Dr. Dana Bridges has spent her entire life devoted to helping animals. A native of Portland, Oregon, she decided at the age of ten to become a veterinarian when her horse was diagnosed with cancer. From that point forward she pursued her goal with determination, culminating in her graduation from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Upon leaving Purdue she was offered a position with the State of Hawaii Board of Agriculture in the area of livestock disease control and airport quarantine management, which she held for two years. Following this she practiced in three mixed animal practices before founding Professional Equine Therapeutic Services, Inc., in 1995. (See Dr. Bridges' curriculum vitae.)

An accomplished rider herself, Dr. Dana competed in hunter/jumper shows, horse trials, dressage and three-day events for many years, and is still riding and training actively. She has recently started her two three-year-olds, and is hoping to compete with them on the eventing circuit in a few years. Her riding experience has also included team penning, cow sorting, and recently ranch and team roping. She also occasionally finds time to ride for pleasure, enjoying the trails on her Percheron stallion, Justin.

In her spare time, Dr. Bridges gives talks to many 4-H groups and high schools. She sometimes pays visits to nursing homes, bringing along her good-will ambassador, "Tiny Bubbles", a rescued dwarf miniature horse who elicits smiles wherever she goes.

A dedicated animal rescue expert, Dr. Bridges has spent the last two years putting together a non-profit organization to teach first responders how to deal safely with large animal incidents and accidents. She flew to Louisiana to assist with animal rescue in post-Katrina New Orleans. She has testified before the state legislature on the Animal Cruelty Bill, the Downer Cow Bill, the Egg Inspection Bill, and other animal-related legislation. Dr. Bridges also works closely with King County Animal Control on cruelty cases. For more information on Dr. Bridges' rescue activities, please visit the NEAR website, www.nwanimal911.org