Flagler Animal Hospital


Providing a Lifetime of Care since 1989

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Our Staff



Veterinarians

  • Robert G. Tate , DVM, Practice Owner


    Growing up in the panhandle of Florida, Robert Tate was destined to become a Veterinarian at an early age.  His love of animals started when he was very young. 

    He has a fond memory of his parents replacing his childhood dog Tiger, a Boston Terrier who ran away, with a boxer puppy.  Luckily Tiger reappeared weeks later and then young Bob Tate had two dogs!   Today he has numerous dogs and cats, his favorite being his rescued Golden Retriever, Copper!

    Dr. Tate attended the University of Florida, and graduated in 1984.  While attending college, he met and married his wife Sue.  He opened Flagler Animal Hospital in 1989 after practicing small animal and emergency medicine in Ormond Beach.  He operated his busy practice for nine years in a small store front near where our hospital stands today.

    Dr. Tate continues to enjoy general practice and has a special interest in surgery. He has practiced Veterinary Medicine in our local community for over 20 years!

    When he isn't at the hospital, Dr. Tate enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and fishing our local waterways.  If the forecast calls for waves and his two sons are in town visiting, you just might see the entire Tate family surfing the waves in Flagler Beach!

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  • Ericka Mendez , DVM


    As a little girl growing up in New York, Ericka Mendez always knew she would become a Veterinarian.  Snoopy, her first childhood hamster may have had something to do with her decision.  As a doctor she loves "helping people and animals, and helping them feel better."

    Dr. Mendez graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science.  She attended Cornell University where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.  Before joining our team, she worked at a large veterinary practice in Northern California. 

    While living in California she started her own business dealing with behavioral pet problems called "Ericka's Best Pets" and continues to help many of our troubled patients back on the road to good behavior!  Ericka holds monthly puppy parties to help socialize young pups with other puppies their age and/or size.  She also holds training classes for young dogs and agility classes for the athletically inclined.

    She currently shares her home with four pets.  Tommy, the cat,  Mimi, a rescued chihuahua mix; BB a black bunny, and Tallula, a rescued American Staffordshire mix. 

    When she's not attending to our patients here at the hospital, you may find her cooking, reading, or playing her ukulele for her friends.  And if the waves are good, you just may see see her surfing down at the Pier!
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  • Karyn Ware , DVM


    Karyn Ware's decision to become a teacher or a veterinarian happened early in her life.  Luckily for Flagler Animal Hospital and all her patients, she became a veterinarian!  

    Her decision may have been based on a favorite childhood memory of riding her waverunner on Lake Martin with her childhood dog Sandy .

    Dr. Ware attended Auburn University where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science.  She then continued at Auburn and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine graduating with honors.

    While spending her free time with her husband Chris, Karyn enjoys horseback riding, reading, hanging out with her friends and family and going to the beach.

    Currently, Chris and Karyn have a four-legged family consisting of three dogs: Roxy, Adler and Ginger, all dogs that she has rescued over the years.

    When asked what she likes most about Flagler Animal Hospital, Dr. Ware replied, "besides working with the great staff, I like helping people and their animals."
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  • What our clients say...


    "We moved from Pennsylvania to Florida 8 years ago with 2 cats and a dog. Very shortly after we moved here one of our cats became very ill very quickly.We had our first experience with Flagler Animal Hospital and brought him in to find that he had Feline HIV. The staff at FAH did everything possible to help Leo and ultimately he had to be put to sleep. We had never needed to make such a decision before. The compassion with which we and our pet were treated was incredible and was a tremendous comfort at the time. We were even sent flowers - I could not believe it. Through the years Dr. Tate and his staff have helped us and friends and family with many, many pets. When I meet someone who is new to the area or needs veterinary care I ALWAYS HIGHLY recommend FAH. We have been married for 25 years and have always had pets. FAH has provided the best care our pets have ever had. Thank you for being there for us FAH!!"

    Sincerely,

    Charles and Renee' DeAngelis

    Palm Coast


Management

  • Kelly Fordham , Practice Manager


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    Born and raised in California, Kelly Fordham knew that animals would always play a special role in her life.  One of her favorite stories is the time she was ten years old and got her first horse. Worried that someone else would buy the horse that she took lessons on and was now for sale, her parents secretly purchased Alice, a Morgan mare. That day she went into the barn to get Alice saddled and ready for a lesson and found a large note tied to her mane that read "Hi Kelly, I'm yours!". 

    Kelly majored in graphic and fine art while attending college in California.  After graduating she worked as Continuous Improvement Coordinator and Facilitator for SSi-TDK, a large integrated circuit company in Santa Cruz.  She formed teams within the company to find solutions to procedural and financial problems in their respective departments at the company.

    Looking for warmer weather and to live within walking distance to the ocean, she and her husband Gary moved to Ormond Beach about fifteen years ago. 
    She couldn't imagine working anywhere but here at the hospital.  She finds it rewarding that our clients love their pets so much!  She can truly relate!  Her dog Marley's nickname is "The Princess"!

    When Kelly isn't managing the hospital, you can find her in her art studio painting pet portraits, combining the two things she loves  - animals and art!  If not in her studio, she'll be at the beach with Marley, her yellow lab and possibly taking pictures of her husband Gary surfing the local break!


  • What our clients say...


    "Everyone at FAH who comes in contact with our pets talks to them gently and softly to try ease any discomfort they may be experiencing.  In all the years that we've been coming to Flagler Animal Hospital (and over the years we've had 34 cats treated here) everyone has been understanding and compassionate, whether the cat has been a beloved pet or a stray that we've brought in for treatment."  
    Diane and Peter Voigt, Ormond Beach


Inventory Specialist

  • Kathleen Cormier , Inventory Specialist


     

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    As the Inventory Specialist, Kathleen oversees all of the ordering, purchasing and stocking of inventory in our hospital.  Since taking over this position, Kathleen makes it a priority to seek out specials that we can pass along to our clients.  Kathleen also helps our clients at the front desk and occasionally assists the technicians.


    Born in Memphis Tennessee, Kathleen Cormier moved to Florida with her family back in 1989.  She is childhood friends with other members of our staff.  She and her fiance Dan have two children; Brendan and Kiley, and two dogs; Sophie and Bentley. 


    Although Sophie's story started out somewhat sad, it has a happy ending.  One afternoon  while some staff members were leaving the hospital, they noticed a little white dog tied up to the picnic table at the rear of our building.  With no form of identification and no one around, it was evident that she was "dumped" here at our hospital.   She was scared and we didn't want to leave her alone in the hospital overnight.  Kathleen volunteered to take her home for the evening.  This little white poodle stole her heart, so Kathleen named her Sophie and gave her a permanent home!   Shortly after getting Sophie, Kathleen adopted a playmate for her, Bentley, a little black poodle.  Sophie loves her new playmate; they are inseparable.  And the kids love their dogs! 

    Kathleen and Dan  love the ocean and enjoy spending their weekends with their kids at the beach.  When Kathleen isn't at the hospital overseeing  the inventory, she's usually watching Brenden surf at Flagler Pier.

     


Technician Staff

  • Judy Delarosby , CVT, Head Surgical Technician


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    Growing up to be a nurse or veterinarian was always on Judy Delarosby's mind as a child.  She was born in Michigan but, Palm Coast has been her home for over 20 years.  Judy lives with her husband Joe, daughter Kelsey and a menagerie of furry friends. 

    Felines seem to migrate to Judy knowing that she is a true cat lover!  Her yellow lab Fitzie is outnumbered at home with Smudge, Simon, Jasmine, Lily, Monkey and Grady, the latest feline addition to the family.

    Her childhood cat, Pixie may have started her admiration for felines or it could have been when she called her Mom and asked if she could get a kitten because "they were selling them for free!". 

    Judy earned her A.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology at St. Petersburg College and received her Certified Veterinary Technician status shortly after graduation.   She has been with FAH for over eleven years.   The designation of CVT requires specialized training which has helped Judy earn her title as the Head Surgery Technician.  Judy has been instrumental in creating, revising and implementing surgery protocols for the assistants and technicians who work in the surgical suite.  Judy is also our bereavement specialist and has assisted many hospital clients in dealing with the passing of their beloved pets.

    Judy credits her longevity here at FAH due to the great people she works along side and the many opportunitites to learn more about animal medicine. 

    When Judy isn't assisting the doctors in surgery, she enjoys spending time with her family.  Recently her husband Joe took Judy to see Eric Clapton (her favorite musician) play in Orlando - we were actually surprised she came back! 


  • What our clients say...


    The staff, from the doctors to the people at the front desk, are friendly, caring and professional in every way.  We also love the fact that all the staff have pets and so we share stories about our animals whenever we're there."  
    Diane and Peter Voigt, Ormond Beach  (clients since 1999)


  • Kerry Ball , Surgical Assistant


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    A native of Florida, Kerry Ball could practically ride horses before she could walk!  Early on, Kerry knew she would work with animals.  One of her first jobs was a performer and rider with the Lippizanner Stallion Performance Show out of Orlando.  Kerry also has a degree in Makeup Artistry, which comes in handy working with lots of women! 

    Kerry joined Flagler Animal Hospital in 2002 as a kennel assistant and is able to work at every staff position in our hospital!  Currently, Kerry is part of  the Surgery Team performing dentals and assisting the surgeons during operations.   Kerry also oversees the daily laboratory operations for the hospital.

    Family time is a priority for Kerry and her husband Joel.  Kerry enjoys riding her horse Proof while visiting her parents at their horse farm in Ormond Beach.  Many weekends are also spent at the beach so Kailyn their young daughter can play in the sand and surf. 

    Kerry and Joel also have four pets that they have rescued, two dogs: Bruiser and Chopper, and two cats: Trike and Penelope.  For some reason three-legged animals are attracted to Kerry.  Chopper and Trike are three-legged!  Not long ago Kerry took a picture of a lizard trying to get into their screened porch  It had only three legs!


  • Mary Powell , Veterinary Assistant


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    Mary was born in the northeast and moved to Florida 10 years ago. Mary's childhood dream was to be a news anchor or a DJ which makes sense to all of us who work with her. Every morning you can hear Mary belting out a tune while she is helping to prepare the hospital to open.  She may not always know the words, but she can carry a tune!   We think Mary could have had a career as a singer too.

    She says that she has always loved animals which probably drew her to a career at a veterinary hospital. Mary has worked in the veterinary industry for over 12 years. She says she has loved animals ever since she brought home her very first dog, Pierre. He was given to her by a customer on her paper route much to her parent's dismay.

    She has been a member of the FAH team since 2002. She enjoys working with animals and says that being able to help them is the most gratifying part of her job. Mary's years of experience are an asset to our hospital. You can see her in every part of our facility from the front desk, to surgery, to the exam rooms and kennel.  You may even see Mary driving our Pet Taxi with Stanley riding "shot gun" out to up one of our patients in need of a ride.  

    Mary also helps the doctors assist wildlife when they are brought to our hospital in need of care. She has helped many injured animals throughout her life with many squirrels becoming her personal pets.

    Mary has a husband, Doug and two dogs, Ollie, a Great Dane and Stanley, a Boston Terrier. Most of our clients know Stanley as our hospital dog. (see bio below) He is usually not far from Mary's side, unless he is sleeping!  Mary also has several cats that call her house their home.  When asked if she has a favorite pet, Mary says that she would feel guilty if she had to name just one of her pets as her favorite! She loves them all.

    When Mary isn't caring for our patients here at the hospital, she enjoys hiking, riding, boating, scrapbooking, jewelry making and sewing. She also is involved in supporting breast cancer fund raising and wildlife rehabilitation.


  • Stephanie Hart , Veterinary Assistant


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    Stephanie Hart is a rare breed; she is a Florida native. She was born in Daytona Beach and has loved animals for as long as she can remember. Stephanie’s first childhood pets were a cat named Tiger and a boxer mix named Moose. The family had all kinds of animals including ducks, peacocks, and even a sheep.

    Stephanie wanted to be a farmer when she was a child, but she ended up going to Florida State University and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. She worked in criminal law and then a civil practice before finally changing careers and coming to work at FAH in 2003.

    Stephanie has a special interest in dog training. She belongs to the Obedience Club of Daytona and has been involved in training and trialing for over 20 years. She has trained and earned titles with her dogs in obedience, agility, rally and herding. She also fosters dogs for Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue and enjoys working with overweight dogs to help them lose weight and get in shape.

    Stephanie lives on a small "hobby farm" with her boyfriend, Tom. They currently have two horses, a Thoroughbred named Smidge and an Arabian named Harry, nine goats: Pounder, Bud, Mickey, Ultra, Amber, Kalik, Corona, Harp and Guinness, two dogs: Candy and Ginger, four cats: Abby, Dixie, Junior and Miss Kitty, a pig: Petunia, and a bird named Bob. When asked if she has a favorite pet, she has a fondness for her pig Petunia. Steph taught Petunia to "sit" and "come" when called. Now that’s a smart pig!

    Stephanie and Tom spend most of their free time working around the farm, but they also enjoy motorcycling, boating and horseback riding.


  • What our clients say...


    "The impression of the hospital is excellent! It's great the way the staff interacts with my pets; they are helpful in every possible way and treat our pets like they were theirs."  
    Flossie and Roland Gomez, Palm Coast  (clients since 2004)
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    Paisley Pockets Gomez

  • Robyn Anderson , Veterinary Assistant


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    Robyn Anderson has been a member of the FAH team since 2000. Born and raised in California, Robyn was only 18 years old when she packed up and moved from Southern California to Florida driving cross-country with only her pets as company. Making the long journey with her was Bernie the chinchilla, Skeeter and Scooter the birds, Fred the bearded dragon, some fish, and her wonderful dog, Little Girl.  Little Girl will always hold a very special place in Robyn’s heart. When Robyn was young she was there to witness the birth of Little Girl.

    Becoming a Veterinarian was always on her mind when Robyn was a little girl.  She enjoys the technical aspects of her job, the relationships she is able to build with the pet owners, and of course, the animals! Robyn has made a special connection with some of FAH’s clients during her time here.


    Many of the staff members remember when Robyn was a teenager working in the kennel. She has definitely grown up here and fondly calls the staff at FAH her second family! During the past ten years, Robyn has learned all aspects of working in every department at FAH from the kennel to surgical assisting.

    Robyn and her husband Cody have two beautiful little girls, Hannah and Ava. Currently, the Anderson family has two cats: Ryce and Morgan, a dog: Roscoe, and a gerbil: Greg. Along with being a mom, working part time at FAH Robyn is currently attending Daytona State College and is working toward a degree. Family time is priority for Robyn and Cody. Many weekends they can be found frolicking in the water at Flagler beach.

    After the birth of her second child Ava, Robyn decided to take some time off and stay home to be closer to her girls. Recently she came back to help the staff at FAH in a part time capacity.


  • Stephanie Pascucci , Veterinary Assistant


    Stephanie Pascucci was born in New York and moved to Florida when she was 9 years old. She comes from a very large Italian and Portuguese family and has extended family that lives in Italy. It has always been a desire of Steph’s to travel to Italy to meet her family and learn about her roots. She and her family plan to make the trip next summer. Stephanie has been an animal lover all her life. Her first childhood pet was a Silky Terrier named Philly. She remembers Philly keeping close watch over her while she was swimming in the pool. Stephanie says that knowing Philly was there always made her feel safe.
    Christmas was always a special time for Stephanie. She and Philly would exchange gifts around the tree on Christmas morning. He would actually unwrap his own gifts using his teeth and paws, digging and pulling at the wrapping. He was so smart, that as a little girl she thought he wrapped the Christmas gifts that he gave to her!
    Her current pets are a pit-bull/Australian Cattle dog cross named Dyson and a Napoleon cat named Cassie. Cassie is quite unique; she has extremely short legs and a regular size body. Stephanie knew from the time she was 5 years old that she wanted to be a veterinarian. The family took their sick dog to a vet who treated him and made him well. From that point on, she wanted to help animals.
    Stephanie is attending Daytona State College and plans to transfer to the University of Florida for vet school. She enjoys working at FAH as a veterinarian assistant because she learns something new every day. She draws inspiration from her work and from knowing that our patients are getting the care they need.
    In addition to working and going to school, Stephanie enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends and going boating. She’s already planning a huge shopping spree for her trip to Italy!
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Client Specialists

  • Pattie Garnes , Client Services


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    Loyalty and longevity are two words that Pattie Garnes knows well. She has been an important member of Flagler Animal Hospital since March 1999. Working mainly in client services, she also assists with accounts receivable, helps out in the kennel and assisting techs when needed.

    Originally from New Jersey, Pattie moved to Florida with her husband Steve in 1985.  Before starting work at FAH, her previous job was at an animal hospital in New Jersey.  When she travels back to visit her family who still live there she stops by to visit with her previous co-workers and friends.  As a child she has fond memories of the family dogs Cricket and Bootsie and Misty the cat. 


    When she was a young girl, she loved spending her summer vacations in the country on her uncle's farm. Caring for the horses was her favorite chore on the farm and her childhood dream was to one day own her own horse.

    A few years ago, Pattie was able to realize her childhood dream and got her first horse!  She and Steve recently rescued and adopted a dog they named Petey that closely resembles their adored dog Rocky who recently passed away.  Along with Alfie and Petey, Pattie also cares for her two birds, Bobo and AJ,  Shadow the cat and several fish.

    When Pattie isn't at manning her post at the front desk, you can find her at the stables riding Alfie, gardening or swimming in the pool with Steve and Petey.


  • Kelly Dougherty , Client Services


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    Kelly “D” has been a valued member of our staff here at FAH for 7 years. She worked at a veterinary hospital up north before moving to Florida. Kelly loves working at FAH because she enjoys seeing the dedication and love people have for their pets.

    Kelly is a true animal lover and has a special pet; a black buzzard named Buzz who can't fly. Buzz lives around the hospital and waits patiently every day for Kelly. He recognizes her vehicle and excitedly hops over to it when she pulls into the parking lot.  When it's feeding time she calls his name out and he hops over to get his grub!

    Kelly is married to Jim, a very supportive, animal loving husband! Together they have a “zoo,” consisting of two dogs: Buddy and Sunny; five cats: Spice, Twinky, Wally, Dolly and Missy; three cockatiels: Bobo, Twiddles and Angel; a Sun Conure: Sparky; and two horses: Dancer’s Diamond Gem and a “foster” named Winston.

    Kelly has a soft spot for all animals. Besides her personal pets, she cares for 6 ducks, 4 stray cats, an armadillo, possum, one-eyed bunny, two doves and one hawk that swoop down every afternoon for a lunchtime snack from her bird feeder.

    A few years ago during hurricane season on a blustery day, Kelly spotted a small deer looking very lost in her driveway. She immediately went into action. She flung open her front door hollering for the deer to come inside for protection. Luckily for Jim, the deer gave one look at Kelly and ran the other way. Jim breathed a sigh of relief!


  • What our clients say...


                

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    Butchie & his Mom
     







    "The staff at Flagler Animal Hospital always greets me extremely friendly when I bring Butchie in for an appointment.  They are friendly and compassionate and treat us like family."  Kathleen Hawley, Palm Coast

  • Lorrayne Grison , Client Services


     

    Born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, Lorrayne did administrative work at a car dealership for seven years before moving to Florida in 2005 with her pug, Montee.

    After working primarily in the accounting field, Lorrayne began her job at FAH in 2008.  Working at an animal hospital was a big career change for Lorrayne, but she loves her job and "being around all the amazing animals and people."

    Lorrayne has been a positive addition to the FAH team.  Her fun and easy going personality make her the perfect fit for a Client Service Representative!  Along with helping our clients and patients at the front desk, Lorrayne overseas and maintains our Pet Portal on a daily basis. 

    An avid dog-lover, Lorrayne added three more four-legged additions to her family in 2009.  She adopted two seven week old yorkie-peke puppies, named Romeo and Griffee and rescued a four year old shih-tzu named Baileer. All four dogs love each other and get along great.  She also has of twelve zebra finches

    that live in an indoor cage.  Lorrayne also cares for outdoor bunnies, squirrels and birds who get their carrots, nuts and seed everyday.

    Aside from taking care of her pets, she loves to shop, play pool and computer games, and spend time with family and friends when they visit the sunshine state.

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  • Melissa Craig , Client Services


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    While living up north, Melissa Craig got her start working with animals at Airway Veterinary Hospital in Ohio.  She has been with our FAH team since 2006 as a Client Service Representative. Mel is also very helpful during busy times and assists the doctors in exam rooms when needed.
     

    Like most little girls and the majority of staff who work here, Melissa’s childhood dream was to become a veterinarian. Her first pet was a beagle/poodle mix named Ginger.

    These days Melissa’s plate is overflowing! As a true animal lover she shares her home with numerous dogs and 2 cats! The funny thing about Mel's dogs is that most of them are black and white. Whenever we hear that a black and white pet needs a home, there is a strong chance that it will end up at La Casa Craig!

    This year for her birthday, two horses added to the mix! Melissa loves spending time with her daughter and grandchildren as well as a large extended family and numerous friends!

    Currently, Melissa is attending Daytona State College where she is majoring in nursing. Most of the time Mel is busy taking care of her fuzzy four legged family members and when she isn’t you may find her horseback riding, gardening, scrapbooking, and making jewelry.


  • Sharon Winfrey , Client Services


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    Sharon Winfrey was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and moved to Palm Coast in 2006. She has been working for FAH since that time. Previously, Sharon worked as hairdresser for 30 years and also sold fine jewelry.

    Sharon makes numerous phone calls each day obtaining feedback from our clients to help the hospital continuously improve customer satisfaction. Sharon loves working at FAH because she enjoys meeting all the pets and their families and working with the fun and interesting staff.

    When Sharon was growing up, she wanted to be a nurse or a hairdresser. Her father didn’t think girls should go away to college, so Sharon went to cosmetology school instead.

    Sharon has always loved animals. Her first dog was Christie, a Wheaten Terrier. When she was growing up, Christie would sit in an upstairs window and wait for the kids to get off the school bus. When she saw them coming down the street she would howl with excitement as they got closer. Wanting to share in the fun, Christie would also climb the pool ladder and go down the slide with the kids much to their amazement! Sharon says that none of their dogs knew they were dogs!

    Sharon and her husband Lynn, have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. They also have a Shih-Tzu named Maggie and nicknamed "Oprah." On the weekends, Sharon is usually at the beach with Lynn and their brood. When she isn’t soaking up the sun Sharon enjoys maps, blueprints, biographies, travel, scrapbooking and music.


Kennel/Patient Coordinators

  • Sheila Twardosz , Kennel Assistant/Veterinary Assistant


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    Sheila Twardosz has been a member of the FAH team since 2002. Sheila takes care of the kennel and all the boarding animals, ensuring that they get the extra special attention they deserve.

    Before working at FAH, she worked in a glass factory for 18 years in Illinois. Sheila has always enjoyed being around animals and decided that she would try the animal care field when she moved to Florida. She prefers the closeness and special bonds that she forms with the dogs and cats in our boarding kennel.

    Sheila takes great pride in her job. When it comes to bathing, many of our clients request Sheila for the job! You can hear her gently soothing the pets while getting bathed. She has an amazing memory for the dogs that have been coming to FAH for years. Sheila knows their particular likes and dislikes as well as which ones like to splash her during bath time!

    Sheila’s first childhood pet was a dog named Duke. Sheila has always had a soft spot for special needs animals and trained her deaf Dalmatian, Patch, to respond to hand signals. Patch was very clever and also knew that flipping the porch light on and off meant for her to come in from the yard. Sheila tells us that they had a plastic bag hanging on the back doorknob with their cans for recycling. Even though she couldn’t hear the sound, Patch figured out that if she hit the bag with her nose, Sheila would come to the door and let her out!


    Currently, Sheila and her husband John have 2 dogs that they have rescued, Rain and Angel. In her spare time, Sheila enjoys cooking, reading and playing on the computer.


Support Staff

  • Stanley R. Tate , T.D. (Therapy Dog)


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    Stan joined the FAH team in 2005.  Shy at first, Stan quickly came out of his shell with the help of Mary and Doug, his human caretakers. 

    Stan intuitively knows when someone on the staff has had a ruff day.  He will walk up and asked to be picked up.  He is perfectly content to just be held.  It's almost as if he hugs back.

    Stan will knowingly wander into a room where a client has just received bad news.  He just seems to know where he's needed.  

    Stan enjoys catching a few zzzzzzs.  He has been known to fall asleep while sitting upright! 

    The past few years have been especially good for Stan now that he has found his new BFF, JJ.  He and JJ are inseparable.  At times when they are laying together,  it is literally impossible to tell where JJ starts and the Stanley ends!  

    Stan and JJ have a special relationship. No judging, no bickering, just unconditional love that crosses species barriers.  Neither one of them really expects anyone to understand the beautiful thing they share.  

    Early morning seems to be their special bonding time.  JJ will find Stan, snuggle up with him and doggedly (no pun intended) clean his ears.  He will alternate kissing and vigorously rubbing up against him, head to head, while Stan closes his eyes and soaks in the attention.  (or maybe he is ignoring him...?)

    As part of the support staff, Stan also accompanies Mary when she has a pick up with our Pet Taxi service.  Stan has a way of making nervous dog and cat passengers calm.

    When asked what the future holds for him, Stan replied that he "hopes to remain part of the FAH team throughout his retirement."  

    We do too Stan.


  • "JJ" Janoris Jenkins-Tate , FC (Fat Cat)


    Janoris Jenkins first found his way to Dr. Tate's home a few years ago during Gator football season.  He didn't realize then what a lucky cat he was; he just played the lottery and won the big one!
     
    JJ was at first confused about his role here at the hospital.  He really wasn't sure where he was suppose to go or what he was suppose to do.  With the help of Ms. Kitty Purrington, JJ soon learned that he was a welcomed part of the support staff. 

    JJ has earned his coveted FC credentials by joining the 1 o'clock lunch crew.  He has taken a liking to Boar's Head turkey, which Ms. Purrington and Auntie Sheila purchase for him on a regular basis. 

    JJ also has a special interest in wildlife, especially lizards.  He's been know to sit at the window in the business office and stare out for what seems like hours at the lizards who enjoy taunting him.  As his trance begins, he will wildly twitch his tail back and forth and chatter his teeth.  We don't disturb him; this is "his time."

    JJ also enjoys jumping in cardboard boxes.  His favorite time of the day is 10:30 when the UPS shipment arrives.  Kathleen hardly has time to unload the inventory shipments before JJ jumps in a box.  He has been know to hide in a box and pounce out at an unsuspecting passerby!

    One of his favorite past times is laying across Sharon's keyboard as she is trying to do her computer reminder projects at her desk.

    JJ's most special friend is Stanley.  They have a very unique bond.  JJ thinks that the relationship may be one-sided, but we assure him that Stan's love for him is unwavering.  JJ loves giving backrubs to Stanley as he snoozes. 

    Yes, JJ can be a little pill.  Mostly, he enjoys just lounging in the hallways making all who walk past step over him to get by.  At times you can almost hear him do a little kitty snicker!



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Pet Portals