Sherle R. Thompson, Veterinarian & Owner
A “hometown girl,” Dr. Sherle R. Thompson grew up in nearby Hixson and remembers always bringing new animals home as a child.
“I have always known I would be a vet, since as far back as I can remember,” she says.
Dr. Thompson completed her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Auburn University in 1993, and earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine at the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Upon graduating, she spent time doing relief work for local veterinary hospitals and opening her own mobile veterinary practice. Dr. Thompson joined the staff of South Rhea Animal Hospital in 2000, becoming an owner in 2005. Three years later she was instrumental in the founding and building of Sequoyah Animal Hospital. Dr. Thompson is now our animal hospital’s primary owner and manager.
“I like the challenge of diagnosing cases, being able to come up with a treatment plan and seeing the results,” she says.
Dr. Thompson is a member of the American, Tennessee, and Hamilton Veterinary Medical Associations. Her veterinary interests include internal medicine, reproduction, and cosmetic surgery.
“More recently, I’ve become involved in reproduction, especially focusing on working dogs such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds,” she says. “Soon we will be adding semen collection, frozen semen services, etc. to our hospital.”
Dr. Thompson raises German Shepherds and enjoys the orthopedic challenges the breed presents. She specializes in PennHip radiographs and frequently has clients who travel from out of state for orthopedic evaluations
When she has free time, Dr. Thompson enjoys movies, eating out with friends, camping, and water sports as well as competing in dog sports. Her primary competition dog (pictured here) is Hollywood.
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Anna Hughes, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Anna Hughes
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Hughes is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and completed Master of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences degree at Lincoln Memorial University before pursuing her DVM.
Dr. Hughes has an interest in both small and large animals. She grew up on a Thoroughbred farm in Paris, KY, the daughter of veterinarian so it appears that her love of animals and veterinary care “runs on the blood”. Her primary focus is on small animal general practice as well as mixed animal practice.
Dr. Hughes can be found at our Sequoyah Hospital location as well as occasionally out on our ambulatory truck with Scenic City Veterinary Services providing both house and farm call services.
And by the way…..she has a little dog named “Otis”….we think he may be the real boss of the family.
Madison Baker, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Madison Baker
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Madison Baker joined Sequoyah Animal Hospital in the early summer of 2025. She is a dedicated mixed animal veterinarian who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). Raised in Rockwood, Tennessee, she developed a lifelong love for animals and rural life that inspired her career in veterinary medicine.
Dr Baker provides compassionate and comprehensive care to a wide range of species, from large livestock to herd health management. She also enjoys caring for small animals and pocket pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, ensuring even the smallest patients receive expert attention.
At home, Dr. Baker shares her life with her energetic red heeler, Bristol, and two playful hamsters, Stetson and Tex. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains, traveling both across the U.S. and internationally, and is an avid bass fisher.
Dr. Baker is committed to building lasting relationships with her clients and providing thoughtful, personalized care for every animal she treats.
Taylor Garner, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor Garner
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor Garner joined Sequoya Animal Hospital in the summer of 2025. She is a compassionate and skilled veterinarian who brings her expertise and love for animals to our practice. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Garner grew up in Northwest Florida, where her passion for science and medicine took root. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Stetson University in 2020 before pursuing her veterinary education at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2025.
Dr. Garner’s journey to veterinary medicine began during her college years as a veterinary assistant, where she discovered her calling to care for animals. Specializing in small animal care, she has a particular interest in surgery and internal medicine. Dr. Garner finds immense joy in building lasting relationships with pet parents and helping their beloved four-legged family members lead healthy, happy lives.
When she’s not in the clinic, Dr. Garner enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling. She shares her home with her husband and their two cats, Samwise and Eleanor, who keep her life full of love and adventure.
We’re thrilled to have Dr. Garner’s dedication and expertise as part of our team, providing exceptional care to our furry patients and their families.
John English, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. John English
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. English has loved animals for as long as he can remember and knew early on that he wanted to become a veterinarian. He earned his Animal Science degree from UT-Martin and went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University in 1990.
After graduating, Dr. English started his career in a mixed-animal practice in Dyersburg, TN. A few years later, he opened Animal Care Hospital in Ripley, TN, and eventually followed his dream of opening English Veterinary Care in Atoka, TN. He still enjoys the variety of being a mixed-animal veterinarian — especially making farm calls and getting to spend time outdoors with his patients.
Dr. English and his wife, Judy, have been married for 35 years. They recently traded West Tennessee for life in the mountains, where they enjoy the slower pace, beautiful scenery, and time with family. Dr. English loves music, being active in his local church, and spending time with their three children — Peyton, Brantley, and Allie.