Technicians
Rafael Gomez, Lead Technician
Rafael is a man of exceptional character and ability. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Rafael is one of eleven siblings. He does not boast of a formal education, or of anything for that matter, but is regarded in this area as the best the equine profession has to offer. We are very fortunate to have him as a friend and partner. If we as veterinarians had the ability to bestow the degree of doctor to a qualified and deserving individual, this man would be number one on the list. Rafael came across the border at the tender age of eighteen with nothing more than the clothes on his back. The first job he ever had; has also been his last. He started working for Dr. Will Ommert at Los Caballos Veterinary Hospital at it's inception. He did not know how to speak english, but he could speak horse. He became Dr. Ommert's most trusted and valued employee. He has worked nearly twenty seven years for the hospital. He has seen and treated more disease and injuries than most veterinarians have ever encountered and some I'm sure that have yet to be documented. He has an ability with horses second to none. There is not a horse handler/whisperer etc. that could hold a candle to this man. Rafael can now speak fluent english (sort of) and has become a legal citizen of this great country. He is the proud father of two boys and one girl. His oldest son is a member of our great Navy (Way To Go, David), the second son is a budding veterinarian himself (yeah Gus I'm talkin bout you) and his daughter helps to keep our hospital supplied and in working order (you will meet Verenice later). Rafael is also lucky. He is lucky to have standing at his side, the best wife and friend a man could ever imagine. Not only is she beautiful, she is hard working, devoted and most importantly,she keeps all of these characters in check (she also works for us!). I am proud to introduce a man who is father to some, mentor to many and a friend to all.
Gustavo Gomez, Technician
Gus was born in Gaudalajara, Mexico and came to the United States when he was a toddler. He is Rafael and Lorena's second child. Gus graduated from Great Oak High School in 2007. During his school years he played a lot of baseball. Now he works full-time for Los Caballos Veterinary Hospital. He is also enrolled as a part-time student at San Diego Mesa Community College. He is working toward completion of the Animal Health Technology Program to attain his Certified Veterinary Technician license.
Rita Knight, Technician
Rita has spent her entire life in Murrieta. She has known Dr. Anita Dennison since Dr. Anita was born. Rita is very involved with stock dog competitions and raises both stock dogs and livestock gaurdian dogs. She is also involved with "Wags for Wishes", a program that works with the Make a Wish Foundation patients. Rita has worked for Los Caballos Veterinary Hospital since February of 2008.
Mara Roberts, Technician
Mara came to work for LCVH in May of 2008, it has been a dream for her to dedicate her energy and abilities to animals health, care and well being. Having previously worked for a veterinarian in Encinitas and being part of ranch life in Hemet, she came to the conclusion that she wanted to make this her career. Mara graduated high school in 2003 and attended Mira Costa College in 2004 for Child Development Classes. She has had extensive handling and care of commercial agricultural animals (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs), as well as canine, feline, rodent, reptilian, aquatic and avian animals. Her athletic activities include: Equine Hunter/Jumper and Reining Cow Horse, gymnastics, High-Diving, tennis, surfing, and soccor. Mara also has an educational program for pre-schoolers through elementary age involving her collection of indigenous, exotic and agricultural animals. Her experience with and love for animals makes her a great LCVH team member.
Lorena Gomez, Grounds Keeper
Lorena, a wonderful mother of three children, two work at LCVH and the other is part of the US Navy Seabees. She is a very proud mother! Lorena is married to the lead technician at LCVH, Rafael. They have been married for 22+ years. Before she started working for LCVH she worked at a greenhouse where she developed a passion for plants and flowers. Lorena now works at LCVH to the grounds looking beautiful and the flowers blooming. Anyone who has visited LCVH can tell what good she is at what she does! She is very grateful to have met the Dennisons and to be a part of the LCVH team.
Jose Roman, Technician
Jose joined the LCVH team in June of 2008. Jose has worked his entire life around horses. He is an ambulatory technician. This job requires him to go out in the field and handle all types of large animals in many different cases. His experience with horses makes him a valuable team member to LCVH.