked as a veterinary assistant at Koolau Animal Hospital and completed multiple internships at Sea Life Park, gaining valuable experience caring for a wide variety of animals and strengthening her commitment to the veterinary profession. Dr. Pham earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Colorado State University in 2020. Following graduation, she spent four years with Sage Veterinary Centers, specializing in rehabilitation therapy for dogs and cats. Through her work in rehabilitation, she developed a deep appreciation for improving comfort, preserving mobility, and enhancing quality of life for pets facing chronic illness, injury, and the natural aging process. Her professional interests include integrative medicine, animal behavior, geriatric medicine, and palliative care. Dr. Pham believes that every pet deserves comfort, dignity, and compassionate support throughout every stage of life, and she feels privileged to help families navigate their pet's final journey with empathy, kindness, and respect. As an in-home hospice and end-of-life veterinarian with Heartstrings Pet Hospice, Dr. Pham is dedicated to creating peaceful, personalized experiences that allow beloved pets to remain surrounded by the love and familiarity of home. She strives to ensure families feel informed, supported, and cared for while honoring the extraordinary bond they share with their cherished companions. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Pham enjoys spending time at the beach, indoor rock climbing, and Latin dancing. Her adventurous spirit, warmth, and genuine compassion shine through in every family she has the privilege to serve.

Dr. Katie Huter, DVM

A proud Ohio native, Dr. Katie Huter brings a deep love for animals and a passion for compassionate care to the families she serves in Columbus and the surrounding communities. Originally from Cleveland, Dr. Huter began her professional journey in education, earning her degree in Integrated Mathematics from Ohio University in 2002 and teaching high school math in 29 Palms, California for five years.

Inspired to pursue her lifelong dream of veterinary medicine, she returned home to Ohio and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 2015. Since then, she has provided thoughtful and thorough general practice care at Berwick Animal Clinic. Dr. Huter is also certified in Veterinary Acupuncture through Chi University, allowing her to integrate evidence-informed acupuncture with traditional veterinary medicine to provide holistic, compassionate, and comfort-focused care tailored to each patient's individual needs.

Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Huter is an avid native plant gardener and long-distance cyclist. She has participated in Pelotonia since 2012, proudly riding and raising funds for The James Cancer Hospital. Her love of animals is shared at home with her four beloved dogs—Evie, Sophie, Finn, and Josie—and her cat, Charlotte. Dr. Huter is honored to be part of the Heartstrings Pet Hospice team, where she can help families navigate the most tender moments of the human-animal bond with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Dr. Katelyn Harrington

Dr. Katelyn Harrington earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from St. George's University and completed her clinical training at Louisiana State University. From the beginning of her career, she has been drawn to hospice, palliative care, and in-home end-of-life services, where she can make a meaningful difference for both pets and the families who love them. Dr. Harrington is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life. She believes every family deserves the time, guidance, and support needed to navigate one of life's most difficult decisions with confidence and peace. Her gentle, empathetic approach ensures that each pet remains as comfortable as possible while their family feels heard, supported, and never alone throughout the journey. As an in-home hospice and end-of-life veterinarian with Heartstrings Pet Hospice, Dr. Harrington considers it a true privilege to help families celebrate the extraordinary bond they share with their beloved companions. She is dedicated to creating peaceful, meaningful experiences in the comfort and familiarity of home, allowing pets to be surrounded by the people who love them most. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Harrington enjoys roller skating, bike riding, and trying new recipes she discovers on Pinterest. Her creativity, warmth, and compassionate spirit extend beyond her professional life and are reflected in the heartfelt care she provides to every family she serves.

Dr. Rebecca McIntosh

Dr. Mariaelena Sanjuan

Coming Soon

Dr. Allison Volpe

Dr. Allison Volpe is a compassionate veterinarian dedicated to helping pets and their families navigate every stage of life with dignity, comfort, and respect. After graduating from veterinary school, she completed a rigorous one-year rotating internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists, where she gained advanced training in emergency, critical care, and complex medical cases. She has since built a well-rounded career with approximately six years in general practice and six years in emergency medicine, giving her extensive experience caring for pets with a wide variety of medical conditions.

Driven by a passion for improving comfort and quality of life, Dr. Volpe became a Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist (cVMA) to further expand the care she can provide to pets facing chronic illness, pain, and age-related conditions. Her advanced acupuncture training allows her to offer a more comprehensive, integrative approach to pet palliative and hospice medicine, helping families navigate complex medical decisions while ensuring their beloved companions remain as comfortable and pain-free as possible throughout their end-of-life journey.

Known for her calm demeanor and empathetic communication, Dr. Volpe believes every family deserves guidance, honesty, and unwavering support during one of life's most difficult moments. She is honored to walk alongside families, creating personalized care plans that focus on comfort, dignity, and preserving the extraordinary bond they share with their pets.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Volpe lives in Schwenksville with her husband, their dog Darcy, cats Murph, Calvin, and Hobbes, and their snake, Izzy. When she isn't caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, exercising, playing ice hockey, and cheering on her favorite Philadelphia sports teams.

Dr. Anjali Gare

Dr. Anjali Gare earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the renowned Royal Veterinary College in 2022 after completing a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University, where she double majored in Biomedical Engineering and Animal Science. Throughout her veterinary career, Dr. Gare has devoted her time to caring for dogs and cats while also gaining valuable experience working with wildlife and exotic species during her training. She believes that every pet deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect, and that every family deserves unwavering support during life's most meaningful moments. As an in-home hospice and end-of-life veterinarian with Heartstrings Pet Hospice, Dr. Gare is honored to help families navigate one of the most difficult decisions they will ever make. She is passionate about creating a peaceful, personalized experience that allows beloved pets to remain surrounded by the comfort and love of home. Her gentle approach, thoughtful communication, and genuine compassion help families feel supported, heard, and cared for every step of the way. Dr. Gare considers it a privilege to celebrate the unique bond between people and their pets and is committed to ensuring every family's final memories are filled with love, comfort, and grace. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Gare enjoys learning new languages, dancing, and pursuing lifelong learning. Her curiosity, compassion, and appreciation for different cultures enrich both her personal life and the relationships she builds with the families she serves.

Dr. Patricia Raythe

Dr. Raythe is a compassionate veterinarian dedicated to helping pets and their families navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity. Originally from Northern Iowa, her career began internationally in Sri Lanka and evolved through extensive training in animal science, ecology, and veterinary medicine, including her DVM from Iowa State University. She has also served in critical public health roles with the USDA, managing national disease response efforts. Today, she is honored to provide peaceful in-home care to families in the Greater Des Moines community. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband, child, and two cats, along with creative projects and games with loved ones.

Dr. Erin Brown

Dr. Erin Brown grew up in Savannah, GA, where her passion for veterinary medicine began in high school during her AP biology class. Fascinated by how different species functioned and motivated by a desire to solve their problems, her interest blossomed into a profound appreciation for the human-animal bond.  Dr. Brown completed her undergraduate studies at Armstrong Atlantic State University (now part of Georgia Southern University), graduating in 2008. She then earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 2015. Following veterinary school, Dr. Brown worked as a small animal veterinarian in various clinics until 2021. Since then, she has dedicated her career to specializing in hospice and end-of-life care, providing compassionate support to pets and their families during their most challenging times.

Devin Barnard

Devin Barnard, Executive Assistant to the CEO/COO and Senior Veterinary Care Specialist at Heartstrings Pet Hospice Devin Barnard brings over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and optical industries to Heartstrings Pet Hospice, holding certifications as a Licensed Optician with ABO and NCLE credentials. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and has a strong passion for service, having worked in global vision clinics and served on the Board of Directors for multiple nonprofit organizations. With extensive leadership experience in patient care and team development, Devin brings compassion, steadiness, and expertise to every family she supports. A lifelong animal lover, she has spent many years rescuing and fostering dogs—especially pitties, who have always held a special place in her heart. Devin lost her beloved “heart dog,” Savannah Marie, in July 2023, and welcomed her newest companion, Charlotte Ann, a rescue from the streets of Atlanta, in January 2024. After moving to Texas in the last year, Devin has enjoyed exploring her new community with her family—learning her new hometown one small adventure at a time. Her compassion, dedication to service, and deep love for animals make her a cherished part of the Heartstrings family.

Dr. Sunday Cozzi

Dr. Sunday Cozzi has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1999 after earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Since 2012, she has dedicated her career to end-of-life care, helping families navigate one of the most difficult and meaningful stages of their pet’s journey. Passionate about hospice and euthanasia care, Dr. Cozzi believes that education and compassionate guidance empower families to make informed decisions for their beloved companions. She is committed to helping pet parents understand what their pets are experiencing while providing the tools and support needed to make decisions with confidence and peace of mind. Whether caring for a pet through hospice or providing a gentle in-home euthanasia experience, Dr. Cozzi does everything in her power to maximize comfort, dignity, and quality of life for every furry family member she serves. Dr. Cozzi recently relocated to Colorado specifically to continue her work helping families navigate the end-of-life journey with their cherished pets. Outside of veterinary medicine, she looks forward to exploring all that the Front Range has to offer, including hiking, discovering new dining experiences, and enjoying the region’s rich cultural opportunities.

Dr. Heidi Christopher

Dr. Heidi Christopher is a compassionate and experienced veterinarian with over 30 years of dedication to animal care. She graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 and has proudly been a Buckeye since 1989. While Ohio has long been home, Heidi’s heart is deeply rooted in West Virginia, where she spent her high school and undergraduate years and where her mother still resides. Music has always been an important part of her life, Heidi and her mother perform Old Time and Bluegrass music together at festivals, continuing a cherished family tradition. Over 30 years ago, they even recorded an album featuring three generations of their family, including her grandfather. Heidi spent three decades in private veterinary practice before transitioning into relief work over the past three years. Throughout her career, providing in-home euthanasia has held special meaning for her. She finds deep purpose in helping families say goodbye to their beloved pets in the comfort of home and is honored to now focus on this important and compassionate service in her community. Heidi lives on Catawba Island along the shores of Lake Erie with her husband and their two rescue dogs. They divide their time between the lake and their cabins in the scenic Hocking Hills of southern Ohio. She is the proud mother of two sons, one in Columbus and one in Sylvania, Ohio, who is getting married this June. Outside of veterinary medicine, Heidi enjoys hiking with her husband and dogs, especially along the lakeshore. She and her family also travel twice a year to Beaver Island, Michigan her second favorite island after Catawba. A creative spirit, Heidi is an avid candle maker who shares her handcrafted creations through local gift shops, art festivals, and craft shows. Deeply committed to her community, Heidi volunteers at a local wildlife preserve, serves as Secretary on her neighborhood association’s Board of Trustees, and supports rescue efforts through her involvement with Welsh Terrier Rescue and WTCares.

Dr. Sarah Hammar

Dr. Barbara Daniels

Dr. Barbara Daniels is a compassionate veterinarian serving families in the metropolitan area, where she brings a deeply personal and empathetic approach to end-of-life care. A Philadelphia native, Dr. Daniels followed her passion for both animals and human connection into veterinary medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tufts University before gaining valuable hands-on experience as a veterinary technician in Northern Virginia. She then went on to Michigan State University, where she earned both her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees in 2018. Dr. Daniels began her career in general practice but soon discovered her true calling in providing in-home euthanasia services. She feels honored to support families during one of the most difficult moments of pet ownership, helping pets pass peacefully with dignity and comfort in the familiar surroundings of home. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Daniels enjoys exploring Detroit’s museums, taking peaceful woodland walks with her Chihuahua, Riggins, and relaxing at home with her two cats, Sir Patrick Stewart and Lieutenant Commander LeVar Purrton, often accompanied by a good horror movie or a binge-worthy K-drama.

Dr. Jennifer Stone

Coming Soon

Dr. Alton Esdaile

Dr. Alton Esdaile brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and quiet strength to the families he serves. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Columbia Union College before going on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the prestigious Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, an institution he is proud to call his alma mater. With more than 17 years of experience as a small animal, general practice veterinarian in the Baltimore region, Dr. Esdaile has dedicated his career to providing thoughtful, high-quality care to pets and the people who love them. His clinical expertise is complemented by a deeply rooted commitment to service, reflected in both his professional path and his membership in the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. Currently serving the community as a Relief Veterinarian, Dr. Esdaile is known for his calm, steady, and peaceful demeanor, an invaluable presence during some of life’s most emotional moments. He approaches each family with empathy and respect, and every pet entrusted to his care is treated as if they were his own. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Esdaile enjoys a rich and creative personal life. He has a passion for photography and music, playing multiple instruments including the violin, ukulele, guitar, and piano. He also enjoys bike riding and reading, finding balance and inspiration in both movement and quiet reflection. At his core, Dr. Esdaile is driven by a genuine desire to help others. His compassionate approach, combined with years of experience and a gentle presence, makes him a trusted partner for families navigating their pet’s journey with dignity and care.

Dr. An Le

Dr. An Le was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, where her lifelong love for animals first took root. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Washington before going on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 2019. Following veterinary school, Dr. Le worked as a general practice veterinarian in Seattle-area clinics, where she became Fear Free Certified. This certification reflects her deep commitment to ensuring pets feel safe, calm, and respected during their veterinary care, while also supporting families through stressful moments with empathy and clarity. Dr. Le knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian. The loss of her childhood Golden Retriever, Pooh, to cancer was a defining moment that solidified her calling. That experience shaped her passion for helping animals and guiding families through some of the most difficult times of their lives with compassion, patience, and understanding. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Le enjoys hiking and paddle boarding in the Pacific Northwest, as well as baking, cooking, and playing the piano. She and her husband, Chris, share their home with their beloved rescue Doberman Shepherd mix, Zuko.

Dr. Stephanie Lewis

Dr. Lewis has felt called to veterinary medicine since elementary school, carrying a lifelong passion for caring for animals into every stage of her career. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University after completing her undergraduate studies in Biology with a focus in Zoology at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After graduating in 2020, Dr. Lewis began her career in emergency medicine, where she developed strong clinical skills and a deep appreciation for supporting pets and their families during critical and emotional moments. This experience helped shape her compassionate, calm, and thoughtful approach to care. In 2023, Dr. Lewis expanded her skillset by beginning her training in veterinary acupuncture, reflecting her commitment to integrative medicine and her desire to provide comfort-focused, individualized care for every patient. At home, Dr. Lewis shares her life with her beloved dog, Nelly, affectionately known as “Nervous Nelly” or “Nelly Belly” whom she adopted in November. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and continuously learning new things. Dr. Lewis is honored to support families through the end-of-life journey, bringing empathy, respect, and a gentle presence to every home she enters.

Dr. Gomez

Originally from Colombia, Dr. Veronica Gomez earned her veterinary degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked in private practice since 2009 and offers 16 years of clinical experience dedicated to thoughtful, compassionate care. Throughout her career, Dr. Gomez has been deeply committed to personalized patient care and whole-body health, believing that every pet deserves an approach tailored to their unique needs. She is especially passionate about client education and empowering families with the knowledge and choices they need to make confident, informed decisions. Dr. Gomez is dedicated to supporting families through chronic illness and end-of-life care with dignity and compassion, creating a calm, supportive environment where families feel safe, seen, and truly heard.

Dr. Buckweitz

Dr. Sandra Buckweitz brings over 20 years of experience providing compassionate veterinary care to families and their pets throughout South Florida. Her deep love for both animals and people is at the heart of her work, guiding every interaction with empathy, patience, and respect.

Dr. Buckweitz has a special interest in geriatric medicine, palliative care, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. She is also certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, enabling her to offer an integrative, multimodal approach to pain management, symptom relief, and quality-of-life care. By combining conventional medicine with acupuncture and other complementary therapies, she is able to provide a more comprehensive and individualized medical approach to pet palliative and hospice care, helping maximize comfort and preserve dignity throughout every stage of a pet's journey.

Fascinated by the human–animal bond, Dr. Buckweitz brings a deeply personal perspective to her practice. As a wife, mother of two, and pet owner herself, she understands how profoundly pets are woven into the fabric of family life.

Known for her gentle, calm, and peaceful demeanor, Dr. Buckweitz is patient and clear in her communication, helping families feel supported, informed, and at ease during some of life's most difficult moments.

Dr. Poon

Dr. Poon is a Sacramento native, born and raised in the community she is proud to serve. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 and has been practicing in general veterinary medicine in the Sacramento area since graduating. Dr. Poon has a special professional interest in geriatric care, alleviating chronic pain, and providing compassionate end-of-life support for pets and the families who love them. She is deeply committed to ensuring each patient’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life, and to guiding families through some of the most emotional moments of pet ownership with empathy and respect. Outside of work, Dr. Poon enjoys spending time with her own fur family—three senior dogs and two spunky cats. In her downtime, she can often be found reading, caring for her plants, or expressing her creativity through painting.

Dr. Padilla

Dr. Kim Padilla grew up in a military family and spent her early childhood living along the East Coast before eventually settling in Southern California, where she spent the remainder of her youth. From a very young age, Dr. Padilla knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. Although she explored other paths over the years, she consistently returned to veterinary medicine, driven by a lifelong passion for caring for animals and supporting the families who love them. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Irvine and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis. Following veterinary school, Dr. Padilla completed a rotating internship in Southern California before relocating back to the Sacramento area. Dr. Padilla brings a well-rounded clinical background, with experience in emergency medicine, family practice, and relief work, where she has supported local clinics in need of additional coverage. This diverse experience allows her to adapt to a wide range of medical situations while maintaining a compassionate, thoughtful approach to patient care. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Padilla cherishes time with her family and pets. She enjoys long walks with her dog, quiet evenings cuddling on the couch with her cat, and joyful dance parties with her husband and children.

Dr. Sarah Mikhail

Dr. Mikhail earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year at Louisiana State University, where she gained extensive hands on experience across a wide range of medical and surgical cases. This diverse training helped shape her confidence and clinical skill in high-acuity and time sensitive environments. Dr. Mikhail thrives in fast paced clinical settings and is particularly drawn to the challenges and rewards of emergency medicine. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high quality care, with a focus not only on the medical needs of each pet but also on supporting the families who love them during difficult moments. Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Mikhail enjoys staying active and spending time with her four dogs. She values the human animal bond and looks forward to building meaningful, lasting relationships with the pets she treats and the families she serves.

Dr. Kendall Oziminski

Dr. Oziminski earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and has since practiced in general veterinary medicine, where she has developed a strong foundation in comprehensive, lifelong pet care. She finds deep fulfillment in guiding and counseling families through every stage of their pet’s life whether discussing preventive care, managing chronic disease, or helping families navigate important quality-of-life decisions. Dr. Oziminski is known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach and her commitment to ensuring both pets and their families feel supported, informed, and respected. Her dedication to animals extends beyond her clinical work. Dr. Oziminski actively volunteers and fosters with Wags & Walks Nashville, reflecting her belief in advocacy, rescue, and community involvement. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys staying active through ice hockey, Pilates, and pickleball. She values balance, wellness, and meaningful connections, all of which inform the care she provides to the families she serves.

Dr. Ginger

Dr. Ginger Pelger grew up in a small town in western Ohio, surrounded by animals and inspired by a love of both cats and horses. From the beginning, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian—imagining a life much like Dr. Herriot’s—caring for all kinds of animals in her community.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and began her DVM studies at Mississippi State University before pursuing a specialty in swine production medicine. Drawn by the intelligence of pigs and the importance of maintaining a healthy food supply, Dr. Pelger went on to complete a Master’s degree and began her career with Land O’Lakes. As her family grew, she transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where she contributed through research and technical service support.

After many successful years in leadership and industry roles, Dr. Pelger embraced early retirement—though, as she likes to say, “veterinarians don’t really retire.” Instead, she returned to the roots of her calling: providing personalized veterinary care, comforting families, and creating meaningful end-of-life experiences for pets.

Today, she brings her deep compassion and expertise to Heartstrings Pet Hospice in Indianapolis. With a special focus on geriatric medicine and palliative care, Dr. Pelger is dedicated to ensuring that families have access to comfort-focused support and that beloved pets receive a peaceful, respectful farewell at the right time.

Outside of her work, Dr. Pelger treasures the lessons she continues to learn from both pets and their people—believing that every companion animal deserves compassion, dignity, and respect throughout every stage of life.

Dr. Fink

Dr. Fink is a proud Tampa native whose love for animals began in childhood, surrounded by cats, dogs, birds, and even hamsters. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Florida before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.

For more than a decade, Dr. Fink practiced small animal general medicine in Southeast Florida, where she discovered her true calling—providing families with compassionate in-home end-of-life care. This experience shaped the course of her career, guiding her back to her hometown of Tampa, where she now dedicates her work to bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to pets and their families through mobile visits.

At home, Dr. Fink shares life with her two rescue companions—a 15-year-old cat and a 7-year-old mixed-breed dog. Beyond veterinary medicine, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures through food, and cheering on her favorite teams: the Gators, Bucs, Dolphins, Rays, Lightning, Panthers, Heat, and, of course, her Kansas State Wildcats.

Dr. Shayla Saulsbury

Dr. Shayla Saulsbury, DVM Originally from California, Dr. Shayla Saulsbury moved east to pursue her veterinary education at Lincoln Memorial University. After completing her training, she chose to make Chattanooga her home, where she now cares for a lively and loving family of pets—including a coonhound, house bunnies, and a rosy boa.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Saulsbury enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her creativity and love for the outdoors. She spends her free time gardening, painting, sewing, hiking, and reading.

Dr. Saulsbury is grateful to serve families in the Chattanooga community, bringing compassion, dignity, and respect to every pet and family she has the privilege of supporting during life’s most tender moments.

Dr. Julie Guthrie

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Julie Guthrie has always been drawn to the natural world and animals of every kind. She studied Marine Biology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and spent time abroad in Bonaire scuba diving, researching coral reefs, and observing flamingos in their natural habitat. Following her passion for animal care, Dr. Guthrie earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, completing her clinical training at the University of Georgia in Athens. Dr. Guthrie began her career in small animal practice in Seminole, Florida, where she cared for local pets for four years before an Air Force relocation brought her to Omaha, Nebraska. There, she transitioned to working with the USDA and cattle for six years, an experience she fondly describes as “just cows and corn.” In 2025, Dr. Guthrie happily returned home to Largo, Florida, eager to reconnect with her roots in companion animal care. She is honored to be part of the Heartstrings Pet Hospice team, supporting families and their beloved pets with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Dr. Kempin

Born and raised in Olathe, Kansas, Dr. Kempin completed all of their studies at Kansas State University before moving to the Chicago area with his partner and beloved pets — two dogs, Bumper and Adele, and a cat named Henry. With a deep passion for compassionate care, Dr. Kempin finds nothing more fulfilling in veterinary medicine than guiding pets and their families through the tender journey of end-of-life care. He is honored to bring their experience, empathy, and dedication to the Heartstrings Pet Hospice team in Chicago, helping local families say goodbye with dignity, comfort, and love.

Dr. Rhonda Faulks

Has dedicated her life to caring for animals with compassion, dignity, and respect. Born and raised just west of Nashville, Tennessee, she began her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel and veterinary assistant in her hometown. Her passion for animal care led her to earn a degree in veterinary technology, working as a licensed technician in clinics and as a research assistant for over a decade.

While working as a research assistant, Dr. Faulks pursued her BS in Biology at Belmont University. At 37, she was accepted into the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2001. She later became a practice owner in central Virginia, where she cared for pets and their families for 13 years before selling her practice and moving to Florida.

Recently, Dr. Faulks returned to Tennessee and developed a passion for end-of-life care, guiding families through one of the most emotional moments of pet ownership. She believes that every pet deserves a peaceful, dignified transition and is honored to provide this compassionate service to the Greater Knoxville community.

When she’s not caring for pets, Dr. Faulks enjoys bike riding, woodworking, and cheering on Tennessee women’s basketball.

She is proud to be part of Heartstrings Pet Hospice, where she can support families with warmth, understanding, and expertise.

Dr. Roy Johnson

Dr. Roy Johnson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Heartstrings team in Boise, with a career spanning over four decades in veterinary medicine. After earning his BSc from Colorado State University in 1975, Dr. Johnson completed the rigorous Vorphysikum and Physikum exams at the University of Munich’s College of Veterinary Medicine before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he received his DVM in 1982. His career began in Arizona, working with a mixed animal practice, and then led him to own and operate a similar practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for seven years. After selling his practice, Dr. Johnson specialized in emergency small animal medicine and surgery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before ultimately focusing exclusively on small animal medicine. Dr. Johnson has now practiced in Idaho for a cumulative 12 years, including 8 years with the Sun Valley Animal Clinic in Ketchum. Actively licensed in both Idaho and New Mexico, his primary focus is on the internal medicine of dogs and cats. With a deep commitment to patient care and an empathetic approach, Dr. Johnson is an invaluable part of the Heartstrings mission to offer compassionate, dignified end-of-life care. Dr. Johnson and his wife, Barbara, have been happily married for 29 years. They share their home with Winnie, a lovable rat-terrier/schnauzer/poodle mix, and a cat named Remy. In his free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys camping, hiking with his family, reading, cooking, gardening, and watching movies. Fun Facts: Dr. Johnson and Barbara lived in a yurt for nine years, a unique lifestyle that fuels their love for the outdoors. He has also logged over 5,000 hours on an Atomic Force Microscope, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and scientific curiosity.