Dr. Shawn Messonnier opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Center in 1991. His special interests include holistic and functional medicine, exotic pets, dermatology, cancer, and internal medicine. Dr. Shawn is a well-known speaker and author. In addition to serving clients, he has written for numerous veterinary and pet publications including Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, Veterinary Forum, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, Dog World, Fido Friendly, Whole Dog Journal, Whole Cat Journal, Whole Living, Total Health and Wellness. He is the former radio host of the award-winning Dr. Shawn The Natural Vet for Martha Stewart Living Radio.

Dr. Shawn is also the author of several books, including the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, The Natural Vets’ Guide to Preventing and Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets.

Dr. Shawn has also developed a number of unique holistic treatments, not available elsewhere, for a variety of diseases. Using a holistic and functional medicine approach, Dr. Shawn is able to help many patients who have not been properly diagnosed and treated by conventional medicine and whom have received a guarded prognosis. This unique approach allows him to offer hope even for those cases which are deemed hopeless by other doctors.

Daisy grew up around animals (horses to be specific.) She has been interested in working in pet care since high school, completing classes to get a taste of the vet world. She fell in love with pet care and continued her studies post-graduation.

Towards the latter half of her studies, Daisy completed her internship at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Center.  Although not familiar with holistic care when she started her internship, she experienced the elevated level of care animals received at this practice and knew she had to become a member of this holistic family. In addition to caring for pets, she had a newfound calling to educate pet parents about the benefits of all-natural, functional medicine.

Daisy has been a Veterinary Assistant/Nurse at Paws & Claws for 3 years and counting. Daisy has a rescue pet Chihuahua named Daisy who began seeing Dr. Shawn at age 7. She had been taken to all annual visits required by conventional veterinarian practices prior to her first visit with Dr. Shawn. Pet Daisy had low energy, so Mama Daisy brought her in to see Dr. Shawn. Thanks to Dr. Shawn’s special blood profile, he was able to conclude Pet Daisy suffered from elevated kidney levels which was successfully treated and now is stable due to Dr. Shawn’s all-natural supplements. Pet Daisy switched from routine vaccines to receiving blood titer testing, which determines if and when she needs vaccinations. This has also attributed to her improved health. Every pet is unique and does not always need the same schedule of vaccines as another, which is why titer testing is such an important part of heath care at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Center.

Daisy’s strengths include laboratory procedures (blood drawing & test preparation) and her calming nature which puts our patients at ease (many pet parents are amazed at how comfortable their pets are during their visits at our hospital.) 

Celeste is a military brat born in Las Vegas but raised in San Antonio, Texas. She has dedicated many years of her life to the health field, attending a health magnet high school, and later earning a certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Registered Dental Assistant. She grew up with an assortment of animals from fish to dogs and birds. Her love for animals is what eventually brought her to Paws and Claws and reignited her interest in veterinary medicine. She now resides in Farmersville with her dachshund Toby.

Celeste joined the Paws and Claws family in July of 2021. It was Dr. Messonnier’s holistic-functional approach to pet care that was the ultimate deciding factor to join. Celeste is thrilled with the care her own pet has received. Toby has undergone holistic anesthesia for his periodontal cleaning & full annual exam! Throughout Toby’s 12 years of life, he has suffered from skin allergies causing him discomfort and irritation. His previous veterinarians prescribed medicated washes that either worked temporarily or further exacerbated the condition. Since using Dr. Shawn’s Soothing Herbal All-In-One shampoo, Toby no longer needs to use medicated soaps for his baths and his skin looks better than ever! Due to his age, Toby’s previous doctors were wary of sedating him for his dental cleaning; however, Dr. Shawn’s holistic sedation and anesthetic monitoring protocol are safe for animals no matter the age!

Celeste is excited to be the newest member of the Paws and Claws family! She cannot wait to meet each and every furry, feathered, or scaled friend that walks through the hospital’s doors!