About Dr. karen christopherson
I graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and worked as a small animal veterinarian in private general practice in the Twin Cities metro area for 22 years. I took the 2009-2010 IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) course in veterinary acupuncture and completed all of my certification requirements in 2014. In 2019 I decided it was time for a change and left general practice to focus on acupuncture.
I have always been interested in pain management, senior care, and hospice care. I enjoy how acupuncture allows me to add another treatment option for pets who are already receiving care as well as an alternative for pets who cannot tolerate conventional medication treatments (for example, due to side effects or concurrent health problems). I find my relationships with acupuncture patients to be rich and deeply rewarding.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband Darin and with our own dogs Squash, Aspen, and Maisy. We hike, bikejor, and skijor and have dabbled in other dog sports.
Why big bear?
In 2011, a little while puppy named Squash joined our family. As he kept growing and growing (about 100 pounds as an adult), it became a running joke among family and friends that instead of a dog I had myself a polar bear. Over time we have accumulated all manner of polar bear themed things (clothing, bags, ornaments, books, mugs, and so on). When the time came to start my own business it seemed only natural to continue that theme in honor of this very special dog, especially since all of my dogs have benefitted from acupuncture treatments over the years.
