Hector Martinez, Dyani King, Dr. Jeff Young, Melody Young-Obuobisa and Tasha Crabtree in the Planned Pethood clinic in…Read More
At Denver’s Planned Pethood, a Team of Passion and Purpose Keeps Animals Thriving
In a bustling Denver neighborhood, behind the glass doors of Planned Pethood International, a small but determined team works tirelessly to give animals a second chance at life. The clinic, known across Colorado and far beyond for its low-cost veterinary services and life-saving outreach, is powered by more than just medicine. It thrives on the compassion, expertise, and dedication of people like Dr. Jeff Young, Hector Martinez, Dyani King, Melody Young-Obuobisa, and Tasha Crabtree — names that have become synonymous with animal welfare in the region.
Founded decades ago by Dr. Jeff Young, Planned Pethood has grown into a beacon of hope for pets whose owners cannot afford traditional veterinary care. Dr. Young, widely recognized for his candid approach and mission-driven practice, built the clinic on the principle that no animal should be denied treatment due to financial barriers. His philosophy remains the heartbeat of the organization.
Walking through the clinic, one can feel the rhythm of organized chaos. Phones ring constantly with appointment requests, the sound of dogs barking echoes down the hallways, and cats in carriers peer anxiously from waiting-room benches. Yet amidst the flurry, the staff move with calm efficiency, each knowing their role in this greater mission.
Hector Martinez, a senior technician at the clinic, has been at Dr. Young’s side for years. Known for his quiet strength and meticulous care, Martinez plays a crucial role in preparing animals for surgery and ensuring recovery goes smoothly. Clients often remark on his gentle way with frightened pets, whether it’s soothing a trembling puppy before anesthesia or reassuring a worried owner about the post-operative process. For Martinez, the work is deeply personal. “These animals can’t speak for themselves,” he often says. “We’re their voice.”
Another vital member of the team is Dyani King, a veterinary assistant who embodies both empathy and resilience. King often serves as the first point of contact for clients, guiding them through paperwork, explaining treatment options, and lending emotional support. Her warmth and ability to connect with pet owners help bridge the gap between medical care and community understanding. Many who come to the clinic find comfort in her approachable manner, especially during difficult moments when tough decisions need to be made.
At the heart of the clinic’s leadership alongside Dr. Young is Melody Young-Obuobisa. A steady presence in both clinical operations and broader outreach initiatives, Melody brings balance to the often-intense environment. Her background in administration and her ability to juggle logistics ensures that the team runs like a well-oiled machine. Whether coordinating spay-and-neuter campaigns, managing staff schedules, or liaising with international partners, she keeps Planned Pethood’s mission on track. For Melody, it’s not just a job; it’s a calling rooted in her commitment to animal welfare and community service.
Adding to this dynamic mix is Tasha Crabtree, whose expertise and adaptability make her an invaluable asset. Known for her upbeat personality and hands-on approach, Crabtree handles a range of responsibilities, from assisting in surgeries to providing post-op instructions to families. Her role often extends beyond medicine, as she educates owners about long-term pet health, emphasizing preventative care and the importance of spay-and-neuter programs in reducing overpopulation.
Together, this team functions like a family, united by a shared mission. Their work is not without challenges. The clinic often faces overwhelming demand, with more animals needing help than resources can sometimes provide. Yet, the staff push forward, motivated by the stories that unfold daily: a stray cat nursed back to health, a senior dog receiving affordable surgery, or a family relieved to find care for their beloved pet without financial strain.
Dr. Young himself remains as driven as ever. His reputation for being blunt and uncompromising is matched only by his commitment to his patients. Over the years, he has performed tens of thousands of surgeries and trained countless veterinary professionals, spreading his low-cost care model globally. For him, the clinic is more than a workplace; it is proof that change is possible when compassion is put into action.
What makes Planned Pethood unique is not only the medical expertise but also the human element. Each member of the team brings their own strengths, personalities, and stories, weaving them together into a powerful force for good. Martinez’s quiet steadiness, King’s compassionate communication, Melody’s organizational leadership, Crabtree’s enthusiasm, and Dr. Young’s visionary determination create a blend that has become the clinic’s hallmark.
Beyond Denver, the influence of Planned Pethood stretches internationally. Outreach programs have sent teams abroad to countries with limited veterinary access, where they conduct mass spay-and-neuter clinics and provide training. Back home, the clinic remains a refuge for low-income families who want the best for their pets but lack the means to pay for high-cost veterinary care elsewhere.
For many clients, the gratitude is immeasurable. Stories abound of pets saved against the odds — a dog struck by a car who walked again after surgery, a cat with a severe infection brought back to health, litters of unwanted puppies prevented through proactive spay-and-neuter care. Each success underscores the importance of the team’s dedication.
As the sun sets on another busy day at Planned Pethood, the staff clean instruments, check on recovering patients, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. It is demanding work, but to this group, it is worth every long hour and every emotional moment. They know the animals — and the families who love them — are counting on them.
In Denver and far beyond, the names Hector Martinez, Dyani King, Dr. Jeff Young, Melody Young-Obuobisa, and Tasha Crabtree are reminders that veterinary medicine is more than science. It is compassion in action, a fight for those without a voice, and a testament to what a small, committed team can achieve when united by purpose.
