Our Team

THE DOCTORS

DR. GAYLE BLOCK

Dr. Block is the practice owner, having opened Town and Country in 1992, with Dr. Maxine Borghesi. Owning her own practice was an early dream of Dr. Block’s, which she achieved through her determination and a passion for helping animals. A very hands-on practice owner, Dr. Block sees patients regularly throughout the week, and has a dedicated surgery day. She truly enjoys forming lasting relationships with her patients and clients.

One of Dr. Block’s passions has always been helping to reduce the pet overpopulation epidemic, and she has spearheaded several spay and neuter events. A graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Block is a current member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association. She was honored to be named the 2016 CVMA Veterinarian of the Year. In her time away from the office, she enjoys the outdoors, yoga and her family, which includes her husband and daughter, her giant puppy Cabot and two cats, Callie and Carson (and her granddog, Sailor). She is a long time resident of Tolland, CT.

DR. EMILY MELENDEZ

Dr. Melendez joined Town and Country in May 2018.  She graduated from Tufts University in 2015, and has been practicing in Connecticut since.   She grew up in Maine, and moved to Connecticut to attend Wesleyan University.   When she isn’t busy providing amazing veterinary care, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and relaxing at home.   She shares her home with her husband, Aaron, two tuxedo cats, Finn and Jake and her dog (Cabot’s BFF) Ollie.

THE STAFF

DEBORAH

Deborah is our Practice Manager.  She joined us in June 2022.  She comes with 10 years of veterinary practice management experience.  Deborah is originally from NY and moved to CT during Covid.  She shares her home with her son Charles, 3 dogs, Eve, Storm and Toulouse and 2 cats, Tiger and Misty.  Deborah has a passion for animals and enjoys being in a busy veterinary environment.  Toulouse, her sheltie, comes to work with her.  You may see him following her around the office. In her down time, she enjoys gardening, reading, watching the Steelers play and long walks with her dogs.  Deborah also enjoys baking and cooking!

ROBIN

Robin is our head technician. She has been in the veterinary field since 2003 and has spent the last nine years at Town and Country.  Robin enjoys all aspects of patient care.  She shares her home with Manny and Poppy, her two Rat Terriers.  Robin loves spending her spare time taking Manny and Poppy on hikes and to the beach.

ROCHELLE

Rochelle is a licensed veterinary technician.  She has been in the field since 2019, when she graduated from technician school and passed her national exam.  Rochelle has worked at Town and Country for the past 2 ½ years as a CVT.  She loves all animals from small to large, including the furry and the scaly.  Rochelle has a cat named London and a chocolate English Labrador Retriever named Denver.

SHAELYN

Shaelyn joined the team in 2021 as an intern while completing the assistant program at MCC.  She is currently a veterinary assistant further pursuing her career in veterinary technician school.  When not at work, Shaelyn enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, and painting.  She shares her home with three cats and a dachshund.

JESS

Jess comes to us with over eight years of experience in the veterinary field.  She started her career as a volunteer fresh out of high school, working her way up to becoming a technician.  She worked with just cats at feline only practices until joining us in February.  One could say she has a soft spot for felines, however, she enjoys working with our canine patients too, both large and small.  Jess continues to learn and grow with us, and we are excited to have her as part of our technician team.  When Jess isn’t busy taking care of our patients, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts with friends and spending time with her two cats, Chester and Bunny.

RACHEL

Rachel joined our technician team in May.  She comes with over four years of experience as a veterinary technician.  Prior to joining our team, Rachel worked with large animals including cows, horses, goats and pigs.  Rachel is excited to continue to expand her knowledge as a technician.  When she is not at work, Rachel enjoys hiking with her dog, Rigby, playing video games, riding motorcycles and spending quality time with her two cats, Ash and Tucker.

MELANIE

Melanie is our newest veterinary technician who recently graduated from the MxCC Veterinary Technology program after completing her externship at our practice. She will be taking her exams later this summer. Melanie is excited to start her career as a Vet tech. She will continue to learn and grow during her career. Melanie loves all types of animals and has had a passion for caring for them since she was little. When not at work, she enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her two cats, Ellie and Bandit, and her two bunnies, Dopey and Thunder.

KATIE

Katie is one of our client service coordinators.  She has been in the veterinary field since 2019.  You will find her always smiling at the front desk taking care of all our clients’ needs.  She shares her home Zack and their two dogs, Athena, a Siberian husky and Poppy, a border collie rescue.  When Katie is not at work she enjoys hiking with Athena and Poppy, crafting and gardening.

COLBY

Colby graced the hall, waiting room and exam rooms at Town and Country for more than 15 years.  He had more friends (and more cookies) than most of us in our lifetime.  He was shy but would come around and would often go right into rooms with his mom (Dr. Block), especially if he particularly liked the patient she was seeing.  His distinguished gray face could not help but make you smile.   His spirit will always be present at Town and Country.