Meet the Doctors

Dr. Araba Oglesby

Dr. Araba Oglesby focuses on the best of both Eastern and Western medicine.

Her commitment to gentle and compassionate care for her patients sets her apart. Witnessing her patients thrive through holistic therapies is her passion.

Dr. Araba has worked in the veterinary world for over 30 years – from participating in an early animal care / veterinary care program at the Philadelphia Zoo as a junior high school student to managing stock and keeping the kennel at a Philadelphia area general practice before starting her training as a veterinary assistant in the same practice. Moving to California for college, Dr. Araba continued her pursuits in veterinary medicine working as a veterinary technician, then lead veterinary technician at Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital in Pacifica.

Prior to receiving her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Dr. Araba also completed a duel bachelor’s in Biology (Zoology) and English (Creative Writing) and went on to pursue her Master’s in Animal Physiology and Behavior (emphasis in Wildlife Animal Behavior) at San Francisco State University. Her field work was conducted in the rain forests of Belize focusing on the Black Howler Monkey.

Dr. Araba received her DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 after completing her clinical curriculum at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. At Purdue she received the award for Excellent Clinical Proficiency. After completing her doctorate, Dr. Araba worked in general practice at Linda Mar, then completed her small animal rotating internship at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists (SFVS), emphasizing emergency medicine. She again worked in general practice at the San Francisco SPCA before rejoining SFVS as an associate emergency veterinarian where she worked for 4+ years. She has been an integrative house call veterinarian in the Bay Area for the last 8+ years, and enjoys being able to bring high quality integrative care to her patients in the comfort of their homes.

It was during her internship at SFVS in 2008 that she was able to explore and utilize the benefits of integrative medicine. Dr. Araba completed her training in small animal veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute, and continues her education and training through Chi for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy and Tui-Na (Chinese Medical Manipulation and Massage). She is currently completing her certification as a TCVM Palliative & End-Of-Life-Care Certification. Dr. Araba is Reiki II certified.

Araba grew up in Philadelphia, but has lived in San Francisco for most of her adult life. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys cooking, hosting small dinner parties with close friends, wine, travel, gardening, as well as spending time with her boyfriend, James, and her cats.

Relief Veterinarian: Dr. Dawn Dempsey
(currently away/on leave)

Meet Dr. Dawn

Dr. Dawn Dempsey has been providing superior care for our small animal companions for many years.. Working as a veterinary technician for 12 years, she developed excellent skills, a keen medical sense and a compassionate communication style that makes her an exceptional addition to the Blue Sparrow Team.

Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Dawn attended California Polytechnic State University, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. She received her doctorate in June of 2006 from Ross University, and completed her clinical year at Purdue University in Indiana. While at Ross University and Purdue University, she became great friends and colleagues with Dr. Araba.

Dr. Dawn has worked in a small animal practice in the Los Angeles area for the last decade, where she gained valuable experience in internal medicine, preventative care, dermatology, and surgery. Dr. Dawn has completed several courses in alternative medicine including her Small Animal Acupuncture Certification from The Chi Institute, as well as the Animals and Essential Oils Intensive Training Certification with Dr. Melissa Shelton. Through The Chi Institute, Dr. Dawn continues to expand her knowledge of integrative care and education in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Dr. Dawn enjoys developing long-term relationships with her clients and their pets. Her primary goal is to offer well-balanced, versatile, holistic medicine for her patients in the comfort and harmony of their homes.