Thankful Thursday: Immeasurable Appreciation

March 20, 2025

We have collected heartfelt messages from our team members, showcasing their deep appreciation for one another. These notes reflect the genuine respect, admiration, and thankfulness that each person feels towards their colleagues. Let's celebrate the unique contributions and unwavering commitment that make our team truly exceptional. 

Miranda Murray from Riverside Animal Hospital, Flushing, Michigan, wants to recognize Alyssa Vatter, LVT: "Alyssa is a rockstar! She has gone above and beyond over the last few months and is always looking for ways to improve patient care."  

Suzanne Landsverk from Round Lake Animal Hospital, Round Lake, Illinois, wants to recognize Carrie Kujawinski, Floor Manager: "Carrie makes my day more enjoyable. Carrie also goes above and beyond, she tries to accommodate our staff as best possible when scheduling shifts. Carrie never says no, even when she wants to! LOL."  

Suzanne Landsverk from Round Lake Animal Hospital, Round Lake, Illinois, wants to recognize Yalitza Torres, Assistant Manager: "Where do I start...Yalitza has been my right-hand gal. Yalitza was acting HM when I was hired. She has been patient and truly a wonderful human being. Yalitza is all-knowing of our hospital and shares her wisdom with me. I would have been lost without her guidance. I truly appreciate you!!" 

Rosalia Melgoza from Prestige Animal Hospital North Fontana, Fontana/ San Bernardino, California, wants to recognize Yesenia Rutledge, RVT, Stephanie Clark, CSR and Cisiah Lemus, Veterinary Assistant: "They go above and beyond to help the practice and me. Also, they treat every patient with the care they need and deserve, and they treat every client with love."  

Kolleen Lewis-Nellett from The Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks, Sherman Oaks, California, wants to recognize Ashley Gonzalez, Customer Service Representative Supervisor and Inventory Lead: "Ashley has done an outstanding job this past month dealing with a front desk that has been short staffed due to some bereavement leaves, one staff member leaving and several staff members attending a CE program. In addition to covering additional shifts and helping with interviews, she has also been an invaluable help with other managerial tasks as our Hospital Manager was gone for her CE as well."  

Justine Wood-Graves from SoCal Vet Hospital, Woodland Hills, California, wants to recognize Lukas Ellerbrook, Receptionist: "Lukas always has a bright, positive attitude and is always willing to go the extra mile! I really appreciate his creativity and passion when helping with projects around the hospital."  

Laura Fouts from Kaibab Veterinary Clinic, Flagstaff, Arizona, wants to recognize Dr. Emily Whitmore, DVM: "Emily became our COS in the middle of last year, and she has seamlessly handled both the transition and the position ever since with elegance, grace, and an innate ability to manage. She is truly exceptional. Emily is a champion for our patients, DVMs, and staff alike. While she may not always recognize how effortlessly she balances her responsibilities as both a doctor and a leader, our team certainly does, and we appreciate her immensely. Words are not enough to express our thankfulness and gratitude for Emily, but we hope this recognition helps her understand her value and importance to us."  

Keri Laporte from Weymouth Landing Cat Clinic, Weymouth, Massachusetts, wants to recognize the entire team: "My entire staff has been so supportive in the last month. I had a death in my family and then was out with the flu. They held down the fort so I was able to be home with my family and heal. I am so thankful for each and every one of my team members!" 

Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, California, wants to recognize Kristen VanAggelen, RVT Supervisor: "I am sure Kristen knows just how much I appreciate her but in case not, I wanted to share my sentiments of appreciation towards her. Kristen is hands down, the best coworker, employee and person. She is kind, caring, compassionate, hardworking and she does it all without complaint and with an easy going demeanor that has a positive effect on the team. Thank you, Kristen, you are the very best!"  

Jill Willemsen from San Clemente Veterinary Hospital, San Clemente, California, wants to recognize Katelyn McLaughlin, Assistant Manager: "Katelyn has done so much to support our team. I am so thankful that she loves SC Vet and manages with her whole heart. I would not be as successful in my role without her being by my side. Me and you, Kate! Always!" 

Cherie Guidry from Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic, Lynnwood, Washington, wants to recognize Aubrey Mills, Hospital Manager: "Aubrey is such an awesome office manager! She is so supportive and takes good care of the whole team and she does not get enough credit. She is also our only tech right now. I don't know how she gets all of her work done but she does!"  

Cherie Guidry from Helping Hands Vet Clinic, Lynnwood, Washington , wants to recognize Brenna Dietz, Assistant: "Brenna just found out that she got into veterinary school! We are all so proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She is such a hard worker and a wonderful assistant, and we know she is going to be an awesome vet!"  

Elsa Carrasco-Rodriguez from Oakridge Veterinary Clinic, San Jose, California, wants to recognize Jenny Tran, Veterinary Assistant: "Jenny has been crushing it. She goes above and beyond every single day. Her dedication and passion for our furry friends makes her an invaluable asset to our team. whether it's comforting a nervous pup or lending a helping hand to our CSR team. Jenny does it with a smile and a positive attitude. She is a team-oriented superstar who genuinely cares about the work we do and the animals we help. Thank you, Jenny, for being the exceptional Vet. Assistant that you are!! Keep shining."  

Danielle Mercado from the OPS team wants to recognize Amonii (Kaylynn) Lovejoy, Hospital Manager at Leland Veterinary Clinic: "I am incredibly grateful for the strength, patience, and grace Amonii has shown in leading her team at Leland Veterinary Clinic through a seamless transition from Avimark to ezyVet at the end of February. With the support of Dr. Ray, Dr. Bailey, and lead technician Tufan, Amonii fostered a strong team dynamic throughout the entire three-month transition. Their launch went off without a hitch, and even Vetcor’s fantastic IT representative, Tahira, was impressed by how well-prepared Amonii was—requiring little to no assistance. I couldn’t be prouder of the entire team, and I know we are all deeply appreciative of Amonii, who remains the calm in everyone else’s chaos (even when she’s quietly suppressing her own deep...deep inside). **Cue Spongebob meme of a million Spongebob's panicking."  

Eric Detrick from Always Compassionate Veterinary Care, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Dr. Kristen Ritchey, COS: "Dr. Ritchey is a shining example of a truly outstanding Chief of Staff. She keeps a positive attitude, likes impactful changes, believes in always being kind and compassionate to the staff. She and I partner well together. She is all of these things, plus an amazing, smart, and skilled DVM! I am over the moon proud to call her my COS."  

Kelly McNeely from Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital, Niagara Falls, Ontario, wants to recognize Alyssa Sacino, Veterinary Assistant: "Alyssa has shown so much growth as a veterinary assistant! She's become quite adept at anticipating doctor needs, and she provides a wonderful balance of support, levity, and calming energy for the team. She's also very observant and has provided helpful suggestions for how we can better organize and structure things in our PIMS! Thank you, Alyssa, for being such an outstanding assistant.” 

Destiny Rodriguez from Medina Veterinary Clinic, Medina, Ohio, wants to recognize Rachel Bassett, Tech Assistant: "Rachel has been kind enough to dedicate her time in completing go-home packets for new kitten and puppy parents. This has been a great addition to newcomers and we're happy we can do it!"  

Chad Harris, DVM from Vet Leadershipwants to recognize Dr. Kara Parsons, COS at Bogue Animal Hospital in Wichita, Kansas: "On this Thankful Thursday, I want to give a shoutout to Dr. Kara Parsons for her incredible leadership and professionalism. Over the years, I've seen her grow and blossom into an outstanding leader, guiding us with dedication and setting a bright future for Bogue Animal Hospital. Her vision and commitment ensure we continue to provide the best care for our patients and their families. Thank you, Dr. Parsons, for being such an inspiration to us all!"  

Gretchen Blepp from Bartels Pet Hospital, Brecksville, Ohio, wants to recognize Amy Klotz, Regional Manager: "Amy stepped in as RM last year after some ups and downs in filling the position she is in now. Hands down she is such a tireless worker - so responsive to every single dumb question we throw at her. Grass doesn’t grow under her feet!!! She is always prepared, always on top of things. She is a good, direct communicator and she has established some amazing relationships with practices that had been a bit hostile at times to anyone’s efforts to help support them. She is a magic worker at being creative with locations, schedules and people in filling positions that have remained open for years!! We think she is the greatest and we want to recognize her hard and tireless work."  

Michelle Metzner from Parkside Animal Care Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Amber Tollefson CVT, Leah Chastain CVT, Molly Newcomb CVT, Amber Williams CVT, and Bailey Schingeck, CVT: "Dr. Cearra Steuck, Dr. Loriann Edwards, and Dr. Amber Jensch wanted to give a HUGE shout out to the awesome surgery technicians that ran a successful CPR code. We had a patient crash under general anesthesia undergoing a neuter and there was seamless execution from getting an IV catheter placed promptly, getting monitors hooked up to monitor vitals, and performing chest compressions. Additionally, shout out to our CVTs who knew amounts of reversal to administer, timing of other medications to help revive the patient and for staying with the patient the majority of the day while he recovered from the anesthetic event. We are so appreciative of the teamwork and skill set of all the technicians we work with."  

Kayla Midkiff from Bear Branch Animal Hospital, Magnolia, Texas, wants to recognize Stephanie Kelly, Hospital Manager: "I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Stephanie Kelly. She was a ray of sunshine in our clinic when we lost our office manager, helping to hold everything together while managing her own clinic and assisting another. Her bright, consistently positive outlook was exactly what our team needed to refresh and reunite. She is truly super-woman, always helping others and stepping in wherever needed, both for her own team and clinics around her. She made my transition into my new position incredibly easy, and I am so grateful for all her support."  

Susan Dunlap from Cologne Animal Hospital, Cologne, New Jersey, wants to recognize Liz Brooks, Director of Operations: "Liz has been a tremendous help since I started this position 3 yrs ago. Very friendly, always willing to help. Very down to earth. Just a wonderful person!"  

Rocky McGullion from Companion Animal Hospital of Waller, Waller, Texas, wants to recognize Misti Mason, Hospital Manager: "Thank you for letting me get the extra computers you had delivered and use them for my PIMS transition. The opportunity to get these set up before my go-live was a huge help. Also thank you for sending me an LVT, Kaylei Cooper my way. Your help means a lot!"  

Alyssa Schaefers from Lake Alfred Animal Hospital, Lake Alfred, Florida, wants to recognize Jessica Sneed, Hospital Manager: "I want to give a huge shoutout to my incredible co-manager, Jessica! Her dedication, hard work, and passion for our team and patients never go unnoticed. She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that both our staff and clients feel supported. Managing a veterinary hospital comes with its challenges, but having Jessica by my side makes all the difference. Her leadership, teamwork, and true compassion for animals and people alike help create a positive and thriving environment. Jessica, I’m beyond grateful for you and all that you do!" 

Michele Hickman from All Creature Features Animal Hospital, LaPorte, Indiana, wants to recognize Adrienne Pinks, COS: "Dr. Pinks has been incredibly supportive since even before she became Chief of Staff. She is always looking for ways to help myself and the rest of the staff. She is amazing in the care that she provides for our patients and the compassion she shows to clients. I truly appreciate her more than I can say!"  

Rebecca Hebert from Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic, Portland, Maine, wants to recognize Kayla Love, Veterinary Technician: "My job would feel so much more impossible without Kayla Love. I am so grateful to have her with us at Brackett Street Vet!"  

Shannon Naujoks from Leavells Animal Hospital, Spotsylvania, Virginia, wants to recognize the entire team: "My 12-year-old dog was recently diagnosed with a splenic mass. He also has nodules on his liver. Paired with his previous diagnosis of seizures and horrible hip dysplasia we have decided to just spend the next few weeks making new memories and enjoying our time. I told some of the ladies I was throwing him an early birthday party this weekend. When I came into work Friday, they had all gotten together to get him a basket full of birthday goodies. I am so thankful for the amazing staff I work with. They are truly the best and they are making this hard time in my life a little easier."  

Bailey Chipp from Willow Park Animal Clinic, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, wants to recognize Jaxson Cunning, Veterinary Technician: "We are recognizing Jaxson for always being a team player, his eagerness to learn and grow his technical skills! Also, for always willing to go above and beyond for the clients and making sure they understand everything explained to them! Thank you, Jaxson!"  

Alannah Labesky from Regional Manager, North East, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Kayla Puster, Hospital Manager: "Kayla recently relocated to the PA area from OH. She has been a fabulous asset already to Bradford Hills Veterinary Hospital. She has had a lot thrown her way in the first couple of months but has handled it all gracefully. We are thankful to have Kayla with us! She is going to continue to do great things for Bradford Hills.” 

Alannah Labesky the OPS team wants to recognize Dr. Brunner and Dr. Jankowski, Chief of Staff Advisors: "Dr. Brunner and Dr. Jankowski have been great support to not only myself but to our shared hospitals. There has been quite a bit of movement and changes in Q1 but they have been available, given great support and advice. I appreciate you both!"  

Angela Hochman from Cobblestone Animal Hospital, Issaquah, Washington, wants to recognize Mary Ellsworth, COS: "I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the incredible effort and dedication of Dr. Ellsworth. She consistently goes above and beyond, working countless hours both at the clinic and at home to ensure everything runs smoothly. Her commitment not only keeps our practice thriving but also creates a positive, supportive environment for everyone on the team."  

Melanie Meyer from Kiel Veterinary Clinic, Keil, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Chelsea Harley, Hospital Manager: "I want to thank Chelsea Harley the Hospital Manager at the Kiel Veterinary Clinic for her resilience, professionalism and poise. She has had to handle many challenging situations and juggle many new projects since her promotion to Hospital Manager this past October. I am grateful for her growing leadership, willingness to learn and sincere dedication and commitment to the success of her practice."  

Layla Amberger from Blair Animal Clinic, West Lafayette, Indiana, wants to recognize Nichole Tupling, Kennel Assistant Manager: "We want to recognize Nichole for her outstanding dedication and work ethic! No matter what department she’s in, she jumps right into the action and gives 100% every single day. Her positive attitude is contagious, and she consistently leads by example, setting the bar high for teamwork and professionalism. Her hard work and commitment don’t go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have her on our team! Thank you, Nichole, for everything you do!"