Dr. Robert T. Sanders D.V.M.
Dr Sanders received his doctorate with Honors from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, after receiving his Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Animal Science, summa cum laude in 1982. He was awarded the Merck Clinical Excellence Award in both Large and Small Animal Medicine, the American Animal Hospital Clinical Excellence Award, the Scheidy Prize in Clinical Pharmacology and the Jesse L. Roberts Award for Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, Dr. Sanders practiced in the Atlanta and Athens, GA area with a special interest in internal medicine and surgery. Prior to purchasing Powdersville Animal Hospital, he was a Mission Specialist Astronaut candidate and a finalist in the NASA Space Shuttle Program. He now resides in Powdersville with his wife (Kristin), children, and 3 dogs.
Dr. Caroline Lewis D.V.M.
Dr. Lewis is a Georgia native who has been passionate about animal care from an early age. By the age of five, she had already decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine – and she has remained dedicated to that goal ever since. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Georgia and went on to complete her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine there as well.
During her time in school, Dr. Lewis was actively involved in her community. She volunteered as a YoungLife leader in Athens and contributed to organizations such as Vets for Pets and People, where she helped provide foster care and veterinary services for pets belonging to individuals escaping domestic violence. She also participated in the “This Is How We Role” program, educating elementary school students about the field of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Lewis is Fear Free Certified and committed to using low-stress handling techniques to ensure a positive experience for her patients. Her professional interests include geriatric care, wound management, and urgent care, and she is especially passionate about preserving and strengthening the human-animal bond.
She lives in Powdersville with her husband and their beloved pets: Maybelle, a Border Collie mix; Butter, a Labrador Retriever; and Toast, their three-legged cat. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Lewis enjoys beekeeping, traveling, and exploring the local area.
Dr. Lexie Hattaway D.V.M.
Dr. Hattaway is proud to call the Upstate home, where she was raised surrounded by dogs, horses, and the occasional barn cat. Her passion for animal care began early, but it was her childhood dog’s battle with congestive heart failure that inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Anderson University, where she was also a member of the women’s volleyball team, before continuing her education at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. During veterinary school, Dr. Hattaway was actively involved in community outreach through Purdue University, educating elementary students about animal health and the veterinary profession. She also co-founded her university’s behavioral medicine club and served on its board for two years.
Her clinical training includes an externship at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, where she gained hands-on experience providing medical care for working dogs and learned specialized handling techniques alongside law enforcement K9 teams. Following graduation in 2020, Dr. Hattaway became a Fear Free Certified Professional, allowing her to incorporate low-stress, compassionate handling techniques that create a more positive experience for both pets and their owners.
While she continues to enjoy caring for working dogs, Dr. Hattaway has developed particular interests in cardiology, ultrasound, and geriatric medicine. She is committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care to support pets at every stage of life.
Dr. Hattaway lives in Powdersville with her husband, daughter and two dogs: Rory, a shelter rescue and Annie, a Dalmatian. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and reading.