Cheri Johnson, Technician

EDUCATION:

College
San Jose State University, B.A. English Literature

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

After several years working in the high-tech industry, Cheri wanted to change careers to work with animals, whom she had always had a passion for.

To get her foot in the door of a veterinary hospital she needed experience. She discovered the Marine Mammal Center in Marin, which has a wonderful volunteer program. From 1994-1996 she drove there once a week to care for injured and orphaned sea lions, elephant and harbor seals, as well as several dolphins. From this experience she was able to land a job as a receptionist/technician assistant for a satellite office of Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital located in Campbell. She supported specialists in oncology, internal medicine, radiology and surgery. During this time she met Sandi Haugen, a technician at Los Gatos Dog and Cat Hospital. The allure of a place that was known for their compassion and excellent medical staff of doctors and technicians was too much. She volunteered for several months until she was eventually hired. She has been working there as a technician for 5 years, and loves it so much she tells them they will have to kick her out when she is 80!

She and her husband grew up in San Jose and have lived in Cambrian Park since 1987. Their furry, rescued four-legged kids are: LuLuBelle the basset hound-shepherd mix, Buddy Mason the golden retriever, and Gumps, Chloe and Romeo...the crazy kitties. Oh, and they also have a parakeet named Snow Guy who landed in her backyard over 2 years ago.

Cheri likes Hawaii a lot, especially when the humpback whales are in town. She also loves hiking in Yosemite, reading (Barbara Kingsolver is her current favorite author), and water and snow skiing. She, along with Dr. Kaspar, produce the hospital's newsletter, Paw Prints. Cheri was part of the LGDCH crew that volunteered in the Cook Islands for the Esther Honey Foundation in 1999.

back