VCA Animal Hospital of Vernon

Bios

• Donald Aronson

  DVM

  Dr. Aronson was born in Huntington, N.Y., he has an undergraduate and DVM degree form Michigan State University. He is married, with two grown children and four grandchildren who all live in Connecticut. Dr. Aronson has always been very active, he enjoys skiing, jogging (active participant in more than 25 Manchester Road Races), hiking, and golfing. He was the past president of the Hartford County Veterinary Medical Association, and the board of directors member of Hartford Aid A Pet Association. He lives in Manchester, with his wife and his trusty labrador Redford.

• Michael Bednar

  DVM

  Dr. Michael J. Bednar brings to VCA Vernon experience as the Director of Animal Medicine at the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and military service as a Captain in the United States Army Veterinary Corps. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Dr. Bednar has received additional training in international veterinary medicine and is certified in regenerative stem cell therapy. His interests include animal reproduction, alternative medicine and herbal medicine. Dr. Bednar is a member of the Society for Theriogenology, the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association and American MENSA. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Leslie, and they are the proud parents of their son, Michael. They live with Charlie a Bernese mountain dog, Ginger a Golden Retriever, Georgia the cat, and Leo and Britt who are leopard geckos. Dr. Bednar strives to enthusiastically provide the best veterinary medicine possible, while promoting a philosophy that serves to enhance the human-animal bond. Dr. Bednar is honored to be called to this profession.

• Mark Restey

  VMD

  My life as an "alternative" veterinarian is based on a heartfelt calling. After completing my studies at the veterinary school of The University of Pennsylvania I became passionate about combining my classical scientific knowledge with natural, and where possible, more non-intrusive treatments. As time has gone by I have included other known methods of healing: nutritional; acupuncture; and Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic herbal medicine. Essential as skill in diagnosis and treatment are, I also felt the need to provide my patients with the personal connection - with kindness and comfort to them and, when necessary, to their concerned humans, too. And everyday I witness how this holistic approach works on every level. I often think of my mom and recall what a good nurse she was, her kitchen bustling with food being prepared and the family around the table. A cupboard over her sink was always filled with home remedies, herbal teas and healing salves. In which we had great faith. . 12 years ago I moved to the Mt Tom area of Western Massachusetts as I wanted to work with farm animals as well as pets. I live in a 1880s farmhouse by the Connecticut River, where coyotes call at night, bobcats hunt rabbits on my meadow, black bears raid the feed barrels, and white tail deer browse the hillside. My own family of pets numbers, at the moment three shaggy dogs (all from various shelters), a gorgeous long hair cat found 8 years ago, 7 Narragansett turkeys, and a colorful flock of Swedish flower hens. None shows the least surprise when I massage the odd paw, slip some herbs in their feed, or talk to them if they're anxious.