Our Doctors
Dr. Jim Watson was born in Commack, New York where he resided through his high school years. He developed a keen interest in animals at a young age and decided to pursue a career in Veterinary medicine. He attended Cornell University graduating in 1979. Dr. Watson then moved on to a master's program in reproductive physiology at Louisiana State University, before returning to Cornell for Veterinary school. After graduation in 1985, he headed further north for a busy mixed animal practice in Plattsburgh, New York. After 12 years of dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats to go along with dogs, cats and ferrets, it was time to focus on small animal practice in the Sandhills. Drs. Watson and Israel founded Pinetree Animal Hospital in 2000, and look forward to many busy fulfilling years in practice. Dr. Watson currently resides in Aberdeen.
Dr. Melissa J. Israel was born as Melissa J. Baptist in Chicago, Illinois. She moved to New Jersey in 1976 where she grew up in a country town (Yes! They do exist up there.), enhancing her love for all creatures great and small. She migrated South to attend College at North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!). She graduated with a BS in Zoology in 1990. In 1994, she graduated from NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine and descended further south to her first job in Pinehurst, N.C. Here she met her husband, Thomas M. Israel, and her business partner, Jim Watson. Melissa has two children, Vincent and Alayna, and currently resides in Carthage where her family raises Boer goats and loves their small menagerie. Her interests focus on family, friends, and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and gardening.