Dr Baker and Dr Larsson have a combined 44 years of veterinary experience and have been working together since 1989.
The Canal Veterinary Hospital story actually began in 1978 when Dr. Richard L. Baker had a vision to bring veterinary service to the community of Denair, California. Immensely talented, Richard had received his DVM degree from UC Davis as well as a masters degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He put together his skills as a veterinarian and engineer to transform an old, downtown furniture store into a thriving community veterinary hospital.
Four years later, hardship hit the Baker family hard. Richard was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer and succumbed to the disease nine months later. Richard’s brother Gary, who was practicing in Hilmar, California at the time, joined Richard at the Denair practice during the difficult period of transition. The practice continued to grow thoughout the next few years which led to the opening of Canal Veterinary Hospital in 1985. Both facilities continued to operate until 1994, when the practices were consolidated. At Canal Veterinary Hopital we have always considered ourselves a “family practice” for companion pets, hence our motto “serving pets and their people.” The Richard Baker legacy has skillfully been carried on by Dr. Debra Tilson St. Louis (now a mother of 5 residing in Colorado), Dr. Craig Brooks (now the owner of Taylor Veterinary Hospital) and current veterinarians Dr. Gary Baker, and Dr. Deron Larsson. Dr Baker and Dr Larsson have a combined 44 years of veterinary experience and have been working together since 1989. We have always stood in awe over the immense contribution pets make in our lives, striving to provide competent and compassionate care throughout the “circle” of life.
