Dr. John Thomas graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, after previously graduating phi beta kappa from Wofford College with a degree in biology. He practiced for several years in a large veterinary hospital in Atlanta, before he and his wife decided to return home to South Carolina to raise their family. He was a veterinarian with the U.S. Department of Defense at Ft. Jackson for five years where he enjoyed working with active duty and retired military families as well as the military working dogs and their handlers. He and his wife, Stephanie, and their two children live in Blythewood along with their own four-legged family members. Dr. Thomas also enjoys volunteering with the Richland County and City of Columbia sheriff and police departments [citation].