About Us

Dr. Lawless (left) and Dr. Dryden, Cofounders 

Patrick Lawless, PhD
CEO & Cofounder

A scientist by trade but an animal lover at heart, Dr. Lawless left the human pharmaceutical industry to devote his career to animal health. Dr. Lawless obtained his doctorate in Biology at the University of Kentucky and worked as a chemist and biopharmaceutical scientist before founding Lexington, KY based Thrive Animal Health, manufacturer of Equithrive & Petthrive brand veterinary nutraceuticals. When not in the lab or office, you will likely find Dr. Lawless enjoying the great outdoors on a road bike or in a whitewater kayak.  

 

Vernon Dryden, DVM, CJF, AFP
Chief Medical Officer & Cofounder 

Dr. Dryden is the founder of Bur Oak Sports Medicine and Lameness, with locations in Kentucky, Florida, and Texas. An Arizona native, Dr. Dryden grew up working with horses on his family’s cattle ranch. After earning degrees from the University of Arizona and Oklahoma State Farrier School, Dr. Dryden completed his veterinary studies at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2007, Dr. Dryden accepted an internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY, where he eventually became a partner. Dr. Dryden and his wife, Cappy, breed and show American Quarter Horses.