Veterinarian, Business Co-owner
Often, I think it’s odd that we don’t know more about the doctors that provide us with the care of our loved ones – whether human or animal.
I couldn’t begin to tell you about where my human doctor is from or where they attended medical school, let alone any of their life experiences – but, aren’t those things that should be important for someone to know? Especially when those people are entrusted with the lives of our loved ones?
Since it is always difficult to determine what to include in a biography, I asked myself the simple question;
“What would I like to know about my vet?”
The first thing that I would like to know would be education and experience. I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska and my Associate’s Degree in Equine Science from Laramie County Community College.
Aside from formal education, I have a lifetime of practical experience with animals – I am definitely not one of those vets who either doesn’t own any animals or hasn’t experienced animals beyond what they were exposed to in school.
I grew up in rural Nebraska (hopefully no Buffs fans take offense!) and was fortunate enough to have a Dad who trained and showed horses. I showed horses in 4-H and in the Nebraska Paint Horse Club throughout my childhood, and was involved in every phase of the process, including cleaning stalls.
In addition, we always had a number of dogs and cats, goats, and calves around the place. Now, as an adult, I continue to share my life with a variety of animals – we currently care for multiple horses, dogs, and cats at my house, so I definitely understand the care aspect of animal ownership.
Moreover, my wife used to be a competitive barrel racer, so in addition to hopefully helping my wife and daughter get back into barrel racing again; I understand the performance and competition aspect.
Finally, and most importantly, caring for and raising animals my entire life has taught me how much it hurts to lose one and has given me a unique and sincere empathy towards others experiencing the loss of a pet.
The next thing that I think I would like to know about my vet would be his/her philosophy on practicing medicine – will my vet inflate the bills every time an animal gets sick or make me feel guilty if I am unable to provide the most expensive treatment?
My philosophy on practicing medicine is that while I strive to offer only the best medical care to every patient;
if an owner can’t afford the most expensive or most preferable treatment option, then I will always try and find other options which may still achieve some of the primary goals, if possible.
I understand that every situation is different and that not everyone can pay thousands of dollars to care for their animal, so I strive to work with pet owners to solve problems unique to their particular circumstances whenever possible.
Having said that, however, I will not euthanize a healthy or reasonably treatable animal. Not only would my wife divorce me, but doing this flies in the face of the oath that I took when I became a veterinarian. We as veterinarians are in this business to care for animals and are bound by our Hippocratic Oath to take all measures in order to ensure that we do no harm – such as euthanizing healthy animals.
When this situation arises, I may offer to adopt the pet myself, offer to re-home the pet to someone else, or send the owners somewhere else to receive care. Convenience euthanasia is not something that I will tolerate!
Finally, I would also like to know how my prospective vet runs his/her business.
Tabby Road is a small, family-owned business. My wife and I have invested our future and our daughter’s future in this clinic and we take that responsibility very seriously.
However, although we must operate as a business – always keeping in mind the financial responsibilities and requirements necessary to raising our family and paying our bills, in addition to the myriad of expenses and responsibilities associated with running a practice and employing others – I have to say that I am becoming ashamed of some in my profession. I often hear from clients about the exorbitant and unreasonably high prices that they had to pay at other clinics for basic services.
It is a fact that veterinary equipment and staffing costs a LOT of money (we are working on buying equipment as I type!); however, I feel as a profession, some vets may have lost sight of the ultimate goal of caring for animals. While we should all strive to practice medicine at a very high level, we all need to look at the bigger picture and realize that many pets are euthanized needlessly simply because their owners were unable to afford care.
However, while we have purposefully tried to keep things simpler so that our clinic can provide high quality care at an affordable price, our practice is up to date with current technology and the requirements of a modern practice – for example, we have digital X-ray, lab equipment, ultrasound, and all of the other equipment necessary to provide high quality and competent care. In addition, we have the unique ability of providing alternative therapies such as regenerative medicine and acupuncture.
As is evident with our clinic’s logo, I am available to care for all creatures, large and small, including those that fly or crawl! I am a mixed practitioner and will treat pretty much any animal that walks, crawls, or flies through the door.
Although many veterinarians refuse to see creatures like guinea pigs, mice, birds, or snakes, I am willing and available to assist you with your pet, whatever your pet’s size or species. The majority of conditions encountered in these more “exotic” species are often fairly routine things and, if I am unable to design an adequate treatment plan, we’re fortunate that Colorado State University is only a short drive or quick phone call away!
Above all that I have tried to convey, I believe in building a lifelong relationship with my clients and converting “clients” to “friends.” We are all in this life together and need to work with others that understand our intricacies and get along with us.
I want to provide lifelong care for animals and provide compassionate care for them from the time they enter this world to when they leave it.
The bottom line is that I would like the opportunity to earn your business, and would like to continue offering our services in the Wellington community.