Meet Our Team

DR. DHAWALA ABEYWICKRAMA, DVM

OWNER & VETERINARIAN

Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr. Dhawala moved to Saskatoon with his family when he was 15 years old. Dr. Dhawala attended the University of Saskatchewan and then the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Dhawala worked as a mixed animal veterinarian – treating all animals from cats to cows and everything in between. Dr. Dhawala (and Emma) moved to Vancouver Island in 2020 and has been loving it ever since. When not at the clinic, you’ll find him around water either Scuba diving or fishing or hanging out at home with Emma and their two rescue dogs (Asha and Mira) and one cat (Milo)

Dr. Peter Watson, DVM

Dr. Peter is joining our Garry Oak Team as a consistent locum on Thursdays and Fridays. He was trained at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, SK where he became friends with Drs Emma and Dhawala. Following graduation, Dr. Peter returned to the island to practice large animal medicine at Mill Bay and Ag west. While he loves large animal medicine, he wanted to add small animal practice back into his work and has begun working as a locum at a few small animal hospitals while balancing his large animal work. While not working, Dr. Peter can be found taking care of his farm with his wife (he has cows, chickens, 2 cats and a dog), playing hockey or the piano. We are so lucky to have Dr. Peter join our team.

JULIE

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Julie, who also graduated from Claremont, has been a Registered Veterinary Technologist since 1985. She is the mother of Daniel (currently working in Alberta) and 2 cats (Tux and George). She has a hobby farm with sheep and chickens as well as being a long time leader and volunteer in 4-H. She is particularly skilled with handling and care of cats, creating as stress free a hospital experience for them as possible. Her skills and education are put to work assisting in anaesthesia, dentistry, and surgery, and performing all in-house laboratory procedures.

TARA

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Tara is a registered veterinary technician who joined the team when Dhawala and Emma took over the practice. She comes all the way from Cobble Hill to work with the Garry Oak team once a week. She grew up on the family Dairy farm so knows her way around all kinds of critters. Tara is a huge outdoor enthusiast and has traveled all around the world, most recently New Zealand, to go on some incredible hikes. She has a dog (Jess) and 2 cats (Stumpy and Tippy) – all of whom join her on camping trips and adventures.

BRIANNA

Veterinary Technician in training

While originally from Victoria BC, Brianna has spent much of her time travelling the world and working abroad. Following graduation, Brianna set off and travelled to New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Thailand, and many more! Brianna returned to Victoria and completed the Veterinary Office Assistant program before joining our team. Brianna loves anything outdoors and has recently taken to silversmithing.

TRISH

VETERINARY ASSISTANT

With 20 years of dog handling experience and the training co-ordinator for Vancouver Island Search and Disaster Dogs (VISD), Trish has a wealth of knowledge. She has recently retired from the Provincial Government,and is a former LPN and Emergency Medical Technician. Trish is happily transitioning to veterinary care as our part time Veterinary Assistant. She is kept on her toes by two young Malinois in training.