HAPPY PAWS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Your Veterinarian, Clinic Owner and Continuous Dreamer
Hello! Thanks for checking out who I am. I love to share my story and how I came to start Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic.
I grew up in the agricultural town of Olds, Alberta with three sisters and an older brother. My two amazing parents allowed me to have many opportunities to interact with animals and even have a multitude of pets. This came with many trips to the local veterinary clinic of course, which I ended up volunteering at when I was 14. After high school, I decided to become an Animal Health Technologist (the equivalent of an animal nurse). I worked in an emergency practice for two years before deciding to go back to school to become a vet. This decision was fueled by the desire to work more closely with pet guardians, focusing on communication and shared decision making. After two years of undergraduate studies, I got my acceptance phone call to go to the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine! This set me up for the next four years of learning and adventure, leading to graduating with my DVM degree.
My next steps were into a fast-paced emergency and primary care clinic in Calgary. I honed my technical skills and relied heavily on my communication skills to help clients through difficult emergency situations with their pets. I moved into a mobile practice next, traveling to people's homes and building relationships. It taught me more about what amazing bonds you as a pet parent have with your fur child.
Hello! I'm Dr. Fuller. Here's a bit about my training. I graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California- Davis in 2010. During my studies, I tracked in small animals, which allowed me to focus my final two years in the program on dogs and cats. Upon graduating I was inducted into the Phi Zeta honor society which recognizes scholastic achievement in the program. I then continued my education by completing a small animal rotating internship, where I was awarded intern of the year. This gave me the opportunity to gain additional education in emergency, surgery, internal medicine, and cardiology. After completing my education, I entered private practice. Working primarily as a general practitioner for cats and dogs, as well as doing some emergency medicine.
Outside of the veterinary clinic, I lead a full life with my husband, our 4 children, 6 cats, 2 dogs, 1 mini horse, and 50+ cattle. I am a California native and miss the mild winters, but I have fallen in love with Canada. Especially the greater Calgary area, as it has so much to offer.
Hi, I'm Dr. Katherine Sparkman. I am originally from Eastern Canada but moved to Calgary in the early 2000s. I have always been drawn to animals and from an early age knew I wanted to work with animals.
I attended the University of Calgary School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2012. I was drawn to general practice because it offers the opportunity to make connections with my patients and their families. I enjoy working with families to provide preventive care and formulate medical management plans for our furry family members.
Hi there! I am Dr. Kieren Gray and I am so excited to meet you and your furry friends. I love hiking, skiing, and traveling, but when I am not in the outdoors you can find me cuddled on the couch with a good book or movie. I have always had profound love for all animals, but I have a soft spot for little white dogs and giant breeds.
I grew up in Red Deer Alberta and started my post-secondary journey at Red Deer College before moving to Calgary to start my veterinary education at the University of Calgary. I graduated in the spring of 2023 with my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
I am thrilled to be joining the Happy Paws team, and start a career that is dedicated to providing exceptional care to your furry friends. I am looking forward to meeting new clients and building lasting relationships with their pets.
Hello! I am Dr. Kim. I grew up in Kingston, Ontario and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College. After graduating, I spent one year working in a mixed animal practice in Ontario before moving out to Calgary. Once in Calgary, I transitioned to small animal practice and even spent a few years working in a feline only practice. My areas of interest in veterinary medicine are in dermatology, preventative medicine, and feline medicine.
When not at work, I love spending time with my family, especially hiking in the mountains and going on adventures in our beautiful part of the country. I have a small rescue pup named Wicket and a cat named Ronald Weasley.
Hello, I am Dr. Kristi and I am one of the veterinarians here at Happy Paws.
I grew up north of Airdrie and always dreamed of working with animals. In 2005, this came true when I graduated from The Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, I moved to Lethbridge where I practiced for 3 years. After that, we moved to Airdrie to be closer to family. We fell in love with the Airdrie community spirit, and I have grown to enjoy practicing here.
I currently live in Airdrie with my family and enjoy hiking, skiing, and camping. I have two cats, Thunder and Boone (brother cats that make us laugh at their antics), and a dog named Tilly who I love to take on walks and hikes. My professional interests are senior pet medicine, palliative care, and dentistry.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian
- Your Veterinarian
Dr. Sarah Pedersen is a veterinarian who is a Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapist and Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist. She also holds her post-graduate certification in Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy. Sarah has a special interest in pain management and is in the process of gaining her certification in pain management. Sarah is a business owner, wife, mom, enthusiastic amateur event rider and a very satisfied Happy Paws client! Sarah also went to school with our owner, Dr. Erin Heck. Her practice is based on high-quality, evidence based complimentary treatment. She is eager to help enhance the quality of life for all our pets - whether young, old, competitive, or couch buddies. She hails from Yorkshire, England, where her experience with horses started. Sarah also received her Master's of Chemistry in England from the University of Hull. She moved to Saudi Arabia and managed a riding stable for a few years. Upon returning to Canada with her husband, she then completed her DVM and MSc in veterinary science. She began her professional career at a busy equine clinic, where her exploration of integrative medicine began. Her love for small animal integrative medicine grew once she learned both acupuncture and chiropractic care as she realized how much she could help improve their lives and the lives of their owners! Sarah is slated to begin booking appointments at Happy Paws one day a week starting in August of 2022.
Hello! I'm Sarah and I'm so excited to be working at Happy Paws! I have always wanted to work in veterinary medicine so after I graduated high school I went to the University of Calgary for Biological Sciences, after 1 year I decided that being a veterinarian wasn't for me but I was still passionate about animals. I discovered the Veterinary Technician program at Olds College and graduated February of 2019. I have a special interest in physical rehabilitation and feel so lucky to be able to explore this interest at this clinic!