With a separate entrance for cats and dogs, it's obvious that Lakeside Pet Hospital is a place that understands pet owners. Dr. Deborah Crippen is a compassionate veterinarian, and it shows in her Santa Rosa verterinary practice. Whether it's a routine checkup or making the difficult decision to put a loved pet to sleep, she gives her full attention and care to each of her patients.

The Sonoma State University graduate decided to stay local, coming to Lakeside Pet Hospital in 1983. She earned such respect in her field she was selected as the California Veterinary Medical Association President in 1996. But she took an unusual route to get here, and that played a part in what makes her so special and loved by her many clients.

After finishing her biology degree at SSU in 1976, Dr. Crippen volunteered for the Peace Corps in Swaziland, Africa for two years. She started the country's cattle insemination program. She returned with her degree from the University of the Philippines, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983 to "pay the bills" as an AHT at Lakeside Pet. A year later she was a licensed vet and 12 years later became owner of the practice.