Meet Our Team
Dr. Forrest Axson
Dr. Forrest Axson was born and raised in Seneca, South Carolina. Following graduation from Seneca High School he went to Clemson University to study Animal and Veterinary Science. Upon completing his Bachelor’s degree at Clemson, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to get a Master’s degree in Beef Cattle Reproduction. Finding his niche working with cattle, he decided to pursue a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Axson stayed in Virginia and attended Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
He practiced mixed animal medicine in Texas after graduation, then returned home to practice for several local clinics until the opportunity finally became available to own his own practice! Dr. Axson looks forward to getting to know your pets as well as going on farm calls to work with your farm animals!
When away from the office, Dr. Axson enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Bre, and son, Parker. His hobbies include raising beef cattle, fly fishing the local mountain streams, hiking, and supporting Clemson Athletics. Go Tigers!
Dr. Bre Axson
Dr. Bre is originally from Moncks Corner, SC where she grew up riding and showing Quarter Horses. She graduated from Clemson University in 2017 with a bachelor degree in Animal Science. Dr. Bre then attended the University of Georgia, achieving a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Dr. Bre Axson and her husband, Dr. Forrest Axson, became the owners of Golden Corner Veterinary Hospital in 2023.
Dr. Bre resides in Seneca with her husband, her son, Parker, their 2 dogs, Riggs and Maggie, 4 pigs, chickens, and herd of beef cattle. She has a special place in her heart for food animal medicine and especially enjoys working with cattle. She is an avid Clemson fan and during her free time she enjoys working on their farm, gardening, horseback riding, hiking, and cheering on her Clemson Tigers. Dr. Bre looks forward to meeting and loving all your fur, feathered, and scaled babies, large and small!
Bonnie Chait – Practice Manager
Bonnie grew up in Florida but moved to Oconee County in the mid 1990s to be closer to family. She joined the practice shortly after as an assistant to Dr. Ross, the original owner. Throughout the past 30 plus years, Bonnie has worn many hats serving in different roles throughout the clinic. In the early 2000s she was promoted to Practice Manager and has held this position since!
During her many years as Practice Manager, she has helped develop and implement the boarding, grooming, and animal shelter sectors of the practice. Bonnie has helped serve both clients and patients within the community for many years and strives to continue to be a voice for them. When she is not working, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her family and exploring local mountain towns!
Nikki Smith, LVT – Hospital Director
Nikki was born and raised in Oconee County. Her love for animals began at a young age helping her grandfather with his dairy goats. Growing up, she also had horses, pigs, dogs, cats, and birds! She knew from a young age that she wanted to join the veterinary field. After working with Arabian show horses throughout high-school and into college, she decided to pursue a career in Veterinary Technology. Nikki attended Tri-County Technology and received an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree. She began working as a veterinary assistant at a mixed animal practice in 2011 while in school.
She graduated from TCTC Veterinary Technology Program in 2012 and became a licensed veterinary technician later that year! Along with working in a clinic, Nikki also returned to TCTC’s Veterinary Technology Program as an instructor in 2013 where she remained until 2021. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2020 to further her career as a Veterinary Technology Instructor. However, in 2021 she decided to return to the veterinary clinic life to have more flexibility for her children. Nikki still resides in Oconee County with her husband and 3 children. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and reading.