By Jennifer Reed
At The Drake Center, it’s no surprise our families are a bit…furry. From dogs and cats to horses, chickens and an emu, we’d like you to meet the loves of our lives—our pets.
Proud pet parent: Dr. Keala Shotwell, veterinarian
Ari, Holsteiner (horse)
Dolly, Welsh pony
Calvin, DSH
Dallas, Jack Russell terrier/sheltie mix
If you had to choose, would you say you are a cat person or a dog person? Why?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one…really, I am both! I used to say I was primarily a dog person, but our cat, Calvin, is so much like a dog and we have such a special relationship that I am a cat person, too!
How did you get your pets? Why did you choose those particular breeds?
I purchased Ari as a training prospect for dressage. He is very dog-like. He loves affection and will leave his food for a head massage or ear scratching. Some horses don’t like their head or ears touched, but he loves it.
We purchased Dolly for our young daughter to learn horse care and start Pony Club with.
Calvin originally belonged to a client of mine at my first vet job up in Oceanside. He was actually the first kitten I ever declawed! His owners went through some hardships and needed to place him and I quickly volunteered! He was raised by two basset hounds and thinks he is a dog!
Dallas has been the most magical addition to our family. We had always been a “big dog family,” but Dallas changed that—he is such an amazing, special little guy. He loves his ranch life. He chases after crows and bunnies and dives into gopher holes. He is very smart and knows to stay out of the horse corrals and arena. He is the only dog I ever had that will come every time I call him—even if it means leaving behind a fun rabbit chase!
What is special about your pets?
Ari helps me relax and focus on things other than work, family and life. When I am riding and we are in sync, it’s like floating in a hot air balloon across the arena sand. Pretty special and a great release for me!
Dolly is truly one of the most amazing ponies I’ve ever met! She is kind and sweet and takes great care of my little girl! Truly priceless. She loves our daughter, Taylor, and is so careful with her. What a gift that my daughter could learn horse responsibilities and the discipline of riding and competing with Dolly.
Calvin sleeps with me every night at the foot of the bed or against my back or head. He is quick to find my lap when I am watching TV at night and licks me to get my attention.
Dallas is my shadow. I have met only a handful of little dogs that can be athletic, active and snuggly. He races through the yard and does agility with ease and yet if I pick him up and carry him upside down like a baby, he melts into my hands and closes his eyes as if in sheer bliss. He truly has it all and is a best friend. He goes with me in the car to take Taylor to school, joins me at work and keeps me company on my late night drive home.
What is the cutest thing about your pets, physically?
Ari’s breath. Yes, breath! I know it may sound weird to some, but he will put his muzzle on my cheek and I inhale as he breathes. It smells like fresh cut grass. I love his big, long ears, too!
Dolly’s face. She is precious!
Dallas’ mohawk. I like to stand it straight up in the air or comb it over to the side for fun.
Calvin’s kisses. I just think it’s cute that a cat will lick to get attention.
What do you let your pets get away with that you probably shouldn't?
Of course, all of our pets are spoiled beyond measure! I constantly find carrot pieces and melted sugar cubes in my pants pockets as I pull laundry from the dryer, pet hair on my favorite chair and cat litter in my bed…just like everyone else who loves pets!
What is your favorite memory or story about your pets?
There is no one memory about Ari. It’s our journey together that is constantly creating memories. He is loving and handsome, but also stubborn and lazy, so the journey has been up and down. I love that he teaches me so much about horse training and is forgiving when I make mistakes.
Watching Dolly and Taylor together brings me great joy. Dolly almost mothers Taylor like a foal. She looks out for her and stops immediately if she feels Taylor losing her balance.
Sometimes Calvin jumps up the back of my legs when he’s feeling spunky or has what I call a “mad minute” and races through the house for no reason.
It makes me very happy when my clients get to meet Dallas. Their pets are so important to me and I want them to know that I understand that special relationship that they have with their pets because I have the same thing with Dallas!
What do your pets bring to the dynamic of your family?
Our pets are what makes our family complete. I truly believe that God made animals for our enjoyment and to reflect His unconditional love. My kitty and sweet Dallas look at me with such adoration and comfort me on my toughest days. They never expect anything in return but love and attention. Life wouldn’t be the same without them!