Dr. Doug's Animal Answers

A memoir, historical record, and educational guide all in one. Dr. Doug’s Animal Answers captures his journey to becoming a veterinarian and his many experiences with his animal patients, the ones who could not speak — and their special owners — while working a mixed animal practice in Southern Maine. Dr. Hutchins also includes an intriguing history of veterinary medicine from its infancy to present day, as well as a special section on Lyme Disease for animal owners to become better acquainted with its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

A fascinating and informative read, Dr. Doug’s Animal Answers explores a profession that is widely used but not completely understood.

About the Author:

After obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maine he went on to graduate from the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1970.

After a year working in Long Island, New York, Dr. Hutchins purchased a mixed animal practice in Springvale, Maine. Four years later he moved his practice, The Down Maine Veterinary Clinic to Sanford, Maine in a new 5,000 square foot facility. This practice expanded to four veterinarians and was later sold as Dr. Hutchins began his own consulting and equine practice specializing in lameness and reproduction.

Dr. Hutchins has served as president of the Maine Veterinary Medical Association, a director of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, as well as its vice-president. He has also served as an advisor to the Kennebunk Animal Shelter and York County Community College’s animal technician program. Dr. Hutchins has won many awards including the Maine Veterinary Medical Association's Annual Service award while spending time working with the Maine State Police and the York County Sheriff’s canines. Currently, he resides at his horse farm, Cricket Hill, in Lyman, Maine, with his wife, Shirley. Together they have three daughters, seven grandchildren, boxer dogs and two cats. Dr. Hutchins continues to be active in the owning, breeding, and racing of Standardbred trotters.