Cat Tales Team
Fine felines require properly credentialed animal health professionals to provide the cat-specific care they need to maintain optimal health for as long as possible. Cat Tales Feline Health Center is led by experienced veterinarian, Dr. Julie Cole, Co-Owner. Along with Business Partner/Co-Owner, Dr. Chris ‘Shac’ Shacoski, a seasoned veterinarian himself and former emergency practice owner, they have leveraged their decades of expertise to build this very unique practice.
We invite you to learn more about them and the rest of the dedicated team.
Veterinarians
- Julie Cole, DVM, DACT, PhD
Medical Director, Partner
Dr. Julie Cole has loved nearly all aspects of veterinary medicine during her distinguished career. After graduating from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993, she has worked as a vet in so many exciting parts of the field; starting with her internship in Cornell University in rural animal herd medicine to her residency in reproduction at NC State after which she was awarded a specialty in animal reproduction (DACT). She spent a decade working in large animal reproduction and followed this obtaining a PhD in Comparative Pathology. Soon after this, she owned along with her husband, Dr. Chris “Shac” Shacoski, a successful 3 veterinarian practice in Solano County for nearly a decade. After a short time doing relief, she worked for a few years with the largest veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis Animal Health earning the “Rookie of the Year” award for the whole company at her first corporate meeting. Recently she is honored to be selected for the prestigious Don Low Fellowship (2024-2025) in small animal internal medicine at UC Davis vet school.
Dr. Cole has published many papers prior to, and during, vet school; and as part of her PhD. She has worked with horses, cows, sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, many different exotic animals, dogs and, of course, cats. She has loved every minute in veterinary medicine!
While working in corporate medicine, Dr. Cole noticed the need for progressive, feline-only practices that can better serve the needs of cats and the people they own. She has always been passionate about the role veterinarians play in the bond-centered care of pets and the people who love them. Seeing the needs of the cat community led her to become both Human Animal Bond and Fear Free Certified so that she would be prepared to build and operate a feline-only clinic dedicated to the specific needs of cats. She and her husband, Dr. Shac, are excited to establish Cat Tales Feline Health Center as a resource for cat lovers here in Davis, Yolo County and the surrounding Sacramento and Solano Counties.
Dr. Cole and her husband have 4 cats (some dogs), and 3 horses. They have been rescued by many cats; from the dairies in Ithaca to the woods of North Carolina. They are currently owned by 4 cats: a Calico, a gray and white tuxedo, a solid black kitty and a finicky Siamese. Dr. Cole looks forward to meeting your feline friends and sharing stories of the lives they have touched.
- Serena Brenner, MS, DVM, CertAqV
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Brenner brings to Cat Tales 20 years of clinical expertise with small animals, companion exotics, and zoo animals. Just as passionate about animal health today as she was at graduation, Dr. Brenner works hard to stay on the forefront of medical advances and continue to expand her knowledge and understanding of whatever species she is caring for. Her broad experience teaching, working in private practice, managing a shelter, or working in a zoo, taught her that being part of a cohesive team that communicates well is what creates a really wonderful work environment and visit experience for clients. Outside of the clinical, Dr. Brenner was part of the inaugural class (August 2019) of the Foundations of Veterinary Business Program at UC Davis, giving her a deeper look into all aspects of running a business. She is currently in the process of becoming Fear-Free Certified.
Leadership
- Chris “Shac” Shacoski, DVM
Business Manager, Partner
Dr. Shacoski, better known as ‘Shac’, earned his veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 1993. He originally practiced mixed animal medicine, moving on to spend several years in small animal general practice, before settling into the unpredictability of life as an emergency veterinarian. In 2004, Shac became an Owner/Partner and Hospital Director at Solano-Napa Pet Emergency Clinic in Fairfield, CA, the only ER in the county.
Shac has enjoyed being a leader since his youth. This translated into many service roles throughout his veterinary career including serving as the Napa Solano Veterinary Medical Association President for four years (two terms), as well as the 2022-2023 California Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates representative.
Opening Cat Tales Feline Health Center is certainly a change of pace, one that he and Dr. Cole are ready for as it will give them further opportunities to mentor and influence the new generation of veterinary professionals – particularly the ones who love cats as they do.
- Deborah Amiga
Practice Administrator
Deb Amiga brings over 25 years of expertise in animal and shelter hospital operations to her role as Practice Administrator at Cat Tales, FHC. With a degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University, Deb has excelled in various roles throughout her career, including Technician, Manager, and Director. Her skills in operations, training, and client service ensure the smooth and efficient running of the practice.
Deb’s lifelong love for cats began in childhood when she successfully tamed a feral three-legged cat, who eventually became a beloved house pet. This experience deepened her understanding of the unique personalities and needs of cats, inspiring her to provide a special place where they can thrive.
Now residing in Sacramento, Deb enjoys life with her husband, two playful kittens, and a rescue terrier. In her free time, she can be found biking, kayaking, or exploring local farmers’ markets.
- Brandie Wingo
Operations Manager
Brandie brings 18 years of veterinary experience and leadership to her role as Operations Manager. She first became interested in veterinary medicine in high school when she volunteered at a local pet store while visiting her cousin who worked there but has been working in the field since 2006.
During Brandie’s first 16 years in veterinary medicine, she worked in a feline-only clinic where she was mentored by a board-certified feline specialist veterinarian, ultimately becoming Practice Manager. After which, she worked in a small animal practice in both general practice and urgent care, working alongside an integrative medicine DVM and an exotics DVM. She enjoys all aspects of feline medicine but has a long-term interest feline-friendly handling techniques and is a proud Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional. She has a special interest in pain management, dentistry, and surgery. While she favors British Shorthairs and special needs kitties, she loves all types of cats! Brandie believes client education and communication is important in making care plans that work for each patient’s family and their cat. She also prioritizes employee training and career growth.
She shares her life with Pinkman, her mini Dachshund, her husband Mike, and her son Michael. Her personal interests include baking and photography.
