Former Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, lawyer and media relations consultant, Michelle did volunteer work for the DDFL (the Denver Animal Shelter) for 10 years. During that time she took home pregnant shelter dogs to foster and whelped more than 45 litters of puppies in her little bungalow in Denver. One day her husband said to her, “The only time I see you smile is when you’re with your Mommy dogs, you should go back to school.” So she did.

At the ripe old age of 49 she obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University – and promptly moved to Ridgway. Now she lives here with her husband Brian and provides mobile house call vet services to Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Placerville and Montrose. She also serves as the shelter’s medical director and administers medical care to all shelter animals and coordinates and performs surgeries. She is the proud mother and stepmother of 4 grown sons and has three dogs of her own.