Meet our team of trusted veterinary partners and writers
Each time you read an article from the Buzby blog, you can feel confident knowing it is reliable because the story is not only written by a veterinarian but also edited and fact-checked by veterinarians.
Our team approach to publishing means you get the facts, tips, and helpful answers you’re looking for from a source you can trust.
In fact, our veterinary partners have over 75 years of combined experience in vet practice—including specialty fields like acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic, holistic, emergency, and shelter medicine. This means you can count on quality content—delivered with a healthy dose of encouragement for you.
Meet some of the veterinarians and experts working behind the scenes to bring you the valuable information you need to know.
Meet Dr. Julie Buzby, DVM, CAVCA, CVA
Integrative Veterinarian and Founder, Dr. Buzby’s—The Senior Dog Company
Dr. Julie Buzby is a practicing integrative veterinarian and founder of Dr. Buzby’s—The Senior Dog Company.
She has always had a soft spot in her heart for senior dogs. But that love ignited when a client shared a new invention designed to help senior dogs who struggle to walk on slippery floors. Seeing the transformation these tiny rubber rings made for aging dogs, she offered to carry the torch for the inventor, who quickly agreed. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips were born.
Since the launch of this patented product, Dr. Buzby has dedicated her life to helping improve the lives of senior dogs. Her mission is to encourage and empower dog parents through every stage of the journey so that senior dogs have the highest quality of life possible.
In addition to her role as the heart and soul behind ToeGrips.com, she is passionate about empowering dog parents through the Buzby blog. She is the recipient of four Dog Writers of America Maxwell Medallion Awards for excellence in writing. Additionally, she and the Buzby team received a silver award for the category of best consumer website at the NAVC Vetty Awards, which honors the best in digital and online solutions focused on animal health.
As a speaker, Dr. Buzby has presented at veterinary conferences and pet conventions including BarkWorld Expo, Veterinary Information Network (VIN) Rounds, Southeast Veterinary Conference, American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Annual Conference, and BlogPaws. She has appeared on vet shows including The Pet Show with Dr. Katy. Additionally, she serves as an advisory board member of the Grey Muzzle Organization.
Dr. Buzby holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. To augment her traditional veterinary education, she earned her certification in veterinary chiropractic from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998 and her certification in acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2002.
Her heart dog is a Redbone Coonhound named Jake—a stray who found his way into her backyard. You can read about his adoption in Dr. Buzby’s award-winning blog post: Bringing a Stray Puppy Into Your Home: The Story of Jake the Hound.
Dr. Andrea Gibbs
Veterinarian and Chief Editor
Dr. Andrea Gibbs is the veterinary editor for the Buzby dog blog. She enjoys combining her knowledge of veterinary medicine with her skill for weaving a heartwarming dog story.
Before assuming her editorial role on the Buzby blog, Dr. Gibbs practiced veterinary medicine for five years and taught veterinary technician students for four years. She is passionate about teaching people how to love and care for their animals, which is one of the many reasons she loves being a veterinary partner on the Buzby team.
In 2012, Dr. Gibbs graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
While she’s at her computer editing a dog blog article, it’s very likely that her 6-year-old Pit Bull, Ella, is by her side.
Dr. Lauren Blackwelder
Veterinarian and Contributing Editor
Dr. Lauren Blackwelder not only holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida, but she also has attained an additional certification in shelter medicine. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2013, and now trains veterinary students to perform high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgeries.
She is the proud parent of a 9-year-old senior SuperMutt named Scout.
Dr. Jennifer Gonzalez
Veterinarian and Photo Editor
Dr. Jennifer Gonzalez has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 10 years.
When she’s not holding an animal in her arms, she enjoys holding a camera in her hands, which is why she’s a perfect fit as the photo editor for the Buzby blog.
Dr. Gonzalez received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.
Her heart belongs to two senior dogs, Otto a 10-year-old Weimaraner and Indiana, an 11-year-old Boston Terrier.
Dr. Kathryn Williams
Veterinarian and Proofreader
Dr. Kathryn Williams holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2014 when she got her start in general practice before switching primarily to emergency medicine in 2019. Her experience in both fields gives her insights on how to treat crises and the long-term management of the diseases that caused them.
Dr. Williams is the proofreader and veterinary scientific fact checker for the Buzby dog blog, ensuring all the medical data is accurate and up to date.
When she’s not out riding her horse, Z, she’s hanging out with her 8-year-old Chihuahua mix and faithful sidekick, Fiona. (And her sweet cat, Hook, deserves a shout out too.)
Dr. Erica Irish
Veterinarian and Writer
Dr. Erica Irish has practiced veterinary medicine for eight years and is an associate veterinarian practicing in Central Florida. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 2013.
Dr. Irish holds certifications from the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions and the American Veterinary Dental College. Additionally, she is an accredited veterinarian through the United States Department of Agriculture.
She serves on the University of Florida CVM Alumni Council and is a member of the University of Florida CVM Alumni Executive Board.
Dr. Irish is the parent of four dogs: Bailey, a 15-year-old Dachshund; Rosie, a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever; Dozer, a 9-year-old Labrador Retriever; and Swiper, a 10-year-old Kelpie mix.
Dr. Jessica Harris
Veterinarian and Writer
Dr. Jessica Harris received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. Prior to working for Dr. Buzby, she was a mixed animal veterinarian. Her experience ranges from caring for dogs/cats to small pocket pets to zoo animals.
She also has a background in business and writing that she loves to combine with her knowledge and passion for veterinary medicine. Additionally, Jessica serves as the Nevada State Chair for the FFA Veterinary Medicine Competition. She loves being able to teach high school students and help them pave the way for their future careers.
When she isn’t working, she enjoys caring for and managing her hobby farm with her husband and two boys. She is the proud dog mom of a senior dog named Sophie, and her other dogs named Missy and Truckee. She also has cats, horses, axolotls, fish, ducks, chickens, and goats.
Dr. Rebekah Fikes
Veterinarian and Reader Success Expert
Dr. Rebekah Fikes graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She went on to complete a certification in Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee. Currently, she is practicing veterinary medicine in North Carolina.
Dr. Fikes enjoys spending time with her family and getting outdoors to go hiking, camping, traveling, and geocaching. Her heart belongs to a senior Dachshund named Toby.
Jenise Carl
Editor in Chief
Jenise Carl is editor in chief for the Buzby dog blog and brand manager for Dr. Buzby’s—The Senior Dog Company. After 20+ years of publishing experience at a social expression company, Carl combines her understanding of the power of human emotion with her love for our furry family members.
Carl’s accolades include a BlogPaws award for best new pet blog, Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell award, and editing a best-selling humor book. Under her leadership, the Buzby team received a silver award for the category of best consumer website at the NAVC Vetty Awards, which honors the best in digital and online solutions focused on animal health.
Carl holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and media graphics from Drake University. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
Her senior Goldendoodle, Chloe, is her heart dog, her daily inspiration, and her bestie.
Robbi Hess
Blog Email Coordinator
Robbi Hess is the Buzby blog coordinator at work and crazy dog mom at home. She has lived with dogs her entire life and written about them for over a decade. She is mom to three dogs: Murray, a 3-year-old Goldendoodle; Hazel, an almost 2-year-old miniature Poodle; and Charlotte, a three-month-old miniature Poodle.
Her love for pets was recognized by the Pet Industry Network where she was a finalist for the Solopreneur of the Year award. Additionally, she is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Non-Fiction Authors Association, and National Association of Independent Writers & Editors.
Her biggest accomplishment is beating breast cancer. Her survival story was featured in an Amazon best-selling anthology, “Thriving After Breast Cancer.”
Recent articles written by our veterinary team
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