2410 Cleveland Hwy, Suite 101 Dalton, GA

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Meet the team

Compassionate Care
Rooted in Community

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Dr. Spencer Bragg
Dr. Spencer Bragg

Dr. Spencer Bragg

Dr. Spencer Bragg isn’t just a veterinarian; he’s a Dalton native who’s come back home to bring a much-needed service to the community he loves. Raised just minutes from where Dogwood Veterinary Medical Center stands today, Dr. Bragg’s return is about more than practicing veterinary medicine – it’s about giving back to the place that’s always been his home.

The clinic is surrounded by the familiar faces and places that shaped him – his grandmother’s house is right behind it, and his church is just down the road. It’s these deep roots that inspire Dr. Bragg to provide care with the honesty, warmth, and dedication that only a true local can offer.

When Dr. Bragg says he’ll treat your pets like family, he means it. His practice is built on the values of faith, family, and a commitment to serving others. He credits his success to the support of his loved ones and his deep belief that caring for animals is more than just a job – it’s a calling.

In Dr. Bragg’s free time he loves spending time with his lovely wife, Lauren, and his three young children, Grayson, Ellie and Isaiah. He also enjoys outdoor activities and loves spending time with other family and friends and enjoys UGA football!

Education and Affiliations

  • Education: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2018
  • Affiliations: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA)

Dr. Phillip Thompson

 

Dr. Phillip Thompson grew up in Hermitage, Tennessee, and has loved veterinary medicine since working in a clinic at age 16. After practicing in Canton from 2020 to 2025, he returned to Dalton to join Dogwood Veterinary Medical Center, drawn by its reputation for compassionate, high-quality care. A nationally recognized speaker with interests in dentistry and dermatology, Dr. Thompson believes every pet deserves the gold standard of care and enjoys connecting with clients through their pets.

Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathryn, and helping their two sons with their farm, where they care for miniature Scottish Highland cattle and run a mobile petting zoo. Dr. Thompson is also a devoted University of Kentucky sports fan.

Dr. Thompson hopes every client remembers him as someone who genuinely cares for both them and their pets.

Education and Affiliations

  • Education: University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2008

Lexy Chapman

Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist

With a decade of experience in the veterinary industry, Lexy Chapman is a vital member of our team. She has spent the last four years working closely alongside Dr. Bragg, thriving in a fast-paced environment where their teamwork and collaboration truly shine.

Growing up on a farm, Lexy developed a deep love for animals, which continues to inspire her approach to veterinary care every day. She is passionate about making every visit smooth and supportive, ensuring both pets and their owners feel comfortable and cared for. Lexy is excited to bring her experience and dedication to the Dalton community, helping pets stay happy and healthy while building strong, trusting relationships with the families she serves.

Tamara Truelove

Office Manager

Tamara has been in the veterinary field since 1999, working alongside Dr. Bragg for years. Known for her hands-on approach and love for fast-paced environments, she excels at managing both the office and patient care. Having started her career under the mentorship of Dr. Wilson, Tamara brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every visit.

She is excited to continue working closely with Dr. Bragg to serve the Dalton community. When she’s not ensuring smooth office operations, Tamara enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing and kayaking with her family. Her dedication and passion for animals make her an important part of the team.

 

Lesly Roach

Registered Veterinary Technician

With 15 years of experience in human nursing and a passion for animal care, Lesly brings a unique blend of medical expertise and compassion to our team. After transitioning from pediatrics to veterinary medicine, she has found her calling in helping animals and their families. Lesly has enjoyed worked alongside Dr. Bragg and shares his commitment to providing personalized, high-quality care, ensuring that every pet receives the attention and support they deserve.

Originally from Dalton, Lesly is excited to give back to the community she calls home. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, her two cats, three dogs, and a hedgehog, and relaxing by the lake or beach whenever she can.

 

Kailyn Carnes

Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

Kailyn Carnes has been working in veterinary medicine since 2019 and brings a warm, welcoming presence to our team. As a Fear Free Certified professional, she is passionate about creating a calm and comforting experience for both pets and their owners. A Dalton native, Kailyn’s love for animals began in childhood, and she now channels that passion into helping all pets, treating each one as if they were her own.

At home, Kailyn shares her life with Dolly, a 2-year-old labradoodle, Goose, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler mix, and four cats, Sassy, Puss, Pearl, and Smokey. In her free time, she enjoys going to car shows with her husband and 7-year-old son. Kailyn loves the family-like atmosphere at Dogwood Veterinary Medical Center and the opportunity to give back to the community, approaching every visit with compassion and care.

 

Alexia Rangel

Veterinary Assistant

Alexia Rangel has been a veterinary assistant for a year, bringing compassion, dedication, and a love for animals to our team. A 2023 Dalton State graduate in biology with a minor in chemistry, she enjoys helping pets live their healthiest lives and learning new skills to provide the best care.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Alexia is described by pet owners as respectful, caring, and hardworking. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with friends, living by her mother’s saying: “Ponte las pilas, todo se puede”—“Get going, anything is possible.”

 

Elizabeth Cornejo

Veterinary Assistant

Elizabeth Cornejo has been a veterinary assistant for five years, bringing strong leadership to our team. A Dalton native, she loves helping animals heal and is grateful to Dr. Bragg for giving her the opportunity to grow and take on expanded responsibilities in veterinary medicine. Bilingual and adaptable, she connects easily with clients and their pets, earning a reputation for being kind, caring, and thorough.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys raising her 2-year-old son with support from her family. She shares her home with three dogs, two ducks, and a turkey, and is passionate about education, volunteering at local schools and working as a substitute teacher. Her guiding motto is: “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage… and something great will come from it.”

 

Hannah Alderman

Receptionist/Assistant

For the past three years, Hannah Alderman has combined her love for animals with her compassion for people as a receptionist and assistant. She values this work because it allows her to give a voice to pets in need and support families through challenging times.

Known for being friendly and caring, Hannah brings Fear Free handling skills that help pets feel calm and safe. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, tubing, camping, crocheting, and spending time with her dogs. Words that inspire her are: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

 

Hannah Defoor

Certified Veterinary Technician

With five years of experience, Hannah Defoor brings genuine care and strong multitasking skills to her role. She loves seeing the joy on an owner’s face after their pet has been cared for and says working at DVMC has been one of the most meaningful experiences in her life.

A Crandall, GA native, Hannah enjoys camping with her husband and caring for their many pets, including dogs, cats, goats, chickens, a tortoise, and a sugar glider. She always approaches her work with the belief to consistently give 110%.

 

Kinsley Johnston

Veterinary Assistant

Kinsley Johnston has been drawn to animal care from an early age, beginning as a Humane Society volunteer at 12. She is grateful for the mentorship she has found at Dogwood and enjoys learning something new every day while helping pets stay healthy and happy. Kinsley is thankful to work at a place that truly values the care and dedication given to animals and their families.

Raised in Dalton, Kinsley is a biology major at Dalton State College with plans to continue on to UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She shares her home with her Brittany Spaniel, Dixie, and lionhead rabbit, Bun Bun, and looks forward to a future helping animals throughout her community.

 

Why Choose Us? Because We’re

More Than Just a Veterinary Clinic –

We’re a Part of Your Community.

Request an Appointment with Our Team