Meet the Team

Dr. Bob Hale

Veterinarian, Practice Owner

Years in Practice: 37
Education: Louisiana State University
Interests: Outdoor Enthusiast

I grew up in the wonderful southern town of El Dorado, Arkansas. As a young child my parents let me have a variety of pets: raccoons, fox squirrels, flying squirrels, a squirrel monkey, a parrot, a boa constrictor, tarantulas, and of course a few cats and dogs. My desire to work with animals started at a very early age, thanks to my parents.

When I graduated from high school in 1970, I was unsure of what I could do and moved toward a business degree. I graduated from University of Arkansas in 1976 and went to work for Roadway Express Trucklines for two years. The next three years, I worked in Brazil, South America for a shipping company called Offshore Logistics. It was during this time I reflected on my real “calling” in life– to work with dogs and cats.

I returned to the University of Arkansas to “repeat” my sciences for two years, applied to LSU Veterinary School, and graduated in 1987 as a doctor of veterinary medicine.

At the present time, I have a wife, four children, five dogs, two cats, and one parrot. Everyday I wake up and think about my veterinary mission and how fortunate I am working with wonderful pet lovers, great employees, and doing what I was intended to do.

NOTE: Dr. Bob sees appointments Mon-Wed each week.

Dr. Kelsie Penny

DVM

I am from Memphis, TN. I grew up as an only child, so most of my favorite childhood memories consisted of everything revolving around animals. Due to this, the idea of becoming a veterinarian was easy and without question. I’ve owned and fallen in love with many different types of animals including dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, birds, ferrets, hermit crabs, and even sugar gliders. At the age of 13, I even started shadowing, volunteering, and then working at several different veterinary clinics in Memphis.

I attended Mississippi State University for undergrad, graduating in 2015 with a bachelors degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences. In 2014, I was lucky enough to be accepted into Kentucky Equine Management and Internship as a student intern for Dixiana Farms where I helped prepare yearlings for September Keeneland sales as well as prep young racehorses. While in undergrad, I was also accepted a student working position in the Radiology program at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This, along with so many other things, helped me get accepted at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. I was a member and sometimes officer of several different clubs including: Veterinary Business Management Association, American Association of Equine Practioneers, Alpha Psi, and Wildlife/Exotic/Zoo/Avian/and Aquatics club. I received my Fear-Free certification during this time as well.

Currently, I live here in Little Rock with my two dogs, Maggie and Mina, and my two horses, Rose and Regent. I love working with both my patients (furry, feathery, and scaly) and their parents (you, my clients)! I enjoy ophthalmology, cardiology, reproduction, and exotic cases. I cannot wait to continue to provide high quality care to you and pets here at Briarwood Animal Hospital!

Dr. Mary Hudson

DVM

I’m Dr. Mary Hudson, a devoted veterinarian specializing in small animal care, with a focus on ophthalmology and clinical pathology. Originally from Hot Springs, AR, I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University and hold USDA accreditation.

With four years of experience in the Little Rock area, including roles at Banfield Pet Hospital and a veterinary clinic in San Antonio, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice. My journey began as a vet assistant at Temperance Hill Animal Hospital in Hot Springs.

Outside of work, I enjoy board games, trivia, and reading. At home, I share my life with my husband, Kregg, and our four pets – two dogs, Colonel and Katana, and two cats, Cleo and Ash. An avid SCUBA diver since age 8, I bring an adventurous spirit to both my professional and personal life. I’m committed to making a positive impact on the well-being of pets and their owners in our community.