Dr Bruce graduated from Melbourne University vet school in 1991 with first class honors, after completing a 3 yr science degree with a major in molecular genetics. Bruce became a certified veterinary acupuncturist in 1995, and continued further studies in nutrition, herbal medicine and homeopathy. Bruce has a wide range of interests in veterinary medicine, including both small and large animals.
Bruce enjoys using natural therapies, combined with traditional orthodox medicine, and has a special interest in nutrition and the links to chronic disease in dogs and cats, particularly in treating skin disease.
Dr Bruce started the Healthy Pets veterinary clinic in Castlemaine back in 1998, after managing several practices in Melbourne, and has enjoyed seeing it grow into a busy 4 vet practice.
“Why? – I love animals, it’s that simple. I have always enjoyed a special bond with dogs and cats, back since I was a little boy. They bring out my empathy and passion to heal. Since moving to Castlemaine over 20 years ago, that empathy has extended to horses and livestock of all types, and I find my life surrounded in animals, both at work, and at home, with multiple dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, chickens and turkey to keep us company in Yapeen.
When not working (LOL) I also enjoy being creative in my workshop, and getting away for the odd fishing trip or a spot of motorbike riding. My wife April and two children Sunny and Sam, seem to share my love of animals, or at least they tolerate my enthusiasm for having them around.”
Dr Dean graduated from Melbourne Vet School in the dark ages before the internet and when mobile phones were HUGE!
He has worked in Hong Kong, Scotland, El Salvador and recently Thailand. A confirmed recent convert to soccer (football). Dean is the father of 3 lads and is married to Carolyn, a wild Scotswoman. They have lived in Castlemaine since 2001. He loves working with cows and chooks, but definitely not with the big factory farms and feedlots.
He’s an unrepentant optimist who reckons the Western Bulldogs will eventually win a flag.
Dr Eva Schelly is a 2019 graduate of Melbourne University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine course. Eva joined the Healthy Pets team in 2021 and has enjoyed the move to the small town. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, USA she is a long way from home, but has been in Australia for over 10 years and loves the Aussie culture and lifestyle. Dr Eva enjoys general practice and surgery and is interested in developing her skills in wildlife medicine and large animal practice.
Lauron has alway has a great passion for animal welfare. After leaving school she spent a lot of her time working on Polo studs in the surrounding areas.
In 2010 started on her journey on becoming a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, spending 6 years at Hepburn Veterinary Clinic then joining the awesome Healthy Pets team in Castlemaine in January 2017.
Lauron is local to the Castlemaine area, has 2 children and a beautiful Dogue De Bordeaux “Bugsie”.
Linda Flanigan has been part of our Healthy Pets family since 2022 and is one of our devoted guru’s in reception. Her passion for your pets is shown in her ongoing commitment to their welfare, by booking them in promptly, to see our dedicated team of vets
Melissa has been working at Healthy Pets Veterinary Clinic for 4 years now. She loves the dynamic nature of the job, no 2 days are the same ! She has great respect for the vets and the nurses and the amazing work they do.
Bella has always had a passion for helping and working with animals. She has volunteered at a wildlife shelter from a young age, travelled to Africa to volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation centre there and has many animals of her own. Bella has lived around Castlemaine most of her life but has traveled around the country, she lived in WA for 18 months where started studying certificate 2 in animal studies to then continue on to certificate 4 in veterinary nursing. Since graduating she has been at Healthy Pets veterinary clinic where she has loved being part of the fun and compassionate team.
Tamaysha has completed her Cert IV in veterinary nursing and qualified at the end of 2022. Her favourite part of nursing is surgery and recovery of patients.
Tamaysha moved to Castlemaine at the start of 2024 she lived on acreage with her 4 horses, 2 kelpie's, 2 alpacas and a greyhound named Munro. Which they have moved with her. Tamaysha has a dual diploma in canine & equine myotherapy. She is passionate about assisting animals in their health & well-being transformations.
I've always had a connection to animals from when I was a toddler. I am passionate about animals and their welfare. I feel at my best and happy when I am around them. I worked in animal welfare for 11 years and now I am lucky enough to work in this amazing vet clinic with like minded caring and compassionate people. It’s not always easy working with animals. Sometimes it can be sad but I put all of my compassion, love and respect for animals and staff into my job. It makes me feel like I'm making a small difference in the lives of the animals I work with. From assisting the vets to just making sure they have a comfortable blanket or bowl of food all brings me satisfaction and joy.
Colleen Garsed is a gifted Obedience Trainer for Adult Dogs and Puppies.
Colleen was born and raised in a small country town in SA and after being surrounded by animals and animal loving people, Vet nursing seemed to be the natural pathway for her to take.
She moved to Vic in 1983 and began Vet Nursing at Berwick in 1984. In 1985 Colleen started working at Maryborough Vet Practice where she commenced study for her Vet Nursing Certificate at Box Hill College and graduated in 1987. Whilst working at Maryborough Colleen completed a 12 month course at Kintala Dog Obedience Club to become a qualified Dog Obedience Instructor. In April 2001 she left Maryborough Vet Practice and commenced work at Healthy Pets Veterinary Clinic.
In 2002 Colleen started Training Wheels a Dog Obedience School, running classes at Healthy Pets and Newstead. In 2005 she had the opportunity of becoming a partner at our clinic which gave her career another aspect which she continues to enjoy. During 2007 – 2009 Colleen completed her Certificate 4 in Companion Animal Services with The Delta Society. She feels very strongly towards responsible pet ownership and through all her experiences and study she assists people in training their dogs to become valuable members of their family and the community.
Colleen and her husband Andrew share their home with 2 dogs, a cat and some chooks. In her spare time Colleen enjoys walking, gardening and cooking.
For more information on puppy class times please contact Colleen directly.
Phone: (03) 54 762 573
Email: colleengarsed@bigpond.com