A Bakersfield, CA, native, Dr. Michael D. Keese, II, joined VCA Bakersfield Animal Hospital in 1999. He started in a volunteer kennel position before eventually becoming one of the hospital's owners.

When asked about what he finds most rewarding about veterinary medicine, Dr. Keese says it's "knowing that there is a pet at home that is healthier and happier because of something you accomplished that day."

Dr. Keese attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and was the president of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association and his professional interests include soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine.

When not devoting time to keeping the hospital's patients happy and healthy, Dr. Keese cares for his own pets: Ranger (a German wirehaired pointer); Addison (a French bulldog); Junior (cat); and Mango (a yellow-sided, green cheek conure). He and his wife Christy, who is a registered nurse, have three children, Merrin, Hallie, and Ryan. Dr. Keese loves being outdoors, especially hiking, fishing, and hunting.