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Jack Woolsey was born in San Francisco and raised in Woodland, he grew up riding a cow pony and loving horses. After serving in WWII, he graduated from Veterinary school in Kansas. He finished his education at U.C. Davis, where he taught veterinary medicine for several years. But he longed for his own practice.
“Doc” Woolsey opened his first Vet practice in Santa Rosa, which had a population of just 36,000 then, in 1952. He came to know every pay phone in Sonoma County, traveling the backroads day and night to serve his clients. He eventually established his equine practice, Empire Equine Hospital, in Windsor. Doc made the farm calls in the field, while his practice partner, Dr. Norrie, performed in-hospital surgeries. They used 2-way radios, considered state of the art.
Doc Woolsey has enjoyed much success raising his beloved racehorses. He also has a long involvement breeding Australian Working Kelpies. When Doc came to Santa Rosa, there were five vets. Now there are around 100 with many specialties. He’s proud to have worked with many outstanding vets over the years, including his own daughter, Elizabeth, who now practices and lives in Australia.
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