Dr. Cherie Buisson was born in Metairie, Louisiana and moved with her family to Largo, Florida at the age of nine. She attended St. Patrick School and graduated from Largo High School. She then went “up north” to Mississippi State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996 and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2000. During her senior year of veterinary school, she spent a three-week externship with Dr. Edwards at All Cats Hospital.
Dr. B decided to become a veterinarian in the 8th grade after reading James Herriot's "Oscar the Socialite Cat". As she read about a critically injured cat that was saved by a kind veterinarian, she felt the call. She started volunteering and working in veterinary hospitals in Pinellas County at the age of 16. Her mom wanted her to be sure she knew what she was getting into. Her Mom later regretted pushing Dr. B to volunteer, as she would bring work stories home and share them over dinner. Dr. B thinks her Mom lost 10 pounds that first summer, pushing her plate away when Dr. B’s vivid descriptions spoiled her appetite.
Several years after graduation, Dr. Edwards hired Dr. Buisson as a full-time associate, a position she held for 5 years. When she left All Cats Hospital, she became the Director of Veterinary Services at SPCA, Tampa Bay. She transformed their medical department, modernizing procedures and improving the quality of life for every patient she touched. She continues to work in and consult for shelters as well as working with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia and, of course, All Cats Hospital.
Dr. B shares her home with her husband and four cats: Sinner, Saint, Bailey, and Pirate. She also has a dachshund named Muggle who thinks his name is “Muggle, STOP THAT!”
Photo by: Laurie Meehan-Elmer
