What I Enjoy – Kelly Shaw
Kelly Shaw | Veterinarian / Equine surgeon Crossroads Veterinary Clinic
Where did you grow up? On a family ranch in Watsonville, where from as early as I can remember I could be found on the back of a horse. I also lived in Green Bay, Wisc.
What inspired you to become an equine veterinarian? The horse, who is always there to serve mankind and offer companionship, that I felt the urge to give back. My mom and grandma taught me about horses from a young age, and for as long as I can remember it is the only career that I felt truly passionate about.
What are some of your interests outside of work? Large animal veterinarians do not have a lot of free time, but when I do get away from the clinic, you can find me at the barn with my horse. Other interests include music, with my current undertaking being to learn the violin.
What do you enjoy most about living in the North State? After living for a decade outside of Northern California, I’ve realized moving back just how beautiful and alluring of a state we live in. A favorite pastime of mine is to ride my horse in a T-shirt on a warm summer night, under the glow of the moon and the magnificent starry night sky.
Do you have pets? I have a Warmblood gelding that has been my best friend (and occasional therapist) over the past 16 years, and a Missouri Foxtrotter gelding who is my fairly new trail horse. And of course my cat Twix, who was adopted after serving his time as a research cat and blood donor.
What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend or a day off? To experience national and state parks around California from the back of a horse. From the redwoods, to the mountains, and to the beach.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try or to learn? Before attending vet school, I competed in polo at the intercollegiate level. I would love to pick it up again.
If you could travel back in time, which historical event would you want to witness firsthand? The sermon on the mount would have to be at the top of the list. But as a surgeon, I would have loved to witness William Halsted, father of modern surgery, perform one of the first emergency blood transfusions on his sister before operating on her to save her life.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Working as a veterinarian in Morocco, working on donkeys and other working equids. Also serving in a community and at an orphanage in Smolensk, Russia. It is far more rewarding to give than to take, which is how I encourage us all to live.
