Dr. Merren dreamed of becoming a veterinarian from a very young age. Through assisting his father with horseshoeing, he gained respect and knowledge that every part of the animal is vitally important. His family always had various pets, including dogs, goats, rabbits, chickens, and horses, which helped him understand that husbandry is a key component of health in animals. While in middle school, Dr. Merren witnessed a local veterinarian treat a horse in severe pain. It quickly became obvious that the horse had colic and that even with surgery, there would be no hope for a positive outcome. The horse was euthanized to stop his suffering, and Dr. Merren’s drive to become a veterinarian was cemented.
Dr. Merren obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, and went on to earn his veterinary degree at Texas A&M University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Merren practiced in the food animal industry in west Texas and then worked in mixed and small animal medicine before opening his own equine and food animal mobile practice. He operated his mobile practice throughout Texas for several years before joining the team of Brandon Equine Medical Center.
Dr. Merren makes his home with his wife Becky (currently a medical resident), his daughters Camille and Caleigh, and their energetic, frisbee chasing border collie named Oakley. His philosophy on life is to offer the best care for everything as though it were his own and treat every person with the same respect and patience that he would wish for. Dr. Merren believes that life is about experiences, not objects, and looking for the best in every situation.