About

Since 1995, God's Dogs Rescue founder Juli Marchbanks has been passionately “Rescuing God’s Lost Dogs.” Over the years, she’s been joined by a dedicated team of individuals who share her deep love for animals. While dogs remain at the heart of the mission, the rescue has also expanded to include cats in more recent years.

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With more than a thousand animals rescued each year, the need for accessible spay and neuter services became clear. Thanks to generous support during 2023’s The Big Give, the rescue was able to build an on-site spay and neuter clinic, which officially opened its doors in the summer of 2024. (Click on the images above to see the clinic in action!)

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The God's Dogs Rescue Veterinary Clinic now serves not only our own dogs and cats, but also animals from other rescues—and it’s open to the public for general care and emergency services.

 

Staffed by veterinarians with over 13 years of experience in both shelter/rescue medicine and general practice, the clinic offers a wide range of services. These include in-house bloodwork and x-rays, spays and neuters, dental cleanings (with or without extractions), mass removals, gastropexies, enucleations, amputations, and more.

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Our mission is to provide hope and healing for rescued animals as they transition into loving forever homes—and to ensure that veterinary care is accessible and affordable for our entire community.

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Dr. Brooke Knowlton - Veterinarian with a Mission

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​Growing up in San Antonio, I’ve known since childhood that I wanted to be a veterinarian. What began as a simple love for animals has grown into something much deeper: a passion for helping people and pets alike, through every stage of life. Veterinary medicine is part art, part science, and a lot of detective work—each patient presents a mystery, and it’s my joy to work alongside their families to solve it.

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I earned my degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M (Gig ‘em!) and then attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts, completing my clinical year at Oklahoma State University. Along the way, I fell in love with my now-husband, Dr. Chris Knowlton—who’s also a veterinarian. Together, we’ve built a life full of animals, clients we cherish, and a little human we adore.

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After graduation, I worked in an equine setting but with small animals at Retama Equine Hospital, eventually founding Cibolo Small Animal Hospital out of a renovated pizza shop. My husband joined me and we worked side by side for years, caring for pets and their people in our community. When the equine owners sold out and the practice was bought by a corporation, I realized the new direction didn’t align with the values I hold close—compassion, flexibility, and personalized care.

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After stepping away from corporate medicine, I  continued assisting rescues, which led me to God’s Dogs Rescue. They had a dream—and a clinic—and it was where I was meant to be. It’s been an incredible journey working with a team that truly puts animals first, providing care for those who often need it most and making a real difference every day.

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My heart remains in rescue, shelter medicine, general practice, and surgery. I love being able to offer treatment options that meet both the pet’s needs and the family’s realities. Whether I’m easing pain, promoting wellness, or helping a rescued furry friend get their second chance, I feel honored to do this work.

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These days, our family includes our two original fur kids—Georgia, the three-legged blue heeler with a talent for school presentations, and Rocko, the heart-murmur pup we couldn’t let go to a new home—as well as our son, Tripp, who brings endless joy and adventures into our world.

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For me, being a veterinarian isn’t just a job—it’s a calling, a community, and a privilege.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Burleson is a passionate veterinarian with special interests in small and wildlife/exotic animal medicine. She graduated from Texas A&M University with her bachelors in Animal Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She combines hands-on clinical experience with a strong foundation in public health, herd medicine, and animal welfare—especially for shelter and rescue populations. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at Texas A&M to further expand her role in community and population-level veterinary care. 

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During her time at Texas A&M’s veterinary school, Dr. Burleson served as President of the Wildlife Disease Association and worked as a Student Technician at the Schubot Center for Avian Health. During rotations, Dr. Burleson had externships with the National Parks Service and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center working with native wildlife and exotic hoofstock. Prior to joining GDRVC, Dr. Burleson worked as a small animal and exotic veterinarian. She’s spent a month in South Africa working with African wildlife and several weeks in Costa Rica working with endangered parrots in their native habitat—all transformative experiences that further fueled her commitment to species preservation and global animal health. When Dr. Burleson grows up she wants to be a wildlife veterinarian. 

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Outside of her professional life, Dr. Burleson enjoys expressing her creative side through pottery and ballet, staying active with Pilates, and spending time with friends. A San Antonio local, she loves discovering new spots around the city and soaking in its vibrant culture. 

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With a unique blend of clinical skill, conservation experience, and a heart for public health, Dr. Burleson is committed to improving the lives of animals—both individually and as part of the greater ecosystem. 

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