ANNA MARIA GARDNER MA Vet.MB MRCVS

FORMERLY DR. ANNA MARIA SCHOLEY

I am a holistic veterinarian and was born in England. I knew from the age of 5 years old I wanted to become a vet and have always loved and kept animals of all kinds. I achieved my dream when I graduated from Cambridge University in 1988. After I graduated I spent several years in Hong Kong where I became frustrated with not being a true healer and being limited by the tools of conventional medicine. It was then I started to study holistic medicine and it made so much more sense to work with the body, rather than against it by merely removing symptoms.

In 1990 my dog Isis was seriously ill and was not getting any better with the drugs I had been taught to give her. A friend said why not try homeopathy and I knew I had nothing to lose as I could tell she was dying. I consulted with Dr. Richard Pitcairn and started to cook her meals and strengthen her immune system and use the homeopathic remedies he prescribed. I was amazed by the changes in her and it was a miracle to see her become a beautiful healthy animal again. It is no coincidence that Isis is the Egyptian Goddess of healing, and I know this special dog came to teach me so much and show me what I should do.

The first rule of medicine is "First Do No Harm" and this is what I determined to do. So I studied more and more then came to the US where I started working full time as a holistic vet. I use homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, flower essences and other holistic modalities. It just makes so much more sense to treat the body and make it healthy than just to use drugs and surgery to supress the body. It is such a joy to see an animal raised and treated holistically glowing with health and bouncing with energy. My dogs Isis, Ozzy (Osiris) and Freyja and my cat Juno are my own personal testimony to this fact.

Through these experiences and my extensive travels I have learned about holistic health practices and have incorporated them into my daily vet practice. The true healer knows that what they do is to help the body heal itself, and this is what holistic medicine aims to do. I feel privileged to be able to live my dream this way and know that the modalities I use have healed many animals which conventional treatment can no longer help. Every day I see animals like this and my joy comes from being able to participate in their healing and restore their innate health.

Biographical Information

Anna Maria Gardner MA Vet.MB MRCVS

Born Sheffield, England in 1963. Decided to become a veterinarian at the age of five years, and kept numerous pets and horses as I was growing up which helped me come to understand and love animals of all kinds.

Studied at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, UK from 1982 to 1985 and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Medical Sciences June 1985.

Continued my veterinary studies at Darwin College, Cambridge University from 1985 to 1988 and graduated June 1988 with a Veterinary degree, Vet. MB and a distinction in Surgery and Pathology from my time there.

During my time in college I traveled extensively and spent some time in Africa where I was able to study the different methods of veterinary medicine and participate in a development project involving vaccination against indigenous diseases on the Isle of Zanzibar.

Worked in Hong Kong from January 1989 to April 1992, when I became interested in complementary medicine and was able to study Bach Flower Remedies, Reiki, Homeopathy and Nutritional Therapy with a holistic healer whom I knew. Reiki, Level II, certification completed during that time.

Traveled through Asia and was able to spend time in Nepal, China, Tibet and Thailand learning more about the culture and get some insight into the different methods of healing there.

Returned to UK and studied for my USA License examinations and got my Florida and Texas licenses in July 1994. During that time I completed a book to help other veterinarians complete their license process in the USA which was completed and published in April 1994, by VCRC. I also wrote a book on Pet Astrology which I will be finishing and updating in the coming months.

Moved to Texas and studied for my Certification in both Veterinary Homeopathy and Veterinary Acupuncture, which I successfully completed in 1996. Practiced Holistic Veterinary Medicine from June 1994 to the present, including Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Bach Flower remedies and other Flower Essences, Nutrition and Nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals, Herbs and other Holistic Modalities. Developed and designed website with various articles on holistic veterinary medicine at www.petsynergy.com.

Articles published in Incredible Times magazine, California Woman magazine, City and Country Pets magazine, Alternative Medicine Magazine, and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Journal and was featured in other publicatons such as the Whole Cat Journal, Whole Horse Journal and Cat Fancy magazine some of which are available for your perusal on my articles page at www.petsynergy.com

January 1998 to September 2001 I ran a very busy housecall and phone consultation practice in Dallas, Texas  for people seeking holistic care for their companion animals and have treated a wild range of creatures from dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, rabbits, ferrets to the more unusual such as racoons and opossums.

During this time I was featured in several books and magazine articles on Holistic Veterinary Medicine as well as appearing on local TV and Radio. I am still hoping to write my own book on the subject when I have more time, and I am available for talks and seminars as well as freelance writing and educational articles. I have appeared regularly from 2001 to 2003 on a radio show called Animal World answering veterinary questions as well as doing pet astrology for people's animal companion.

I  relocated to Orcas Island, Washington State September 2001 and had hoped this will be my permanent residence, but I ended up getting happily married in June 2003 and moving to Spokane.

I had a baby girl, in January 2004 and have been available on a part-time basis since then. I am currently available for phone consultations and housecalls in Jefferson County, WA and the surrounding areas.  I moved back to the Coast  in June 2006 with my family and currently live on the Olympic Peninsula where I am available for housecalls within a reasonable distance.

I continue to go back to Dallas from time to time to check up on the animals I have met and grown fond of there, as well as the wonderful clients I have worked with over the years. I also make regular trips to Sequim and Port Angeles, and am available for phone consultations elsewhere. For more information please go to www.petsynergy.com/consult.html

Articles on Holistic Veterinary Medicine