Meet Maxx: From Shelter Medicine to Snake Snuggles

​Some people’s passion for animals is a hobby. For Mary “Maxx” Holden, a key member of our veterinary team, it’s the air she breathes. It’s a life that takes her from the sun-drenched trails of Sabino Canyon with her wife and their three dogs, to the quiet, gentle world of her two ball pythons at home. It’s a journey that started in the high-stakes, high-emotion environment of shelter medicine and led her right here, to the calm, clean, and caring halls of Tangerine Pet Clinic. Maxx’s story is one of deep empathy and diverse experience, and it’s a perfect reflection of the compassionate care we strive to provide every single day.

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​From Shelter Medicine to Full-Service Care

Six years in veterinary medicine teaches you things. Starting in the world of shelter medicine teaches you even more. It’s a field that demands a unique blend of grit, grace, and an unshakeable love for animals at their most vulnerable. For Maxx, it was the perfect foundation.
In a shelter, you learn to read the subtle language of fear in a dog who has never known a kind hand. You learn how to earn the trust of a cat who has every reason to be wary. You develop a calm confidence that can soothe the most anxious spirits. This background gave Maxx an incredible depth of experience, allowing her to handle complex and emotional situations with a steady, reassuring presence.
That experience is something she brings to our clinic every day. When a newly adopted rescue dog comes in, trembling and unsure, Maxx understands their silent story. She knows how to give them space, how to use a soft voice and high-value treats to turn fear into curiosity. Her background makes her an invaluable part of our local vet team, ensuring every animal, regardless of their history, receives the patient and compassionate veterinary care they deserve.

​A True Animal Advocate—At Work and at Home

For some, the love of animals is a 9-to-5 job. For Maxx, it’s a 24/7 life. Her home is a testament to her boundless capacity for care, a bustling, happy menagerie that includes three dogs, six cats, a magnificent green-winged macaw, and two surprisingly cuddly ball pythons.
Living with such a diverse family of animals gives her a unique perspective that benefits every pet parent who walks through our doors. She understands the quirky realities of a multi-pet household. She knows that a love for animals comes in all shapes, sizes, and species. Her passion isn’t just for the cute and cuddly; it’s for all creatures.
This genuine, all-encompassing love for animals is what makes her such a trusted member of our pet clinic staff in Marana. When you leave your pet in our care, you can be confident they are being handled by someone who sees them not just as a patient, but as a cherished individual—just like she sees her own.

Why We’re Lucky to Have Maxx

A great veterinary clinic is more than just a skilled doctor; it’s a cohesive team that functions like a well-oiled machine, powered by empathy. Maxx is a vital part of that machine. Her calm demeanor, her deep well of experience, and her intuitive understanding of animal behavior elevate the care we provide.
She’s the one who will sit on the floor for ten minutes to earn a nervous dog’s trust before a nail trim. She’s the one who knows the perfect way to hold a cat to make them feel secure during an exam. She is a quiet leader and a fierce advocate for every animal in our care.
Our team—from Dr. E to our other incredible assistants—is stronger because of her. We’ve learned and grown so much over the past year, recommitting ourselves to being the best vet in Marana, and team members like Maxx are the heart and soul of that promise.

Your Vote for Our Team Means the World to Us

t is with immense pride in our entire team that we recently learned Tangerine Pet Clinic has been nominated for Best Vet in Tucson in the Arizona Daily Star’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
This nomination isn’t for a building or a brand; it’s for the people inside it. It’s for the passion of team members like Maxx, who pour their hearts into their work every single day. A vote for us is a vote for this kind of personal, compassionate, and community-focused care. If you believe in what we do, we would be so grateful for your support.

📱 To vote for Tangerine Pet Clinic as Best Vet in Tucson: Text 1299 to 520-214-8683 or click here!  Voting ends  August 10, 2025!

​Your vote is a powerful way to celebrate the people who make this clinic a family.

Our team is the heart of our clinic, and we are so proud to share their stories with you. We invite you to experience the difference that a truly passionate and dedicated team can make in your pet’s health journey.
Please consider taking a moment to vote for our incredible team. And if you’re ready for a more personal approach to veterinary care, we’re here for you.

Call us at (520) 848-DOGG (3644) or request an appointment online to meet Maxx and the rest of the Tangerine family.