Our Dogs! (and other pets who wish they were dogs)

Norman Silver, 4 years Old

Leader of the pack, Norman is the esteemed companion of our fearless leader, Dr. Matt Silver. Likely the originator of such monumental program staples such as WOOFF (Wellness Of Our Furry Friends) Wednesdays, rumor has it that Norman is the true mastermind behind KPEM.

King Arfur of House chilliams, First of his name, Terrier of small woman and tall man, protector of the two bedroom condo, connoisseur of chew toys, khal of the great hardwood floors, the bearded, breaker of leashes, 11.5 years old

Reigns over Former Chief Dr. Kristel Choy (Staff).

Lucky, 11 years old

Don’t let her innocent exterior fool you. It’s rumored that the complicated no-holds-barred bunny, Snowball, in The Secret Life of Pets was inspired by Lucky. Lucky is a classic Leo who loves cilantro, paying with baby toys and snuggling in bed with her mom, Current Chief Dr. Kim Allen.

Walter, 3-ish years old

This pup patriot loves to live in San Diego! Living by his motto “Suns out! Guns out!” he was ecstatic to move to a city where it is sunny 365 days of the year so he can show off his toned puppy physique. Former pro-body builder, he has since retired to help take care of his new baby sister, daughter to Current Chief Dr. AJ Mannarino.

Benny, 2 years old

The most junior member of the pack and the one who most closely resembles a chicken nugget, it’s hard not to love this Maltipoo. Prim and polished, just like his momma Diversity and Inclusion Chair, Dr. Marlene Alfaro, Benny similarly has a fiery side. Do. Not. Cross. Him.

Wanda Maximoff, 1 year old

This little one has cast a spell on Dr. Soifer’s (Faculty) household. Probably the most powerful pup on this page, this visionary enchantress uses her powers for good.. and of course to conjure up as many treats as possible.

Sasha, 10 years old

Commonly confused for a girl because of his name which is Russian for Alexander, Sasha loves walks on the beach and harassing hawks. In Dr. Diebold’s (Faculty) household, he gets his own stuffed animals and doesn't have to share with the kids!

Major Miller, 3 years old

Meet Major Miller! Formerly known as a vicious drill sergeant with a reputation for alliterative quips as witty as they were sharp, this Poodle Yorkie (Porkie?) mix was promptly promoted to Major given his aptitude for espionage. He is a fantastic listener (obvi) and he keeps Dr. Miller’s (Staff) home running with military precision.

Denzel Washington, 12 years young, Bruno Mars, 12 years young, and Liza Minnelli, 2 year old

Denzie is the sweetest boy, happier in the snow than anywhere else. Like a true Midwesterner, Denzel has his priorities straight: Food > Mom > Everything else. We don’t talk about Bruno’s ruff life before joining the Dr. Welker (Tox faculty) clan, but don’t worry; now he lives a life of leisure enjoying roast beef and being a good (read: protective) older brother to Liza and baby boy Sam. Now Liza is the star of show, living up to her diva name. Part rabbit, part pig, and part gremlin, this little one is ALL about the attention. Although she’s technically not a dog, we still call her one (to her face anyway..)

Cooper, 8 years old

This Golden Retriever is more than just a pretty face, he is actually part of the ACEP (American Canines of Emergency Physicians) board of directors. Admin is this pup’s passion, he loves process improvement and strives to make a difference. Cooper is the partner in crime of Dr. Randy Young (Faculty, ACEP Board of Directors)

Kona, 5 years old and Mayu, 12 years old

Kona is a special kind of lab who has taken the world by storm as the first professional gamer dog. While he isn’t quite the podcast guru like his pops, Dr. Lapoint (Toxicology Faculty), you can catch this pooch pwning n00bs on twitch regularly. In stark contrast, Kona’s sister Lil Miss Mayu is a babushka from the old world who doesn’t believe in modern technology, and unlike Dr. Lapoint, Mayu believes all tox problems can be solved her old school remedy of licks and her special technique of paw pressure points.

Zuma, 7 years old

This chocolate lab is a fantastic swimmer and like a true San DieDOG, he loves to fetch his football in the surf with Dr. Krauss (APD). He absolutely loves people and just about any kind of food. So much in fact, that he has gained an additional 15 lbs during covid! (I think we can all commiserate with Zuma here..)

Kora Correa, 4.5 years old

This Border Collie beauty loves to herd children, munching on pistachios, and cuddling with her mom and dad (Alumnus Dr. Chad Correa, Staff).

Cormac, 5 years old and Seamus, 2 years old

Cormac is a black rescue cat who loves to sit on laps, do tricks for treats and watch birds from the window. Seamus is also a rescue with Siamese coloring, who likes getting brushed and chasing flies around the house. At least that’s what they tell you they do.. Really, they’re time travelers plotting to take over the world along side their father Dr. Nikolai Telsa Peter McCorkell (Former Ultrasound Fellow, current Staff).

Moby, 9 months old

Moby has short legs but big dreams. She loves long walks on the beach, chasing seagulls and belly rubs. Her favorite color is your favorite color. Her best friend is a pit bull named Daisy, she has won tug of war 2 times so far. Nemesis is the mailman (she doesn't realize how cliche that is). You can catch her turning heads in Carlsbad, CA with her surfer momma PGY-2, Dr. Roree Phillips. If you see her give her some pets!

MS. ELIZABETH BENNET, 10 YEARS OLD

We at KPEM pride ourselves on not being prejudiced against non-canine species. With eyes as piercing as her wit, Ms. Bennet graces former Chief Dr. Andrew Ciennik (Staff) with her presence daily.

Gus, 8 years old

And in the featherweight class, weighing in at a svelte 130 lbs, this Greater Swiss Mountain dog is just as intimidating as his dad, EM department chair, Dr. Adam Schwartz. But don’t worry, this pup is a lover, not a fighter. Gus is rumored to be 90% cuddles (10% slobber).

Bodhi 2.5 years old and Pappas, 5 years old

Bodhi (black) is a charismatic pooch who loves surfing and living life to the fullest, which includes engaging in many dangerous and exciting activities such as skydiving. He is allegedly a bank robber who robs banks with his accomplices in order to fund their lifestyle and find the best locations to surf. He has a complex friendship with his brother, FBI Special Agent Angelo Pappas (tan).

Pappas is the dog of dogs, but don’t let the cute looks fool you; his ferocious hunting skill is well documented by local pigeon life. Despite both being chihuahua mixes, there is constant tension in the Abrams (Ultrasound Faculty) household as the two engage in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Wish, 3 years old

Wish is the Onishi girls’ “Wish-come-true.” Wish enjoys chasing anything in the air and loves perching on the couch for birds-eye-view to lovingly watch over the home of Alumnus, Stroke Champion, and Faculty member Dr. So Onishi.

Ruby, 1.5 years old

Always dressed to impress, Cock-a-poo Ruby has an extensive haute-couture wardrobe. She’s ready for anything including strutting her stuff at the Pet Gala. When she’s not debuting bespoke outfits on the red carpet, she enjoys hiking at Yosemite and swimming in the ocean with former Chief Dr. Emily Utschig (Faculty).

Olive, 6 years old

Big and round, also referred to as Ballive. She has never meowed and instead only communicates in short “beeps.” Hobbies include eating, playing in the shower, chasing her toy springs around the house, and napping in the garden while industrious PGY-2 Dr. Anndres Olson Studies!

Teddy, 3 years old

Half-Wookie, half Golden-Doodle this very aptly named life-size Teddy bear resides with APD and airway guru Dr. Kei. Teddy is a huge fan of KPEM, and it is not at all because he is the beneficiary of the left-overs from the hyper-realistic pork-belly cric model. But really, Teddy urges you to visit his website BaconSimulation to make your own cric model at home!

Wally, 6 years old

Wally’s low-rider corgi legs won’t stop him from running like the wind along San Diego’s dog beaches and going on long hikes with Dog Dad, Dr. Rose (Ultrasound faculty). He’ll drop everything for chicken jerky snacks or eggs and his Basset Hound traits compel him to smell everything in his path.

Hazelnut, 2 years old

With her long legs and her award winning smile, Hazel is a budding star in the world of high fashion. The sidewalk is her runway, trotting alongside PGY3 Dr. Travis Eurick. But please don’t listen to the old adage “Don’t feed the models!”. This Vizsla is more than just Hungarian, she’s always hungry too!

Moose, 2.5 years old and Harley, 7 years old

Both Great Danes, Moose clocks in at svelte 140 lbs, while Harley, a “runt”, weights in at a slim 105 lbs. While Moose loves to run on the beach, ride in the truck, and generally be a nuisance, Harley’s main job at the Dr. Meyer (Faculty) household is to keep her “little” brother in check!

Maple, 4 years old and Moose, 2 years old

Maple (right), is a mini Goldendoodle who lives up to her breed as a basic-B. She loves long walks on the beach, quality time with her papa PGY 1 Dr. Patrick Sheedy, and chasing her ball. She is brimming with BQE (Big Queen Energy). Moose (left) on the other hand is a medium(?) Bernadoodle who has yet to have his first thought. Follower at heart, doesn’t mind being a peasant to Maple’s BQE, Moose is just happy to be included.

Rocky and Nala, both 5-ish years old

Hailing from the mean streets of San Bernadino, puggle Rocky and mystery mutt Nala come from very different walks of life. Rocky’s previous owner did not have enough time for his needy soul and kept eating her stuff, but don’t worry he now resides with Drs. Esener (Ultrasound Faculty) and Murray (USCD Peds EM faculty) where he gets to eat all their stuff. Nala was likely a long time stray, but the mean streets of the IE did not leave her hardened. In fact, she’s so affectionate that if you don’t pay attention she’ll give you a lick all the way back to your soft palate in a second.

Nala, 9 years old and Maisy, 10 years old

Rescued from Bakersfield, but built for the snow Nala still loves the San Diego heat. She’s happy to spend all day sunbathing on the beach with Dr. Shaheen (faculty). This is in stark contrast to her more indoorsy older sister Maisy who spends her days yowling or food or to be picked up in few hours a day when she’s not asleep.

Lola, 1.5 years old

This blonde bombshell has been a tour-de-force on the San Diego golf circuit. Coached by our very own former Chief Dr. Rich Comeaux (Staff), Lola is the rumored to be the next underdog to win it all at the next DGA (Dog Golf Association) Tour championship (taking after her uncle Bruce).

Nala, 3 years old

Beautiful and fierce, this Belgian Malinois (MalinModel, if you will) is the friendliest of puppies to anyone except cats, children, or men. She has passed numerous obedience courses and is in advanced protection training along side her pawther Dr. Sari Lahham (Staff). While she can appear intimidating, she is terrified of trash bags and is the biggest cuddle bug you will ever meet (unless you’re a cat, child, or man of course..)

CoCo Hersh, 2.5 years Old

Coco is a Portuguese Water Dog. She loves nothing more than beach, ball, and her loving parents, Alumni Dr. Lauren Van Woy (UCSD/Rady’s) and Dr. Kyle Hersh (Staff)

Schmorpus Emeritus

Honey, 6 years old

From the home of Alumnus Dr. Shane Sobrio (Pain Medicine), this cutie is one of the happiest and most loving dogs in the world. With such a saccharine personality some call her sweet was well.. HONEY!

Jeffrey, 4 years old

Jeffrey couldn’t let his dad be the only one with a higher level degree, so he recently became a registered dietician. Jeff Boy R.D. takes his job very seriously and insists on taste testing everything that Former Chief Dr. Joey Gerondale is eating.

Lucy, 5 years old

After sustaining a career ending injury on the track in Tijuana, this beautiful Greyhound retired to spend her days on the couch. Belonging to former Chief Dr. Jessica Andrusaitis (Director of Simulation, Sutter Roseville), the two injured ex-athletes enjoy short slow walks on Fiesta Island.

Winston, 11 years old

This handsome mutt is a fan of sleeping on furniture, cuddling with his mom (Alumna Dr. Kayla Conover), and generally being the laziest dog known to man! He will, however, find the energy to do tricks for treats, and he is OBSESSED with his ball at the beach.

Jade, 4 years old

Much like her owner Alumnus Dr. Ed Kempton, Jade is the most stoic of the bunch. Jade is a compassionate and empathetic listener, but don’t let her reserved demeanor fool you. Like her namesake, Jade can be stone cold if you cross her. (Training with her pops will do that..)

In Memoriam

Tashi Bear

Born in the hills of North Carolina, Tashi Bear was the sweetest, most loyal dog Dr. Neison (AOC/Faculty) could ever have hoped for. Passed at the golden age of 16(!), she lived her best life, even if she couldn’t hear or find her keys.