Once we graduated, we moved to Tacoma and my mom went to work at a really busy seven doctor practice. She had a great mentor there and really learned a lot. She got to do really cool surgeries like removing lung lobes and even heart surgery. She also fell in love with internal medicine, dentistry, and preventative care. I must admit that I didn’t have to coach her very much. After four years, we decided that we missed our roots and family so we packed up and moved back to Poulsbo. My mom worked as an Emergency Veterinarian in Poulsbo for a few years and then worked at the Poulsbo Animal Clinic as the sole veterinarian for four years.
In December 2009 she opened her very own veterinary practice, Tender Touch Animal Hospital, in Kingston. Daily, I enjoy new experiences and learn more things while I watch my mom take care of our very own veterinary practice (It’s so cool to tell other pets about our hospital)!
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
I came to Tender Touch Animal Hospital as a tiny kitten in need of a fur-ever home. Ann Marie took one look at me and, well, the rest is history. (She really didn't stand a chance.) Fun fact: I was raised by the family dog. Yes, really. It explains a lot.
These days I reign as the King of the household — a title I take very seriously. My younger feline brother seems to think he runs things, which is adorable and completely wrong. Our younger canine sister is absolutely unhinged, and I love her for it. But enough about my royal court.
Ann Marie joined Tender Touch Animal Hospital as a receptionist back in 2011, and she's been growing ever since. She's worn many hats — receptionist, assistant, office manager — and since 2017, she's been leading the team as Practice Manager. She genuinely loves connecting with members of the community and hearing all about their fur babies. (I pretend not to be jealous.)
What keeps her coming back every day? The incredible team she works with and the state-of-the-art technology that helps provide the best care possible.
When she's not at the hospital, Ann Marie is traveling, cooking, dancing, hitting the gym, or spending time with her two-legged and four-legged kids. Honestly, she does too much for me to keep track of.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some birds to watch from my cat tree.
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
My mom, Angelica also known as Angie joined Tender Touch Animal Hospital in 2024, bringing with her years of experience as a professional groomer and a love for animals that truly knows no bounds. Dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, reptiles — it doesn't matter. Angelica cares about all animals deeply. That kind of warmth is exactly what you feel the moment you walk through the front door and she greets you.
Angelica is the kind of person who is quietly wonderful in many ways. She is a devoted reader, a music lover, a collector of beautiful tattoos, and someone with a serious case of wanderlust, always dreaming of the next place the world might take her. She brings that same curiosity and openness to everything she does, including the care she gives every client and patient at Tender Touch Animal Hospital.
I am glad she found Tender Touch Animal Hospital, and has the opportunity to meet so many furry friends.
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
When I was just a few days old, I found myself in a box in a dumpster in a clinic parking lot. Not exactly a storybook beginning. But then Michaela came along, took me home, and bottle-fed me around the clock until I was strong enough to take on the world — or at least, cautiously observe it from a safe distance away from any and all doorways.
Michaela has been part of the Tender Touch Animal Hospital team since 2023, where she works as a veterinary assistant while pursuing her Licensed Veterinary Technician degree. She is exactly the kind of person you want to care for animals! She is patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about every creature that comes through the door.
When she's not at the clinic or reading books, she's at home making sure I feel safe, loved, and never rushed past a threshold before I'm ready.
Michaela is a true asset to the Tender Touch Animal Hospital team, and the animals here are lucky to have her. And me? I'm the luckiest of all.
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
Paul joined Tender Touch Animal Hospital in 2025, bringing with him years of experience caring for wildlife right here in the Pacific Northwest. Working with wild animals takes a special kind of patience and gentleness, and Paul has both in abundance. That background gives him a unique perspective that the rest of us — hospitalized patients included — truly benefit from.
Whether you're a nervous dog, or a discerning cat like myself, Paul has a way of making you feel safe. His calm, quiet presence is the kind you just feel it the moment he walks in the room. The animals here adore him, and honestly, so do the people.
When Paul isn't here keeping us comfortable, you might find him tending his garden or out in the barn, patiently socializing the cats that have decided his property is home.
Having spent years soaking up California sunshine before putting down roots among the PNW ferns and firs, Paul seems perfectly at home here. And speaking for the patients? We're very glad he made the move north.
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography
Cecilia joined the Tender Touch Animal Hospital team in 2025, bringing some customer service experience and a whole lot of enthusiasm for animals. New to veterinary medicine, she's been learning the ropes at our front desk and growing into her role every day. She has genuine warmth with the clients who come through the door, and she's working hard to bring that same care to every aspect of the job.
What she doesn't lack is passion, and when it comes to the things she loves, she goes all in. She loves to bake, and I hear she is pretty good at it too! She has a little human of her own keeping her busy, and a devotion to the Seattle Kraken that is, frankly, unwavering. I respect the commitment.
She's eager to learn, growing every day, and passionate about being part of a team that shares a deep love for all creatures great and small.
Staff Portraits by Four Foot Photography