Our Dogtors
Tater Tot
Meet Tater! She is a perfect half-Belgian Malinois, half-Rottweiler girl with a passion for teaching. When she is not catching up on her cardio with her Chuck It ball, she can be found studying for the next class with her parents (the Almeidas). Tater typically helps to teach the anatomy and physical exam portions of the BLS course, and is a perfect model for bandaging. All she asks for in return is some love and some of her favorite treats!
The Boys
Gator
Gator is a 6 year old half Belgian Mal, Half Dutch shepherd. In his off time from traveling and teaching classes, Gator enjoys running the property at his home while tormenting delivery drivers by seeing if he can rip the fence posts off quicker than the packages are delivered.
Denwer
Originally from Poland, his first three years were served in the Military, he’s now switched back to civilian life where he has learned to embrace life fully, enjoying every moment of his travels and zooming around the yard. Gone are the days of not outing, now he's all about joyfully playing with his Kongs and other rewards while having some better manners.
Dr. Daniel Almeida, MV, MS, Dip. ACVAA
Owner
Dr. Daniel Almeida was born and raised in Brazil, where he earned his veterinary degree. After a few years practicing in different capacities, Dr. Almeida decided to pursue specialty training, which led him to the University of Minnesota. There, he completed his training in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, a Master of Science degree, and became a Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. The University of Minnesota continued to be his home for several years to follow. After a couple of years in private practice, Dr. Almeida has returned to academia, and is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin - School of Veterinary Medicine. His additional training includes certificates in veterinary forensic sciences and veterinary medical acupuncture. Dr. Almeida has always had great respect for law enforcement, he was selected and attended his city’s police training academy in Brazil, very briefly joining the department before having the opportunity to complete his veterinary specialty training in the USA. He hopes to continue to work closely with law enforcement and working dogs throughout his career.
Dr. Samantha Almeida DVM, Dip. ACVECC
Owner
Dr. Samantha (Bilko) Almeida is originally from New England, but has traveled all across the country in pursuit of her career in veterinary medicine. She attended Oklahoma State University for undergraduate studies and veterinary school, graduating with her veterinary degree in 2016. She then completed an additional 5 years of postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota in emergency and critical care medicine, becoming a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist in 2021. Since then, she has moved around the country working at hospitals in New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. She first got involved with working dogs during her residency in Minnesota, and has been interested in providing first-aid training for handlers and emergency personnel around the country since. Dr. Almeida is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Emergency and Critical Care team at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.
Rachel - K9 Fr Director
Owner
Rachel found her love for working dogs, specifically Belgian Malinois, at a young age while working for training kennels and began working dogs for years in various sports. In her 8 year career as a Veterinary Nurse she has worked in Specialty, ER and General Practice. Her passions include Emergency, Cooperative Veterinary Care, Owner Education and Behavior cases seen in hospital.
“ I unfortunately have observed countless times how veterinary professionals are terrified of these dogs. During critical medical events, Hospital intakes are taking entirely too long, due to not knowing how to handle dogs of this caliber. Even simple yearly visits, things are being missed because veterinary staff are not prepared to make the process easier for both handler and (vet)staff.
These handlers spend 12 hour shifts with these dogs, day in and day out in some pretty dangerous situations, They need veterinary staff that looks out for them as well as the dogs.”
Lane Kimsey
Instructor
Lane is an Iraq veteran and a full-time firefighter/EMT. He was raised in a busy emergency medical family; his dad had a lifelong career in a large Fire Department, and his mother has been a paramedic for more than thirty years. One of Lane's passions is teaching the community as well as teaching proper techniques for new hires.
In his time off he enjoys working with Denwer and Gator as well as learning the newest field techniques.
Tamara - Lab Instructor
Tamara hails from New Orleans, Louisiana but has spent the last 14 years in Western NC after moving here for college. She is married to a first responder and they have 2 dogs, 2 goats and 5 chickens. Tamara’s interests are infectious diseases, animal nutrition and low stress animal handling.
Brenna - Lab Instructor
Brenna is an RVT from the Brevard area. She started out working in the large animal field when she was young, eventually going to AB-Tech where she completed the Veterinary Technician program at the beginning of the plague(2020). She then completed one year of General Practice, then moved on to Urgent Care/Admissions at an Emergency and Specialty hospital in Asheville NC. She now works in the ER at that same hospital.
“ ER work has been incredibly rewarding for me as I enjoy a challenge and ER definitely keeps me on my toes.”