Chris Tucker
Veterinarian
Hi, I'm Dr. Chris Tucker. I have been serving the North Dallas community as a dedicated Veterinarian for over 22 years. Before graduating from Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine, I attended Texas Tech University, where I met my wife, Lisa. Through 26 years of marriage, our proudest achievement is our two children.
My daughter Alexis, a graduate of Colorado State University with a passion for travel and exploration, and my son, Reid, who is currently pursuing studies at the University of Oklahoma. My family's heart, however, belongs to their nine-year-old Shih Tzu-mix, Oliver.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part, for sure, is relationships all around. Relationships with my patients—I have some longtime patients, and I take a lot of pride in taking care of them for their entire lives. The clients, too; we create a lot of bonds in the exam room. And not to forget our staff—relationships with our team and the culture we create. Relationships are definitely what energizes me to come into the office every day.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of the job is, without a doubt, letting our patients go. End-of-life situations are always a challenge, but in the end, every day we step out of the office feeling comfortable that we've done some good that day. It's definitely the hardest part, but it's bittersweet because we know that we've helped end suffering and made a situation better.
What is something people might not know about you?
I don't think a lot of people know that I used to be a high school teacher. I taught high school chemistry and physical science.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I would definitely want to be a grizzly bear. There are lots of reasons, really. They're respected for being strong and independent, but they are definitely very fierce when it comes to protecting their own. I'd like to think I have a lot of those same qualities.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would love to hear animals talk. I'm not even kidding. If I could have a superpower, I would want to know exactly what is on the mind of our patients when we take care of them.
What is the most difficult procedure you have done?
No question, the most difficult because I wasn't expecting to have to do it in the moment, is what's called an intestinal resection and anastomosis. We had a patient with a very large tumor that turned out to be associated with its intestines. We had to remove a section of the intestines to remove the tumor, and I'm happy to say it went great.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love building things. I love making furniture. My wife always says I would have been a great home builder. I like woodworking. It's a passion, but I think I could also be a professional at it.
What is your morning routine?
I wake up at four o'clock every morning. I primp, prod, condition, moisturize, and comb—all before... No chance. Oh my gosh. To do my hair takes surprisingly not a lot of time at all, like five minutes max.