DAVIS, Calif. - The suicide of a Davis veterinarian who helped pet owners deal with animal behavior problems while teaching her colleagues low-stress clinical techniques has stunned those who knew and respected her.
The body of Dr. Sophia Yin, 48, was discovered Sunday by a friend at her Davis home, according to the Yolo County coroner. The cause of death was listed as asphyxia by hanging.
"Shocked and saddened," wrote one of Yin's many followers on Facebook. "Sophia - you inspired so many of us and made the lives of millions of people and their pets better."
Yin was a 1993 graduate of the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and became a prolific author, lecturer and video producer.
"Dr. Yin certainly was a superstar in our world," said UC Davis Animal Behavior Service chief Dr. Melissa Bain. "She really brought the information that we preach to our veterinary students to a much larger audience."
Yin's many YouTube videos aimed at pet owners include tips on helping dogs avoid distractions on walks, while videos intended for her fellow professionals offer advice on such things as safely extracting dogs from kennels.
Jonesy, Yin's Jack Russell terrier, was often seen with her in town and made frequent appearances in her video productions.
"Our field definitely has lost a pioneer with Dr. Yin passing away," Bain said. "We're all saddened and grief-stricken at her loss."
Casual work friends and colleagues said they were unaware of Yin's personal problems, seeing her as a woman with seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm.
A message posted on Yin's website called her a visionary who would be sorely missed.
"At this time the family and staff has requested privacy as they struggle to handle this sudden and unexpected loss," the message reads.
