Dr. Denise Van Hook

Associate Veterinarian

What motivated you to work in veterinary medicine?

Been an animal lover since birth – couldn’t imagine doing anything else

What has been your most rewarding moment working in veterinary medicine?

I love whelping litters and seeing those new lives into the world

If you weren’t working at a veterinary clinic, what would you do?

Working with animals in some way, zoo, pet store, training facility, or something

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?

Boa constrictor – removed a tumor from it’s mouth

What animal scares you more than any other?

Alligator

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

30 years of military service in Air Force and raising a wonderful and talented daughter

What do you do in your spare time?

Dogs! Sowing, breeding,, judging and playing with granddaughters

What is your favorite comfort food?

Pizza and chocolate

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who abuse animals and/or children

What animals do you currently have?

9 dogs: 8 standard longhaired dachshunds and 1 golden retriever

If you were to come back as an animal, what would it be and why?

Elephant – strong family and long life

What is your favorite childhood movie and why?

Dr. Doolittle books – Lived overseas with no movies

What is your favorite childhood memory?

living and scuba diving on Guam with my family

What are some things people might be surprised about?

1. I’ve owned and ridden 3 motorcycles

2. I wanted to be an ice skater and did competitive gymnastics

3. I was head cheerleader in high school

4. I am a scuba instructor and my family owned a dive shop

5. I was in the Air Force for 30 years with the rank of Colonel