Meet Our Veterinarians

In 2011, Dr. Johnson and her family moved back to Washington. She worked at a small animal clinic in Skagit County until, in 2018, she decided the drive was too much and joined our team at Whatcom Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Johnson enjoys working with clients to put together a comprehensive preventive medicine plan for their pets, with the goal being to avoid major medical problems. She also enjoys soft tissue surgeries and dental practice, including the use of surgical flaps for major tooth extractions to reduce pain and improve healing for the patient.

When not in the clinic, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband and their son. She enjoys designing and sewing clothes, training for and running half and full marathons, and riding her horses. Her family has two Golden Retrievers, four horses, and a rotating assortment of other farm animals.

Dr. Donaldson began her veterinary career at an extensive five doctor practice where she received excellent mentorship in canine, feline, and exotic pet animals. Since then, she has worked at a clinic with a special interest in canine reproduction, at an exclusive feline practice, been a relief doctor, volunteered surgical time at the Humane Society, and worked with high volume/high-quality spay and neuter projects.

In 2007, Dr. Donaldson and her family were drawn to the Pacific Northwest for its beauty and lifestyle.

For the past seven years, she has worked at a multi-doctor practice in Skagit County and is Fear Free Certified. Her friendly, confident approach is an excellent asset to our practice. During her time off, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing in the shower, hiking, running, traveling, book club, and baking. She is overjoyed to be joining the Whatcom Veterinary Hospital team!

Dr. Bliss is originally from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where her love of animals began early in life. Her passion for veterinary medicine grew as she shadowed a veterinarian throughout college. She attended Oklahoma State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2017, and then her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. In her free time, Dr. Bliss enjoys spoiling her three pets, hiking, reading, and traveling.

Dr. Zalewa started her career as a wildlife biologist in Colorado. She later moved to Australia with her partner, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The University of Melbourne. After graduation, she practiced at a small animal clinic just outside of Melbourne before eventually returning to Colorado. Most recently, she and her partner made the move to Bellingham.

Dr. Zalewa is passionate about delivering modern, compassionate care and is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture. Her professional interests include preventative medicine, soft tissue surgery, and integrative approaches to managing chronic pain, particularly in senior pets.

Outside of the work, Dr. Zalewa enjoys spending time outdoors—often hiking with her five-year-old golden retriever, Lena. She’s also an avid mountain biker, snowboarder, and occasionally ventures out on surf trips. At home, she enjoys tending to her backyard vegetable garden and dabbling in beekeeping.