Carolynne Cash, DVM
I’m Carolynne, and I’ve been in this career since 1995, I’ve been at Alta Vista since 2019. I love everything about my job, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be ‘solving’ the cases because I am a detective at heart. A super close second is seeing the relief and joy on the owner’s faces when my team and I recover their pet’s illness or injury. It was never my original plan to be a veterinarian, I actually went through so many phases. When I was 5 and obsessed with horses, I dreamed of being a jockey and winning the Kentucky Derby — I also wanted to be a ballerina. When I realized I wasn’t built for either of those, once I was a teenager, I started leaning towards being a forensic scientist like Quincy MD (an old show from the 70s, if you don’t get the reference). Eventually, I just knew I wanted to do something involving science and helping people (or animals), so I chose to be a vet! The vet in my small hometown, and my mother who was also a vet, inspired me and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. My favorite memory(ies) from this job is when my team and I get thank you cards from owners and their furry friends. My favorite breed of dogs are Frenchies, Boston Terriers, and Boxers . . . are you noticing a pattern. Some things I do outside of work are cook, read and relax with my friends and family. I’ll end with a little fun fact about myself here, I grew up on a hobby farm with dairy goats and my parents sold the milk to a factory that made cheese!
Mary Spears, DVM
I’m Mary! I’ve been a veterinarian since 2005, and I’ve been with Alta Vista since about 2019. Growing up I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but a veterinarian wasn’t originally what I had in mind. I decided I wanted to do this job because I wanted to be able to help companion animals live happy, healthy lives with their people. My favorite part of this job is helping the sick pets get well, and the happiest memory I have thus far is watching how tender and caring my co-workers can be with every animal they encounter. My favorite animal is definitely a dog, and a Golden Retriever is my favorite breed. One of my favorite things to do outside of work is to work on my flower beds and little vegetable garden. Lastly, a fun fact about me is that I can sing the Japanese national anthem . . . in Japanese of course, ask me about it when you see me!