Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Tracy Nolan
I grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. Our neighborhood was surrounded by woods with toads to catch, trees to climb, and a creek to explore. I loved learning about the birds I would see on my walks in the woods. It was those hours spent in nature that fostered my love of animals and the natural world. I was one of those kids who always knew they would be a vet when they grew up. My parents could see that a girl who kept tadpoles in her bedroom would be happiest in a career involving animals, and they supported my decision to attend veterinary school. In high school and college, I was fortunate to work with the vet staff as a keeper at the Saint Louis Zoo.
I did my undergraduate work and veterinary training at the University of Missouri. After vet school, I moved to Seattle and worked in small animal practice. In addition to treating cats and dogs, my patients included birds, pocket pets, and reptiles. I was occasionally able to make house calls for families who wanted their pets to pass at home, which was particularly fulfilling.
I love being able to connect with families and learn how their pets fit with the family. That way, my recommendations can better reflect what will be most helpful in their situation. The scientist in me loves solving a good medical mystery, but I also have a soft spot for geriatric pets.
Alleviating animal suffering is the foundation of veterinary medicine, and end-of-life care is an important part of that. After taking some time off to raise my family, I felt called to return to work in veterinary hospice care. Having had many pets over the years, I can appreciate how difficult end-of-life decisions can be when a beloved pet is in pain or struggling. The experience of having my pet pass while snuggled up in my lap, in a place where they feel the most safe and secure, is something I feel honored to be able to provide to the families I work with. A pet's final moments can be a memory that we carry with us for many years, and making that experience as peaceful as possible is very rewarding for me.
I love spending time in nature in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or walking on the beach with my dog, Roger. I also enjoy traveling, reading historical fiction, and volunteering as a forest steward with Seattle Parks.
About Dr. Jen Bush
I was born in Alaska, but I have lived in multiple states throughout the US. I chose to settle in the Pacific Northwest because of the beautiful scenery and easily accessible outdoor activities. I also love the rain, though I enjoy some sun when it comes out. I was a vet assistant for many years before deciding to go to vet school at Oregon State University and, while in school, I traveled to Nicaragua to help care for pets in a village on a small island. This was an amazing experience and gave me a greater appreciation for the bond we share with our pets. After graduation from vet school, I completed a rotating small animal internship at a specialty hospital.
Veterinary work fulfills me because at the end of the day, no matter what, I get to say that I spend my life helping animals and the families who love them. I have worked in shelter medicine, general practices, eastern/alternative medicine practices, and emergency medicine throughout my career. During the years, I’ve realized that my passion is hospice and palliative care. I love older animals and knowing that they have provided a lifetime of love to their families. I love the challenge of trying to make their lives easier in whatever ways I can, whether that be pain control, creative feeding, adapting the living environment, or walk assistive devices and guidance. I’m grateful for the ability to help where I can, especially when the time comes to help a beloved pet pass peacefully and painlessly. I believe that a peaceful passing at home, surrounded by loving family, is the best last gift we can give to our pets. I have shared my life with many animals and have had to say goodbye to many of them. I know what a special bond our pets have with us and how important it is to make that final memory as special as possible.
In my free time I enjoy hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling, and hanging out with my cats. My hobby goals are to start quilting and learn more about permaculture gardening.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Danielle Hagenbuch
I have always found it easy to connect with animals, and I knew I would become a veterinarian long before I could pronounce the word. I was born in Clovis, New Mexico, but I spent most of my childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada after my dad was transferred by the Air Force. Most people don’t realize how beautiful Nevada’s desert ecosystem is, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by interesting wildlife throughout my childhood. I also had many pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. They quickly became part of my family, and reinforced my desire to pursue veterinary medicine.
I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, where I gained experience teaching animal anatomy and assisting on the university farm. I was part of the first graduating class of the joint Utah State University-Washington State University veterinary program.
Following graduation, I worked in general practice, helping pets live long, happy, and fulfilled lives. I developed a passion for working with older pets, keeping them comfortable and happy during their final years. I am very interested in using a variety of methods to manage pain in senior pets and am currently training in veterinary acupuncture.
I still remember the loss of my first dog, a yellow Lab named Sunny. I was in first grade and running late to school on the day he passed, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. I was heartbroken that I wasn’t there for his final moments. I am now dedicated to helping families and their pets say goodbye, while surrounded by love in the comfort of their homes.
During my free time, I enjoy time outdoors. One of the reasons I moved to the Pacific Northwest was the abundance of incredible trails, and I spend a lot of time hiking and backpacking, especially with my dog. I also enjoy swimming and hope to one day complete the swim race from Alcatraz to San Francisco. I’m not always on the go—I also love watching shows and movies while cross stitching.
About Dr. Kristie Adrian
I grew up in rural New Hampshire with a wide array of pets, including the typical dogs and cats, as well as ferrets, snakes, birds, and more. I always knew I wanted to care for animals. I completed my undergraduate education at Plymouth State University in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, and I received my veterinary degree from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
When it was time to say goodbye to our family dog when I was 14 years old, it was a stressful situation for everyone involved. Our big boy, who weighed more than 130 pounds, rarely left our large rural property and was wary of strangers. He was afraid of the veterinarian, and the veterinarian was equally cautious of him. I learned valuable lessons about compassion, patience, and love that day, and have used that experience to help provide other furry family members with a peaceful passing, with as little stress as possible.
My husband’s work has moved us around the country, from Massachusetts, to Texas, to California, and now to beautiful Washington state! We share our home with Luna, our crazy Texas Blue Lacy dog. We also have a sweet rescue mutt, aptly named Jinx, due to his long list of medical problems. Surprisingly, he is our first foster failure after fostering more than 70 puppies and kittens (and one hospice chinchilla) over a five-year period. As rescues, both dogs have a bit of fear and anxiety related to certain things, which inspired me to become trained as a Fear Free Certified Veterinarian.
I love the beautiful forests and greenery in the Pacific Northwest, and have especially enjoyed exploring the local city, state, and national parks in this stunning state. I have always appreciated the outdoors and exploring all that nature has to share. In my free time, I like to garden, hike, travel, and spend time outdoors with our dogs. I have been fortunate to visit many of the great national parks, and our travels have sparked an interest in photography. Some of our favorite places have been Ban and Jasper National Parks in Canada, Bryce Canyon in Utah, and the breathtaking coastlines of Hawaii.
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Kitri Doepker
A true Washingtonian, I was born and raised in Spokane. I grew up surrounded by a wonderful and supportive family full of human physicians, but my parents and siblings knew I would deviate from the rest of the family and follow the path to veterinary medicine long before I did. Of course, between my life-long obsession with animals and science, it was not such a difficult conclusion to reach.
I first moved to the Seattle area to attend the University of Washington, where I received my bachelor’s degree in physiology before crossing enemy lines to study at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving my veterinary degree, I returned home to the Seattle area and practiced veterinary medicine in the clinical setting for eight years—Washington is far too beautiful to ever leave!
My attention first turned to end-of-life care while acting as the primary care-taker for my father, who sadly passed of cancer a few years ago. During that experience, I recognized the importance of support from palliative care providers and found myself taking note of all the ways human providers offered care to their patients and the families who loved them. I also found myself noticing ways that care could be improved. As a veterinarian, I have the unique ability to offer this support, take away pain, and provide peace for an animal and their family. I feel so honored to be able to offer this service in a setting where my patients and their loved ones feel most at home and comfortable.
In my free time, I enjoy creative writing, cooking with my husband, Vrajesh, hiking and backpacking with my eleven-year-old Springer Spaniel, Jasper—who constantly reminds me that old arthritic joints are no reason to miss out on climbing mountains—and generally being bossed around by my fifteen-year-old tuxedo kitty, Luciano, the undisputed ruler of the house.
About Dr. Madeline Wheeler
I grew up in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee—a once-small town that has grown to be a fairly large suburb of Nashville. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 5, and never changed my mind. I was able to shadow a local veterinarian during middle and high school, and I found providing healthcare for animals inspiring—I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After graduating, I moved to Eagle, Colorado to practice small-town mixed animal medicine. I mainly focused on dogs, cats, and pocket pets and I quickly gained experience in every aspect of medicine, including emergency, internal medicine, oncology, dentistry, and surgery. The practice provided mobile services to local clients, and most of the house-call appointments I saw were for hospice and euthanasia. I came to respect this service, and I believe that every pet deserves to spend their final moments in the peace and comfort of their own home if possible.
Our family’s outdoor cat, OJ, was about 15 years old when I came home for a visit and felt a mass in his abdomen. He had lost a significant amount of weight and muscle mass and was barely able to get around. OJ was terrified of riding in the car, and although he passed peacefully with the help of the wonderful veterinary team at our local clinic, I wish we had been able to help him pass in our backyard where he was most comfortable.
Walking alongside a family as we escort their beloved pet over life’s threshold with respect and dignity is a unique honor and a privilege. I believe that retaining the quality of the human-animal bond throughout all aspects of end-of-life care is such an important part of helping families show love and affection to their pet in those final days.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and skiing with friends and my dog, Reese. I play the violin/fiddle and enjoyed playing gigs with a local bluegrass band as well as local church services during my time in Colorado. My significant other, Nick, and I enjoy cooking (and eating) meals we create together, and traveling to new places to experience different cultures and meet new friends.
About Dr. Tracy Nolan
I grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. Our neighborhood was surrounded by woods with toads to catch, trees to climb, and a creek to explore. I loved learning about the birds I would see on my walks in the woods. It was those hours spent in nature that fostered my love of animals and the natural world. I was one of those kids who always knew they would be a vet when they grew up. My parents could see that a girl who kept tadpoles in her bedroom would be happiest in a career involving animals, and they supported my decision to attend veterinary school. In high school and college, I was fortunate to work with the vet staff as a keeper at the Saint Louis Zoo.
I did my undergraduate work and veterinary training at the University of Missouri. After vet school, I moved to Seattle and worked in small animal practice. In addition to treating cats and dogs, my patients included birds, pocket pets, and reptiles. I was occasionally able to make house calls for families who wanted their pets to pass at home, which was particularly fulfilling.
I love being able to connect with families and learn how their pets fit with the family. That way, my recommendations can better reflect what will be most helpful in their situation. The scientist in me loves solving a good medical mystery, but I also have a soft spot for geriatric pets.
Alleviating animal suffering is the foundation of veterinary medicine, and end-of-life care is an important part of that. After taking some time off to raise my family, I felt called to return to work in veterinary hospice care. Having had many pets over the years, I can appreciate how difficult end-of-life decisions can be when a beloved pet is in pain or struggling. The experience of having my pet pass while snuggled up in my lap, in a place where they feel the most safe and secure, is something I feel honored to be able to provide to the families I work with. A pet's final moments can be a memory that we carry with us for many years, and making that experience as peaceful as possible is very rewarding for me.
I love spending time in nature in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or walking on the beach with my dog, Roger. I also enjoy traveling, reading historical fiction, and volunteering as a forest steward with Seattle Parks.
About Dr. Jen Bush
I was born in Alaska, but I have lived in multiple states throughout the US. I chose to settle in the Pacific Northwest because of the beautiful scenery and easily accessible outdoor activities. I also love the rain, though I enjoy some sun when it comes out. I was a vet assistant for many years before deciding to go to vet school at Oregon State University and, while in school, I traveled to Nicaragua to help care for pets in a village on a small island. This was an amazing experience and gave me a greater appreciation for the bond we share with our pets. After graduation from vet school, I completed a rotating small animal internship at a specialty hospital.
Veterinary work fulfills me because at the end of the day, no matter what, I get to say that I spend my life helping animals and the families who love them. I have worked in shelter medicine, general practices, eastern/alternative medicine practices, and emergency medicine throughout my career. During the years, I’ve realized that my passion is hospice and palliative care. I love older animals and knowing that they have provided a lifetime of love to their families. I love the challenge of trying to make their lives easier in whatever ways I can, whether that be pain control, creative feeding, adapting the living environment, or walk assistive devices and guidance. I’m grateful for the ability to help where I can, especially when the time comes to help a beloved pet pass peacefully and painlessly. I believe that a peaceful passing at home, surrounded by loving family, is the best last gift we can give to our pets. I have shared my life with many animals and have had to say goodbye to many of them. I know what a special bond our pets have with us and how important it is to make that final memory as special as possible.
In my free time I enjoy hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling, and hanging out with my cats. My hobby goals are to start quilting and learn more about permaculture gardening.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Danielle Hagenbuch
I have always found it easy to connect with animals, and I knew I would become a veterinarian long before I could pronounce the word. I was born in Clovis, New Mexico, but I spent most of my childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada after my dad was transferred by the Air Force. Most people don’t realize how beautiful Nevada’s desert ecosystem is, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by interesting wildlife throughout my childhood. I also had many pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. They quickly became part of my family, and reinforced my desire to pursue veterinary medicine.
I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, where I gained experience teaching animal anatomy and assisting on the university farm. I was part of the first graduating class of the joint Utah State University-Washington State University veterinary program.
Following graduation, I worked in general practice, helping pets live long, happy, and fulfilled lives. I developed a passion for working with older pets, keeping them comfortable and happy during their final years. I am very interested in using a variety of methods to manage pain in senior pets and am currently training in veterinary acupuncture.
I still remember the loss of my first dog, a yellow Lab named Sunny. I was in first grade and running late to school on the day he passed, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. I was heartbroken that I wasn’t there for his final moments. I am now dedicated to helping families and their pets say goodbye, while surrounded by love in the comfort of their homes.
During my free time, I enjoy time outdoors. One of the reasons I moved to the Pacific Northwest was the abundance of incredible trails, and I spend a lot of time hiking and backpacking, especially with my dog. I also enjoy swimming and hope to one day complete the swim race from Alcatraz to San Francisco. I’m not always on the go—I also love watching shows and movies while cross stitching.
About Dr. Kristie Adrian
I grew up in rural New Hampshire with a wide array of pets, including the typical dogs and cats, as well as ferrets, snakes, birds, and more. I always knew I wanted to care for animals. I completed my undergraduate education at Plymouth State University in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, and I received my veterinary degree from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
When it was time to say goodbye to our family dog when I was 14 years old, it was a stressful situation for everyone involved. Our big boy, who weighed more than 130 pounds, rarely left our large rural property and was wary of strangers. He was afraid of the veterinarian, and the veterinarian was equally cautious of him. I learned valuable lessons about compassion, patience, and love that day, and have used that experience to help provide other furry family members with a peaceful passing, with as little stress as possible.
My husband’s work has moved us around the country, from Massachusetts, to Texas, to California, and now to beautiful Washington state! We share our home with Luna, our crazy Texas Blue Lacy dog. We also have a sweet rescue mutt, aptly named Jinx, due to his long list of medical problems. Surprisingly, he is our first foster failure after fostering more than 70 puppies and kittens (and one hospice chinchilla) over a five-year period. As rescues, both dogs have a bit of fear and anxiety related to certain things, which inspired me to become trained as a Fear Free Certified Veterinarian.
I love the beautiful forests and greenery in the Pacific Northwest, and have especially enjoyed exploring the local city, state, and national parks in this stunning state. I have always appreciated the outdoors and exploring all that nature has to share. In my free time, I like to garden, hike, travel, and spend time outdoors with our dogs. I have been fortunate to visit many of the great national parks, and our travels have sparked an interest in photography. Some of our favorite places have been Ban and Jasper National Parks in Canada, Bryce Canyon in Utah, and the breathtaking coastlines of Hawaii.
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Kitri Doepker
A true Washingtonian, I was born and raised in Spokane. I grew up surrounded by a wonderful and supportive family full of human physicians, but my parents and siblings knew I would deviate from the rest of the family and follow the path to veterinary medicine long before I did. Of course, between my life-long obsession with animals and science, it was not such a difficult conclusion to reach.
I first moved to the Seattle area to attend the University of Washington, where I received my bachelor’s degree in physiology before crossing enemy lines to study at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving my veterinary degree, I returned home to the Seattle area and practiced veterinary medicine in the clinical setting for eight years—Washington is far too beautiful to ever leave!
My attention first turned to end-of-life care while acting as the primary care-taker for my father, who sadly passed of cancer a few years ago. During that experience, I recognized the importance of support from palliative care providers and found myself taking note of all the ways human providers offered care to their patients and the families who loved them. I also found myself noticing ways that care could be improved. As a veterinarian, I have the unique ability to offer this support, take away pain, and provide peace for an animal and their family. I feel so honored to be able to offer this service in a setting where my patients and their loved ones feel most at home and comfortable.
In my free time, I enjoy creative writing, cooking with my husband, Vrajesh, hiking and backpacking with my eleven-year-old Springer Spaniel, Jasper—who constantly reminds me that old arthritic joints are no reason to miss out on climbing mountains—and generally being bossed around by my fifteen-year-old tuxedo kitty, Luciano, the undisputed ruler of the house.
About Dr. Madeline Wheeler
I grew up in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee—a once-small town that has grown to be a fairly large suburb of Nashville. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 5, and never changed my mind. I was able to shadow a local veterinarian during middle and high school, and I found providing healthcare for animals inspiring—I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After graduating, I moved to Eagle, Colorado to practice small-town mixed animal medicine. I mainly focused on dogs, cats, and pocket pets and I quickly gained experience in every aspect of medicine, including emergency, internal medicine, oncology, dentistry, and surgery. The practice provided mobile services to local clients, and most of the house-call appointments I saw were for hospice and euthanasia. I came to respect this service, and I believe that every pet deserves to spend their final moments in the peace and comfort of their own home if possible.
Our family’s outdoor cat, OJ, was about 15 years old when I came home for a visit and felt a mass in his abdomen. He had lost a significant amount of weight and muscle mass and was barely able to get around. OJ was terrified of riding in the car, and although he passed peacefully with the help of the wonderful veterinary team at our local clinic, I wish we had been able to help him pass in our backyard where he was most comfortable.
Walking alongside a family as we escort their beloved pet over life’s threshold with respect and dignity is a unique honor and a privilege. I believe that retaining the quality of the human-animal bond throughout all aspects of end-of-life care is such an important part of helping families show love and affection to their pet in those final days.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and skiing with friends and my dog, Reese. I play the violin/fiddle and enjoyed playing gigs with a local bluegrass band as well as local church services during my time in Colorado. My significant other, Nick, and I enjoy cooking (and eating) meals we create together, and traveling to new places to experience different cultures and meet new friends.
About Dr. Tracy Nolan
I grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. Our neighborhood was surrounded by woods with toads to catch, trees to climb, and a creek to explore. I loved learning about the birds I would see on my walks in the woods. It was those hours spent in nature that fostered my love of animals and the natural world. I was one of those kids who always knew they would be a vet when they grew up. My parents could see that a girl who kept tadpoles in her bedroom would be happiest in a career involving animals, and they supported my decision to attend veterinary school. In high school and college, I was fortunate to work with the vet staff as a keeper at the Saint Louis Zoo.
I did my undergraduate work and veterinary training at the University of Missouri. After vet school, I moved to Seattle and worked in small animal practice. In addition to treating cats and dogs, my patients included birds, pocket pets, and reptiles. I was occasionally able to make house calls for families who wanted their pets to pass at home, which was particularly fulfilling.
I love being able to connect with families and learn how their pets fit with the family. That way, my recommendations can better reflect what will be most helpful in their situation. The scientist in me loves solving a good medical mystery, but I also have a soft spot for geriatric pets.
Alleviating animal suffering is the foundation of veterinary medicine, and end-of-life care is an important part of that. After taking some time off to raise my family, I felt called to return to work in veterinary hospice care. Having had many pets over the years, I can appreciate how difficult end-of-life decisions can be when a beloved pet is in pain or struggling. The experience of having my pet pass while snuggled up in my lap, in a place where they feel the most safe and secure, is something I feel honored to be able to provide to the families I work with. A pet's final moments can be a memory that we carry with us for many years, and making that experience as peaceful as possible is very rewarding for me.
I love spending time in nature in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or walking on the beach with my dog, Roger. I also enjoy traveling, reading historical fiction, and volunteering as a forest steward with Seattle Parks.