Hart Road Animal Hospital

Bios

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  Dr. Lauren M. Smith

  Veterinarian/Owner

  The new owner of Hart Road Animal Hospital as of July 2014, Dr. Lauren M. Smith comes to us with 3 decades of valuable experience. With clinic ownership she can now say she has held every job there is in a small animal veterinary practice over those years. Lauren grew up on a small farm in Ellensburg, Washington where her first experience in veterinary medicine was volunteering at a mixed animal practice in her hometown in 7th grade. From that point forward she knew this was her calling. Lauren loves all critters and from early childhood her life mission was “to take care of kitties”. She attended the University of Washington in Seattle, working her first paid veterinary job as a receptionist then veterinary assistant at an emergency animal hospital in Kirkland during those years. She obtained her undergraduate degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1987. After graduating from veterinary school at Washington State University in 1991 Dr. Smith returned to Seattle and began her professional life at a feline clinic. In 1996, Lauren and her future husband Rick Walker moved to Portland. They opened their first family business Aloha Music, a community musical instrument and repair shop (at the Aloha Mall-185th and TV Highway). Dr. Smith has practiced in the local community for almost 20 years and prides herself at staying up-to date with current veterinary trends while remaining practical and maintaining a sense of humor. She has a passion for feline medicine and surgery and enjoys educating staff and clients about the benefits of preventive care. Her current “family” consists of 5 special kitties at home and 2 here at the clinic. In her limited spare time Dr. Smith enjoys music, gardening and spending time with her pets and Rick.

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  Huggie

  Clinic Cat- main greeter

  Huggie Bear is a special domestic long hair grey and white cat that first came to Hart Road Animal Hospital in 2008 for inappropriate urination. He was diagnosed with lower urinary tract disease but in 2009 he was brought in and signed over to the clinic due to this reoccurring problem. He has been the model clinic cat since then. Since getting him on the proper prescription diet, he has not since had any more urinary tract symptoms nor has inappropriately urinated in the hospital. The social and loving boy that he is, Huggie is HRAH’s designated door greeter to clients and provides smiles and comfort to everyone; especially staff. His favorite places to be are either in the reception lobby to welcome people, on the warm laundry or dryer, or perched on the kitty scale in the treatment area to observe his domain. Next time you come in feel free to say “hi” and give him pets, he is very soft!

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  Gerber

  Clinic cat- office support

  Gerber (or Gerbie) is a senior citizen domestic long hair dark grey cat that first came to Hart Road as a kitten in 1999. In 2008 Gerber was attacked by a raccoon and was treated here for severe injuries that included a skull fracture, nasal structure repair and severe lacerations all over his body. In July of 2014 shortly after Dr. Lauren Smith bought the clinic, Gerber was brought to Hart Road for euthanasia due to his owner moving out of state to an environment unsafe for him to be outside. When we met Gerber we knew we had to save him and he could live here if he could adapt to clinic life. He was diagnosed with early stages of kidney failure and arthritis and has been nicely maintained with proper diet, pain medication and regular SQ fluid therapy. He is happy and spoiled now, his favorite place to be is on Dr. Smith desk between her and the computer screen to demand her attention. His favorite treat is Friskies Party Mix which he anxiously looks forward to every morning. He usually resides in the office, but will occasionally venture out throughout the day so next time you’re in and happen to see him say “hello”!