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It’s Pup Madness!

March Madness might be over, but there’s Pup Madness at the Center! 

Cast your vote to help decide which pup will reign supreme as the coveted Most Popular Pup, and follow along to see which pup will be crowned Plumpest Patient, Most Improved, and Valedictorian. 

You can vote as many times as you’d like through May 4. 

Cast Your Vote!
elephant seal pup moonland
Carlene Mendieta

Carlene Mendieta, DDS

Carlene joined The Marine Mammal Center's board in 2022. Although her background includes 25+ years owning a periodontal practice, her lifelong love has been about animals and their welfare. After retirement and while actively working with several animal rescue groups and serving on the Board of Pets Lifeline, Carlene returned to school, completing a Registered Veterinary Technician degree and license. She was fortunate to complete a 10-week internship at the Center.   

After being raised in a Nevada mining camp, Carlene attended University of the Pacific, Arthur A . Dugoni Dental School and completed a periodontal residency program at UCSF. 

Carlene and her husband own Lilja Corp., an industrial construction company specializing in commercial glass manufacturing. They are both private pilots and steward a private collection of Golden Age aircraft at their private airport and museum, Ala Doble Flying Collection. Carlene and Walt divide their time between Sonoma and Esparto and share their lives with seven rescue dogs, chickens and a cat.

See Full Board of Directors