Dr. Kay Creese says she lives a very simple life. But her work here at St. Francis CARE is far from simple. She is the Executive Director and veterinarian and has been with St. Francis CARE since 2009. She graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BS in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Then graduated from Louisiana State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She says working as a traditional veterinarian wasn’t enough for her, and she wanted to do more for the animals she was treating.

“I kept seeing dogs coming in that were hurt. Nobody wanted them or having anything to do with them. I really wanted to help. They have no voice,” said Dr. Creese.

She enjoys helping every one of the animals that come through St. Francis CARE and seeing them find a forever home. She has seen her fair share of abuse cases, which is always challenging. But there is a bright side to it as well.

“We’re able to put them back together and get them where they need to be. I’ve learned over the years that even the worst dog we’ve had come in, there is a place for that dog. It just needs some time. Our staff works with those dogs to give them the time and develop their personalities,” said Dr. Creese.

When Dr. Creese isn’t spending time caring for animals, she enjoys riding her bike, making her food (like bacon and cheese), and gardening. She has grown more than a hundred pounds of produce during a season before.