The Golden Paws Veterinary Service and Housecalls Doctor

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.