A heartfelt acknowledgment letter from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine honoring a pet is so very meaningful to a client.” — Dr. Alison Pillsbury

Dr. Alison Pillsbury ’88 has provided exceptional care for animals for more than 30 years in Sutter Creek, California, and the surrounding Amador County. She helps fulfill the emergency veterinary needs of the community and offers general health care practice for the pets and wildlife of Amador County through a practice established in 2015—Acorn Hills Animal Center/Amador Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

Voted best Veterinarian and Veterinary Clinic by her community for numerous years, Pillsbury and her team of 12 are committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care for their patients. They recognize the special bond between families and their pets. When a client loses a beloved companion, the clinic makes a thoughtful tribute to the animal by donating to the Center for Companion Animal Health (CCAH)’s Companion Animal Memorial Fund (CAMF).

“A heartfelt acknowledgment letter from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine honoring a pet is so very meaningful to a client,” Pillsbury said. “It’s an incredible expression conveying the importance of that animal companion. Families treasure these letters and often hold on to them for life. A letter to a child or young adult can open a pathway to a future career in veterinary medicine or science exploration.”

Acorn Hills Animal Center recognizes that a donation to the CAMF program brings hope. Thanks to these donations, the CCAH is making great strides advancing shelter medicine and carrying out research that leads to new diagnostics and treatments improving the health of cats, dogs and other cherished pets.

“As a graduate of the school, not only do I believe in supporting the institution that made me who I am, but like all my clients, I too am in awe of the pets that have shared my life and made me a better human being and veterinarian,” Pillsbury said. “They are my life.”

In addition, Pillsbury generously gives back through her service on the school’s Dean’s Leadership Council since 2008—comprised of distinguished leaders in their fields who volunteer their time, provide insight and advice to the dean, and demonstrate the power of philanthropy.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of CCAH Update.