Dr. Chris Franklin

A native of western Colorado, he went to Mesa State College, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. He then attended Colorado State University, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

After graduating, Dr. Franklin worked in the Denver area for 2 years at an extremely busy veterinary hospital where he gained extensive experience in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency care. Later, he practiced a year at a small animal hospital in Fort Collins, CO that was a member of the of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Chris then moved to Utah after being offered a position at a very busy veterinary hospital in the Salt Lake City area. He was brought there to help transition the hospital to a more progressive and more full service small animal veterinary care facility.

Involved in all aspects of veterinary practice, he performed a majority of the the major surgeries. He became certified to perform Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies (T.P.L.O.), an advanced surgery used for the correction of "ACL" injuries. He greatly enjoyed working with the police "K-9" units in the Salt Lake Valley. After practicing in Utah for 8 wonderful years, he decided it was time to return home to Colorado.

Professional Interests: Surgery (esp. orthopedics), small animal medicine, trauma and emergent care.

Personal Interests: Family, anything outdoors….camping, fishing, hunting, shooting, etc...

Dr. Mike VanDerwalker

Dr. VanDerwalker is a native of Colorado and was born and raised in Pueblo. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Bachelor of Forensic Science Degrees from the University of Colorado. He then attended Kansas State University where he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation Dr. VanDerwalker was commissioned as an Army Veterinary Corps Officer in the rank of Captain and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado for his first assignment. He then served overseas in the United Kingdom for 3 years at the Lakenheath Royal Air Force Base outside of Cambridge, England. CPT VanDerwalker was then stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona for the remaining 2 years of his active duty career and was promoted to the rank of Major. During his active duty career Dr. VanDerwalker provided comprehensive medical and surgical care for over 400 working dogs and 100 working horses. Dr. VanDerwalker is also a current Veterinary Corps Officer for the U.S. Army Reserves.

Dr. VanDerwalker’s professional interests include canine sports medicine, equine and small animal dentistry and internal medicine.

Outside of the clinic Dr. VanDerwalker spends time with his wonderful wife Nichole and their three children as well as their Italian Greyhound “Memphis”, Siamese cat “Cooper” and Blue-Tongued Skink “Wally”. He enjoys fishing, hiking, camping and wrenching on performance cars in his spare time.