Susan Lauten PhD

For me, this is a second career. Better late than never they say! Animals have been the focus of my life since I was a small child. Unfortunately, being a wife, and living in a location without a veterinary college, I was unable to follow my dreams.

I attended Mississippi College in Clinton, MS where I earned a BSBA in Accounting. I went on to become a CPA, which I loved. After a divorce, I moved to Miami and continued work for another two years until I decided that life was short and animals were my true passion. I moved to Auburn, AL to pursue a veterinary degree. After much thought, I opted for a Master’s degree in Agriculture (in animal nutrition) and then pursued a PhD in the biomedical sciences. All of my research and focus remained on animal nutrition. There was just not enough nutrition taught in veterinary schools and I wanted to know more.

Fortunately, I was offered an opportunity for a post doctoral fellowship at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. Together with my mentors, Drs. Joe Bartges and Claudia Kirk, both renowned nutritionists and internists, we started a clinical nutrition service at the teaching hospital. I owe them so much for the education they provided. The program progressed to the addition of nutrition residents, and I left to continue my clinical work via the internet on a full time basis.

I’ve never looked back, and know that I am extremely lucky to be living my dreams of healthy nutrition for our pet families, with a bonus of meeting some of the best finest people in the world. Many of my clients have become close friends, and I am truly blessed.

This life has been filled with dog training, obedience, field work, tracking, conformation, companionship and animal assisted therapy. I’m sure life will continue to fill my heart with animals to love.