ASK DR MICHAEL is a little "extra" we have for our customers on the Bella's Boutique Website. Each month Dr. Michael will answer your questions. Bella's Boutique Newsletter subscribers will receive Dr. Michael's answers. Remember there is also lots of other goodies and information that will be in the Newsletter. So subscribe today. You can "unsubscribe" at any time, you will not want to though.
DR MICHAEL RIGHETTI B.S.C. R.V.S.C
Veterinarian
Dr Michael was born and bred on a farm in the district of Greta (near Glenrowan) in the North East Victoria, Australia-same as the infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly. Primary school education was at the tiny state school of Greta (average total student population, 13)-this was a 4 km bicycle ride from the family farm.
From a very young age, Dr. Michael took an interest in the animals on the farm. The farms animal's included-sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, chooks, dogs and cats. Of course, there was the odd kangaroo, possum and wombat visitors. From the tender age of eight, Dr. Michael took responsibility for their care. This included injecting and treating cattle for worms and lice. There was the delivery of lambs and calves. Training and handling of the working border collies and kelpie sheep and cattle dogs. Treating sheep with "fly strike". That is pretty Yuk! However, the best was the truly fresh milk, cream and butter. It was Dr. Michael's daily job to milk the cow by hand before school each morning.
According to his parents: "He never wanted to do anything else, but, be a Vet".
At an age when he could relate to the meat on the dining room table to the animals he cared for in the paddocks. He stopped eating meat.
Secondary education was at boarding school in Melbourne, Australia. Then on to Sydney University to study Veterinary Science. After completing his degree, Dr. Michael worked at a busy animal practice in East Melbourne.
Off to Los Angeles, United States for several months to work with the American animals. Yet a dog in America was just as an Australian dog, who would have guessed? This experience was in a small animal hospital in L.A.Back to Australia to establish himself in the Heidelberg/Templestowe, Melbourne area.
Dr. Michael is currently working at Warringal Veterinary Hospital (Heidelberg) and Ormond Veterinary Clinic in Melbourne Victoria.
Dr Michael has been in practice for 27 years, so when he tells us that he is in his mid 30s, we know he is stretching the truth. He lives in Toorak with his wife and children and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called, "Jenny".
Dr Michaels details:
Warringal Veterinary Clinic
105 Cape Street
Heidelberg, Vic 3085
Telephone- (03)9 459-9590
The thing I love about Dr. Michael's Clinic is that everyone is nice to me. It is not scary at all. You get treats and Dr. Michael is kind and gentle. He does not make me stand on the big cold table. He comes down to my level. I love him. 
