Dr. DeWard was born and raised outside St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, he moved to Washington State to escape the cold Midwest winters. Before entering veterinary school, Dr. DeWard spent time in Costa Rica where he conducted research on nesting ecology in Scarlet Macaws and helped develop a Regional Macaw education and conservation program. His devotion to the preservation of animals extended to previous employment with the Minnesota Department of Natural resources as a fisheries technician. Dr. DeWard has also worked for the YMCA, and as a high school swim coach. After fostering the dream of owning his own business, and with a lot of dedication and hard work on the part of his wife Julie DeWard, Mt. Rainier Equine was formed in May 2008.

Julie DeWard assists Dr. DeWard in the field as well as managing the veterinary practice. Julie was born and raised in Maple Valley, Washington, and has always felt a connection to animals. Growing up with dogs, goats and rabbits she finally persuaded her father to let her buy her first horse at age 13. Showing 4-H and FFA throughout high school brought her to discover Dressage, which she has enjoyed until the recent retirement of her horse Harmony in 2006. She hopes to eventually compete again on her mare Symphony and that she will follow in the talented footsteps of her mother, Harmony. Julie completed her AA degree in 2001. Her interest in alternative therapies inspired her to pursue a degree from the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado where she graduated as a Rolfer/Massage Practitioner in 2003. Julie practiced for several years however her current devotion is to the success of their veterinary practice.

Bob and Julie have a combined 17 years of experience in veterinary medicine. They share their home with 2 draft-cross geldings, 1 warmblood mare, 2 miniature donkeys, 1 miniature horse, 2 dogs, 3 cats and a rabbit. As many of you know Bob & Julie’s home was burned in a fire in December 2009. They have been rebuilding since then and are happy to announce they are now living in their new home that was completed Oct 15th, 2010. They love spending time in their home with “the crew”, as well as cooking, hiking, camping, and exploring new places.

Bob and Julie with their donkeys TJ and George. Bob and Julie love working on smaller patients too!	Julie with her mare Symphony (6 yr. old Wesphalian)
Bob and Julie with two of their horses: Hudson and Symphony	Bob with his gelding Hudson (6 yr. old Paint/Percheron/Thoroughbred)