Let me take this opportunity to introduce you to my great staff. They are all huge pet lovers. They are dedicated to providing your pets with the very best care and attention, and I know they work very hard to help all of you and to answer your questions. They are amazing assistants for me.

Chelsay McDowell has worked at the clinic for four and a half years. She started while she was in high school on a work-study program, and I immediately knew I wanted her to be part of the clinic team. Chelsay loves all animals. Her own pack consists of dogs, cats, fish, horses and a bunny. She has a very kind heart for all animals of every shape and size, and although Chelsay is tiny in stature, she is mighty when it comes to working hard for your pets.

Right now Chelsay is taking classes to become a certified Veterinary Technician. She is studying hard and learning a lot. She is my main surgical assistant and does an awesome job of monitoring our patients under anesthesia.

Priscilla Hostman started working at the clinic three years ago, but I have known Priscilla for many more years. She came to the clinic first as a client with her wonderful parents, John and Betty Hostman, and their wonderful pets. Then Priscilla adopted sweet, little Zeeke fifteen years ago, and started bringing her to the clinic, too.

When Priscilla attended college at Truman State University in Kirksville, Zeeke attended, too. I was honored that Priscilla would return from college with Zeeke to see me for her veterinary care. So, we kept in touch, and although Priscilla graduated with a B.F.A. in Studio Art and a minor in Psychology, she told me she wanted to work with animals instead.

Priscilla still perfects her art. You’ll see her painting on our windows at the clinic, and she makes the most amazing pottery you can imagine.
As much as Priscilla loves her art, I think she loves animals even more. “Zeeke” comes to the clinic with Priscilla every day (you’ll meet her when you come in), and “Familiar,” the cat waiting for them at home.
Besides being a great veterinary assistant, Priscilla studied and received her certificate for therapeutic Pet Massage. She can help calm a pet with her massage techniques, but, more than that, her massages can help a pet suffering from painful arthritis or injury. She is available to schedule appointments at the clinic to help your pets.

JoDonna (Jodi) Suggett has worked as a veterinary assistant at the clinic for two years now. Last year she decided to perfect her skills as a groomer, and apprenticed for a short time with a grooming facility in Mexico, Missouri. Jodi is not only an excellent groomer, but she is the most patient, calm, and caring groomer I have ever seen. She finds out exactly what cut you choose for your pet, and sets out to provide it, and at the same time, she makes the experience a happy one for your pet. She’s terrific.

Jodi will be contributing tips on grooming and caring for your pet’s skin and coat in future sections of our website. As well as her work as a groomer in the mornings, and a veterinary assistant in the afternoons, Jodi also cares for the boarding pets and the weekends and attends classes at Westminister College for a degree in Animal Science. Jodi is a real asset to the clinic.

Leah (Nikki) Wickers is our part-time veterinary assistant. Nikki has a second part-time job.