Meet Our Veterinarians

Originally from central Kentucky, Dr. Stanley graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He began his career in Georgia and Alabama as a mixed animal veterinarian, working with cows, goats, horses, dogs, and cats. During that time, he also served as the veterinarian for a wild animal safari, caring for giraffes, lions, zebras, and other exotic species. He later transitioned to small animal emergency medicine before shifting to small animal general practice in Texas and then Indiana. In April 2016, he fulfilled his dream of opening Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic.

For Dr. Stanley, becoming a veterinarian wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling. Since childhood, he knew this was the path for him. With over a decade of experience, he loves building relationships with pets and their families, seeing them as an extension of his own.

Dr. Stanley is married with three very active children—two boys and a girl—who keep him busy with baseball, volleyball, and basketball. His home is shared with three cats, Derby and Dottie, and a puppy named Astro, who helps keep Henry, the “Yellow Dog” of Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic, entertained. He also has a rooster to round out the crew. Though spare time is rare, he enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and gardening.

Veterinary Organization Memberships:

• Indiana Veterinary Medication Association (IVMA)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Dr. Spencer attended the University of Missouri where she earned both her undergraduate degree in biology and her DVM. She chose a career in veterinary medicine due to her interest in biology and great love for animals. One of her more interesting experiences has been assisting in an ultrasound of a tiger at the Indianapolis Zoo to evaluate his liver!

Her favorite part of working in the practice is the opportunity to build relationships with the families of our four-legged patients. Dr. Spencer is also known for her communication skills and commitment to client education. Dr. Spencer is married to her husband, Joel, and together they have three sons named Samuel, Matthew, and Ben.

Dr. Justice is a native of Yorktown, Indiana. In 1994, she graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. In 1998, Dr. Justice graduated from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and returned home to work in small animal general practice. In 2000, she began working in a small animal emergency clinic in east central Indiana, where she developed a love of small animal emergency and critical care.

In 2007, Dr. Justice joined the Indiana State Board of Animal Health as a field veterinarian, where she continues to work to this day. In addition to her duties as a field veterinarian, she is now the director of small animal health programs and brucellosis programs for the Board of Animal Health. As a regulatory field veterinarian, she helps to monitor, investigate, and test for diseases of regulatory concern (including Chronic Wasting Disease, Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Rabies). Dr. Justice has continued to work as a relief veterinarian in small animal practices since joining the Board of Animal Health. In 2018, Dr. Justice joined the staff of Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic.

When Dr. Justice is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Shawn and two children Landen and Taryn. Her family has a Staffordshire Terrier named Jaxson and three cats – Thomas, Harley and Midnight. Dr. Justice’s family also loves to go on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, her favorite ports of call are Sint Maarten and Curacao.

Dr. Tragesser- Smith is a highly experienced veterinarian, graduating from Purdue University in 2007 and earning a master’s degree in veterinary Epidemiology from The Ohio State University. With 17 years of practice, specializing in dentistry and certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture and Medical Massage, Dr. T is dedicated to restoring oral health and overall well-being in her patients. Her passion for animals, nurtured through 4H involvement and a childhood on a farm, drives her commitment to compassionate care. Beyond work, Dr. T enjoys reading, sewing, and outdoor activities with her two children. At home, she shares her life with a diverse array of pets, including three dogs, six cats, goldfish, rabbits, and chickens, reflecting her deep connection to animals and their welfare.

Introducing Dr. Gail Newcomb, our dedicated veterinarian joining us from Bremen, Indiana. With a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Purdue University and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine also from Purdue, Dr. Newcomb brings over a decade of experience, specializing in surgery. Previously practicing in South Bend, she now focuses her expertise on surgical procedures in the Indianapolis area. A loving mother of four and owner of two dogs and a cat, Dr. Newcomb’s favorite breeds include Beagles and long-haired cats. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking, gardening, and cycling with her husband, Scott, and finds joy in cooking. Dr. Newcomb’s passion for animals and commitment to exceptional care make her an invaluable addition to our team at Yellow Dog!

Dr. Becker, originally from Evansville, Indiana, discovered her passion for science and animals through her father’s influence, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 2014 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2017, she then practiced in Crawfordsville for a year before settling in the Indianapolis area in 2018.

Dr. Becker’s professional interests encompass ophthalmology, dermatology, and internal medicine, and she values close collaboration with clients to educate and support them in their pet’s care. Actively engaged in organized veterinary medicine, she serves on the executive board for the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and is a member of several esteemed veterinary associations. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Achievement Award in 2023.

Outside of work, Dr. Becker enjoys quality time with her husband and their beloved super-mutt, Riley, volunteering at their local church, traveling, reading, painting, and embracing outdoor activities.

Dr. Towle was born and raised in Noblesville. She attended Ball State University, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 2016, and then received her Master’s degree in Veterinary Forensics from the University of Florida in 2019. She completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2024.

Her clinical interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, preventative medicine, and forensic medicine. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional and hopes to make your pet’s visit as stress-free as possible. Dr. Towle looks forward to building relationships with her clients and their pets to help strengthen the human-animal bond.

Outside of the office, Dr. Towle enjoys traveling to Disney World and the Smoky Mountains, spending time with her family, including their two dogs and three cats, and baking a variety of treats to be shared with family and friends.