Practical Veterinary Medicine and Life Wisdom
Because Healers Have to Heal
A Nonprofit Focused on Supporting Veterinary Healers
Our mission is to offer education, provide scholarships, mentorships, mental wellness, and charitable work in the local Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina area. The case studies and thought pieces we develop reach a wide audience, helping veterinary professionals gain a better understanding of disease management and how to be a capable, confident healer.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with all donations being tax deductible.
Focused on healing, in all its forms
Dr. Denette O. Cooke opened her hospital in Chesapeake, VA, in 2002 and has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 2005. With a background in chemistry, she holds certifications in chiropractic, acupuncture, and Balance Method acupuncture, and is highly skilled in the use of Chinese herbal medicine. She is one of only 120 veterinarians worldwide certified in the advanced Balance Method, reflecting her dedication to blending Eastern and Western modalities for optimal healing—a philosophy she calls the “Two Black Bag” approach to medicine.
Student Scholarships
The DrCookeVet.com Scholarship Program supports students dedicated to strengthening the veterinary community in Southside Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded for the Spring or Summer semesters to individuals pursuing education in any veterinary discipline — including veterinary school, technician programs, or advanced degrees. Applicants should demonstrate academic good standing, financial need, and a commitment to serving and supporting the local veterinary community after graduation.
Veterinarian Mentorships
Our mentorship program is a personalized, integrative experience designed to help veterinary professionals grow both personally and professionally. Led by Dr. Denette Cooke, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, CVBMA, the program combines traditional veterinary medicine with holistic practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Five Element theory to deepen understanding and self-awareness. Through guided reflection, open dialogue, and practical application, participants build confidence, balance, and renewed purpose in their veterinary careers.
The Unspoken Grief of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine carries a kind of grief few outside the profession ever see. Behind every white coat are patients we couldn’t save, mistakes we still carry, and losses we’re never taught how to process. This is a story about those moments—and why no veterinarian should have to face them alone.
Writings and Resources
Recent Cases
Recent helpful studies from the patients we see at Cooke Veterinary Medical Center, made available to all veterinary practitioners.
Perspectives
Memories and reflections on a lifetime spent helping animals. The industry has changed quite a bit- this is my attempt to make sense of the changes.
Herb of the Month
Introducing you to our favorite eastern medicinal remedies, what they are used for, and how to properly apply them.
Why the Dragonfly?
Our dragonfly logo symbolizes transformation, resilience, and the wisdom of change—qualities at the heart of healing. Across cultures, the dragonfly represents courage, spiritual growth, and the ability to move with grace through life’s challenges. Its independent wings, capable of flying in any direction, mirror the adaptability required in the healing professions. Encircled by the Five Element colors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dragonfly’s lavender heart connects mind and spirit, reminding us that true healing unites head and heart. It calls us to stay present, embrace change, and nurture our own well-being while caring for others.