Deborah Cheryl Mallu, DVM, CVA, MAc

I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was 5 years old. At age 14, in 1966, I started work in the first of many veterinary clinics. Now, caring for you and your pets as a family is my passion, and I dedicate my whole life to this purpose. I graduated from The Ohio State University with my DVM degree in 1977.

After ten years of clinical practice, I became discouraged with the state of our pets’ health and knew that there must be something else. In 1988, I discovered veterinary acupuncture and received certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. This opened the door to the world of holistic medicine. In 1992, I became certified by the National Association of Natural Health Professionals. I then went on to complete a year’s training in veterinary homeopathy with the world-renowned Dr. Richard Pitcairn.

In 1993, I sold my veterinary practice in Maryland and moved to Sedona, AZ, a very spiritual place, seeking a spiritual journey. While there, I became Buddhist and took ordination as a Tibetan Buddhist nun from 2002 until 2023. I believe in the equality of all life and dedicate myself to the relief of suffering.

Since I believe in the motto “Healer Heal Thyself,” I completed a self-healing journey and learned Energy Healing at the Barbra Brennan Energy Healing School and the School for Enlightenment and Healing in 1994.

After spending time volunteering during the Katrina Relief efforts, I volunteered for Tara’s Babies Animal Sanctuary. This was a life-altering experience – seeing so much suffering and helping the animals and the people so affected by that storm. I have also volunteered for Garuda Aviary Parrot Sanctuary in Poolesville, MD.

Upon my return to Maryland in 2006, I worked in Bethesda at Veterinary Holistic Care. Then in 2013, Dr. Kitty Raichura and I established Holistic Veterinary Healing.

As I practiced holistic medicine with my animal patients, more and more of my clients asked me if I could treat them too. I decided to deepen my studies and spent three years in postdoctoral training at Tai Sophia, where I earned my Master’s degree in Human Acupuncture in 2010. I saw both human and animal patients until my partner, Dr. Kitty Raichura, died in 2016. Since then, I have dedicated my skills solely to animal patients.

I am certified in Medical Ozone Therapy for Animals and am also a Certified Fear Free Practitioner.

I live in Germantown with my two dogs, Bodhi, a Poochon, and Jack, a Yorkiepoo. My previous dog, Janelle, a chow husky cross who came to work with me every day and acted as the clinic nurse calming the patients, died in 2020. In my spare time, I like to stay in touch with my family and friends, watch movies, and play with my dogs at my friend’s farm. My favorite pastime is sitting in my recliner relaxing, meditating, praying, and watching my dogs play or sleep.