Team Member Highlight- Esteban!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For over 70 years, VCA Hollywood has provided the finest veterinary care to our community of pets. This care is provided by a team of over 21 doctors supported by a staff of nearly 100. Each team member chosen as a representative of the VCA HAH for their unique skills and passion for animal care. So often though, the support staff that enables the HAH to shine do not stand in the limelight. They support our goals from behind closed doors with smiles that some never see. Today we would like to move the spotlight and showcase one of our team members we would like to clone.

Some may say that as a rule adjusting to a new job is a challenge. Our unique crew may not be an exception to this however, Joining our Technician Team less than a year ago, Esteban seemed to assimilate with ease.

Whether his name preceded him or his personality made it seem that way, he fit in right away and simply did the work. His previous work experience was highlighted through his care and attention to our patients and his knowledge base made him valuable in multiple departments. Today, he is a valuable contributor in our in house pharmacy, a leader among our day technician team and a critical member of our weekend emergency team.

All in all, he is a strong contributor to our success. He is reliable. He is capable. He is kind. He is a pleasure to be around and can be counted on to leave a situation better for having been there. For these reasons our staff has a message from him.

Message to Esteban from our staff:

In case you have not been adequately informed,

please consider this official notification that you are 

AWESOME!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of candy, but it isn’t the only danger that exists for your pets this time of year. Check out these tips to keep your furry Valentine safe.   Keep candy and gum out of reach: Animals have a very acute sense of smell, and have an easy time hunting out and indulging in your treats.   Xylitol is dangerous for pets:  Sugar-free candies and gum contain the sugar substitute xylitol. When ingested by animals, xylitol can cause a range of problems depending on how much was ingested. These include vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, or death. If your pet ingests this type of product, it is important to know how much was eaten, and have the product information available because some types have higher concentrations of xylitol than others.   Chocolate is toxic to pets: Chocolate is well-known for being problematic in animals. Chocolate contains toxic compounds called methylxanthines that can cause everything from mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) to cardiotoxicity (rapid heart rate, arrhythmias), seizures, and death. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are especially toxic. Treatment can vary from decontamination by inducing vomiting to hospitalization with intravenous fluids.   Smell the roses, but don't let your pet eat them:  Floral arrangements may be enticing for your dog or cat too, and it may only take a nibble to cause a severe reaction. Even small amounts can lead to cases of upset stomachs or vomiting, particularly if the plant or flower is toxic. All lilies are dangerous—and potentially fatal—to cats. Certain varieties of lilies are toxic to dogs, too. Roses can cause punctures to the mouth and paws, and possible bowel obstruction if swallowed.

Meet Dr. Hawkins!!!!

Dr. Christina Hawkins is a native of Miami, Florida and her passion for animals developed as a young child growing up with numerous household pets. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology as well as a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered at various animal shelters and rescue organizations. She also founded the Minority Pre- Veterinary Student Club, to provide a support group and resource for other students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida where she graduated in the top 25% of her class and was inducted into Phi Zeta Honor Society. While at UF, she received specialized training in shelter medicine and business management. Her interests in veterinary medicine include anesthesia, surgery and shelter medicine. 

Dr. Hawkins joins the VCA Hollywood to further her interests in surgery and emergency medicine. 

She lives in Boca Raton with her husband and their 2 dogs, Cookie and Cinnamon. In her spare time, Dr. Hawkins enjoys traveling, reading science fiction novels, and has recently developed a passion for West African dance.

Years in practice  2
Education: University of Florida College of Veterinary School, DVM 2016

Dr. James, you will be missed!!!

After 45 years of practice, Dr. James Dee has decided to retire.

Please know that the doctors at VCA HAH are extraordinary and our team here is second to none. I have no doubt that they will continue to provide stellar and compassionate care for you and your pets for many years to come. It is with deep sadness that we wish Dr. James farewell, but we take solace in the fact that his retirement is well deserved and his standard of hard work and caring will forever be a part of the DNA of this practice. Whether to staff, client, family or friend, Dr. James’ impact on each of us was profound and we are grateful for his part in building the VCA HAH. We wish Dr. James wonderful new adventures, full of all of the joys in the world and we welcome him back anytime for a visit and a laugh! A message from Dr. James. To the clients and staff of VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital - It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital; the place I have called home since I was a kid.   When I walked across the stage at Auburn University in 1972 and received my diploma, I can honestly say I did not realize the profound impact my career and the 45 years I spent at HAH would have on my life.  Along with my brothers Dr. Larry and Dr. Jon, and our partners Dr. Sessa and Dr. Herrington, it was an honor and a privilege to serve as an owner of Hollywood Animal Hospital.  What’s more, having the opportunity to practice quality family medicine with my father, Dr. Clarence Dee (who cofounded Hollywood Animal Hospital in 1947) and mother Lucille Dee, was an experience of a lifetime.   I would not trade those years for anything in the world and they have shaped me into the man, and veterinarian, I am today.  Additionally, I have worked alongside some exceptional folks – people I truly consider family. Together we have laughed, cried, supported each other, as well as our clients, as we navigated through some rough waters, hunkered down through many a  hurricane, watched generations (2 and 4 legged!) mature and grow.  The list is endless and I have nothing but fond memories of my years in practice. Now, this goes without saying, but in my eyes the clients of Hollywood Animal Hospital are the cream of the crop! I have met so many magnificent, kind hearted people who have entrusted me to do the very best by their pets.  I will miss you all more than I can ever express to you.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.  I will keep each and every one of you close to my heart. Warmest regards, Dr. James Dee