The Golden Paws Veterinary Service and Housecalls Doctors

Tara Golden, DVM

Let me tell you a little bit about who I am and why I am invested in supporting pets of Hampton Roads, especially the senior citizens.  First, I am both a veteran and veterinarian!  I graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1998 and became a naval flight officer in the E-2C Hawkeye.  I have been stationed in lovely Hampton Roads for over 20 years now with several deployments with the Navy.  After twelve and a half years of active-duty service, I transitioned to the US Navy Reserves so I could pursue a career in veterinary medicine and currently hold the rank of Navy Captain.  In 2014 I graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and have been practicing as an associate veterinarian for the past eight years.  I recently returned from a mobilization with the Reserves to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where I was able to assist the Army vet clinic in my spare time and rescue and adopt out numerous homeless kittens.  Prior to deployment both of my grandmothers (Mary and Etna) were in senior memory care facilities.  I spent many days and nights visiting and caring for my Grama Mary who was a resident at Harmony at Independence.  I became connected to many of the residents, especially the ones with pets. My Grama (referred to by everyone who knew her as "Angel Mary" because she handed out angel pins and prayers to everyone she met), would light up and smile whenever I brought my two dogs Honey Blue and Grumman to visit her.  To most seniors, animals are their emotional support while providing comfort and energy during a time of isolation, especially during the COVID pandemic.  This is the point where I knew I wanted to provide quality veterinary care to senior living communities.

Since returning from Cuba, I have been working as a relief veterinarian at five local veterinary hospitals.  This has allowed me to keep my medicine and surgical skills keen while establishing my business.  I have several rescue kitties (Ringo, Star, Cindy Lauper, Chewie and Bobo Fett) and 2 rescue hounds (Honey Blue and Grumman).  They bring immense entertainment and joy to my busy life.

Hannah Adams, DVM

Dr. Hannah Adams, lives in Suffolk with her husband, Jimmy. Children Julia 8, James 6 and her fury children, Dog Chopper and cat Bubbles along with 4 fish. Growing up on her family's farm in North Carolina influenced Dr. Adams' decision to become a veterinarian. She completed both her undergraduate degree in Animal Science and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. After graduating in 2003 she married a Suffolk native, Jimmy Adams, and relocated here. Dr. Adams is passionate about her profession and community involvement in animal welfare and plays an active role in local humane societies. Client education and communication is very important to her as she understands that these animals have become more than pets, they are members of the family. Her interest include alternative therapies and she is certified in Acupuncture. Running, reading, cooking traveling and spending time with her family and friends are also important aspects of her life.

Heather Andrews, DVM

Dr. Andrews knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from the age of 5 when she stated it at her kindergarten graduation.

Even from a young age she was very determined and set out on her journey to become a DVM. She received her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She then went on to graduate from Ross University where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in

2009. Her professional interests include Internal Medicine, Dermatology, shelter medicine, exotic care, hospice and rehabilitation.

Dr. Andrews shares a home with her Pitbull Max, a feisty Westie named Brady, an 8 lb terrier mix named Logan and an adorable pittie named Bourbon.

Typically there will be a senior pet or two that needs care and a home. Senior pets have a special place in her heart and she will open her home when one is in need.

Elizabeth Broel, DVM

Dr. Elizabeth Broel is a 2005 cum laude graduate of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.She initially practiced both large and small animal medicine at a rural mixed animal practice outside of Jacksonville, FL. In 2007, she began practicing emergency and critical care medicine in Charlotte, NC, where she met and worked closely with Dr. Meyers for three years. In 2012 Dr. Broel graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Master of Science in Public Health.

During her studies at UNC Charlotte, Dr. Broel completed a summer internship in Nairobi, Kenya, working with high risk HIV positive populations. In addition to practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Broel spent a year working at Levine Cancer Institute as a human pediatric oncology research coordinator following completion of her MSPH degree. In 2014 she became board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Dr. Broel’s professional interests include epidemiology, infectious diseases, veterinary public health, global public health, the One Health initiative, and emergency and critical care medicine. Dr. Broel serves as a guest lecturer on infectious diseases and public health at UNC Charlotte, and in May, 2012 she served as a rabies expert for the nationally syndicated television news show “America Now”.

Dr. Broel lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, sons, dog, cat, and horse. In her spare time she enjoys college football (War Eagle!), running, yoga, hiking, horseback riding, and traveling.