How long in the field: More than 30 years

Background and Schooling: Richard is a 1987 graduate of Colorado State University with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.  He began working as an associate veterinarian for Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic in Colorado Springs from 1988 to present.

Favorite part of the job: Richard continues to enjoy the challenges and rewards of veterinary medicine and has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, anesthesia and pain management as well as geriatric medicine.

My own pets: Richard has two Sharpeis

Outside of work: Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and pets and taking trips to the east coast for ocean fishing.  He is also an amateur photographer with Houndog Photography.

How long at ABAC: Started at ABAC 2017.

How long in the field: I graduated from University College Dublin, Ireland in 1996. I practiced there for 4 years in a mixed animal practice and also worked with marine mammals. I moved to Colorado in 2001 and received my Colorado Veterinary License in 2002.

Favorite part of the job: I enjoyed working in a mixed animal practice for 15 years before deciding to concentrate on dogs and cats by moving to ABAC.

What I love about ABAC: I enjoy getting to know my patient’s families and being able to provide lifetime care from puppy or kittenhood to the end of life. I have a special fondness for geriatric dogs and cats. I love that at ABAC we can provide a friendly, welcoming environment combined with top-notch medical and surgical expertise.

My own pets: I live in the country with my husband 3 kids 3 dogs 5 cats 3 horses 2 donkeys and 5 chickens.

Outside of work: I love to dance and listen to live music. My favourite place to be is on horseback.

How long at ABAC: Started 2021.

How long in the field: 16 years as a doctor.

Background and Schooling: Dr. Dorsett was not permitted to have pets when she was younger, but (with the help of her mom), she found ways to save every animal that crossed her path. Finally, she was granted her first dog, (who came from an abuse situation) – a poodle mix named Scooter and “oh…all the places they would go”! This was when her love of behavior and training began.

She had a slow start with school (especially math), so never really thought she could become a veterinarian. When her mother became ill, she began studying human medicine to help facilitate her mom’s care and realized maybe she could fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian after all. Her inquisitive nature, determination and love for animals allowed her to leave her first career and achieve her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation from veterinary school, she completed a yearlong large animal/ambulatory internship at the University of Illinois.

Favorite part of the job: She feels successful when the pets come back for an exam, or approach her in public, and are super happy to see her!

My own pets: 4 Chihuahuas, a Whippet and a Rottie with a congenital brain issue, as well as 2 elderly horses, 4 geckos, 2 snakes.

Outside of work: Along the way she discovered a unique talent, natural gift and immense passion for behavior issues and training. She has facilitated her career with shelter work, rescue work, and training and behavioral modification experience. Using her understanding of behavior and training, she works to make your pet’s veterinary experience as positive as possible. Dr. Dorsett incorporates positive reinforcement techniques, non-aggressive handling and, when necessary, medications to make that experience happen. 

How long at ABAC: Since 2001

How long in the field: Since 2001

Background and Schooling: Brian is a 2001 graduate of Bel Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology with an associate’s degree.

Favorite part of the job: Brian works hard at client rapport.

My own pets: Brian enjoys hunting with his German Wirehair Pointer Dillinger and taking his lab mix Lola on walks around his neighborhood.

Hobbies: His interests include outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing as well as watching hockey. Go Avs!

How long at ABAC: Started on 8/27/2018

How long in the field: Since October of 2016

Background and Schooling: Born and raised in Colorado Springs. Was a 3rd generation graduate from William J. Palmer High School in 2014, completed the CVA program at PIMA in 2016. I hope to go back to school to become a DVM. I’ve always wanted to be a vet since I was little.

Favorite part of the job: I love seeing the pets walk out of the clinic healthy and happy. I started out in this field in emergency and way too often I didn’t see that. I love that I’m also still constantly learning new ways to help animals.

What I love about ABAC: I love how chill the environment is. I love that the doctors and techs are willing to take their time to teach me new things. Everyone is so friendly here.

My own pets: I’ve always had several pets in my house. Currently I have a spoiled Siamese cat named Kinzey, a crazy rescue mutt (Australian Cattle Dog/Chow Chow) named Koda, a fat potato guinea pig named George, and a mellow Red Eared Slider named Tily.

Outside of work: I’ve always been captivated by nature. I try to escape to the mountains whenever I can. I also really love photography, specifically in nature. I always have my camera with me ready to capture any gorgeous sight that Colorado will give me.

How long at ABAC: Started in July 2022, it is my first official job in the field since graduating.

Background and Schooling: Graduated Truman State University with a Bachelors in Agricultural Science with a focus on Animal Sciences then went to Midwest Institute for an Associates degree in Veterinary Technical Science.

Favorite part of the job: Seeing how happy families are with their pets and being able to take care of those four legged family members.

My own pets: Two cats named Nickel and Yuri and a Blue Heeler named Rooster who is my partner in crime and always keeps life interesting. 

Outside of work:  Hiking, running, anything outdoors that I can do with my dog!  I also enjoy baking and blaring music in the kitchen.

How long at ABAC: Started January of 2022

How long in the field: 5 years

Background and Schooling: Quest is prior Air Force, coming back into the field after 6 years of service. Previously working at a zoo before the military, she wanted to get back into animal care, feeling it was her true passion.

Favorite part of the job: Quest enjoys being able to help pets and their owners however she can and establishing relationships with everyone who walks in the door. Either through ensuring prompt and convenient scheduling, or checking up on regular clients to see how their fuzzy friends are holding up. She enjoys when they leave the clinic with a smile on their face knowing their pets are in loving hands. 

My own pets: After recently moving, Quest doesn’t own any pets, but her old cats, Judge and Nibble, are forever in her heart. 

Outside of work: Outside of work she enjoys spending time with friends, either meeting up in person for a night in town, or spending time together online and playing various video games or tabletops with them. Loves collecting rocks of all shapes and sizes, always on the lookout for the next piece to add to her collection. Will never turn down a thrifting trip, enjoying the unique and interesting finds.

How long at ABAC: Since January 2023.

Background and schooling: After retiring from swimming, I began pursuing my passion of working with animals in 2021 and began tech school at Penn Foster.

How long have I been in the field: 2 years.

Favorite part of the job: Building relationships with clients as well as their pets and getting to help the sweet babies that come through our doors.

My own pets: I have a bearded dragon named Elend and a white’s tree frog named Bumi. They may be small but they both have huge personalities. 

Outside of work: Outside of work I like to play video games, spend time out in the sun, and spend time with friends.

How long at ABAC: Since March 2022  

How long in the field: I have worked with animals in some way since 2013. From pet sitting to doggy daycare and then finally getting into Vet Med when I started at ABAC.   

Favorite part of the job: I’ve always enjoyed having animals in my life and now I get to see new pets every day and I get to help them feel better.   

My own pets: I have 2 cats, a brown tabby named Minerva, who I found as a kitten stuck in a car engine and a Bombay named Ophelia, who I got from a client at ABAC.  

Outside of work: I love to be around friends, eat good food, and be in nature as much as possible.