Originally from the upstate New York town of North Tonawanda, Dr. Pane says that his youth involved working at a local dairy farm, and then, as a kennel assistant at a local veterinary hospital, where eight years later, he was hired as an associate veterinarian. However, he says the earliest influence guiding him toward a veterinary career was the German shepherd he raised from a pup. The unconditional love and friendship of this first pet provided many wonderful days, but also helped him work through the loss of his older brother.