Thankful Thursday: Our Network Shows It's Love

February 17, 2022

Love is certainly everywhere this February and our practices are no exception. So many people set aside the time to shine a light on their coworkers this month.  Take a look!

Mary Denver from Basin Run Animal Hospital, Colora, Maryland, wants to recognize Brandon Piper, Technician: "Brandon went above and beyond when we were in a pinch.  He drove our samples to the lab on a Friday when the lab canceled pick-up due to weather.  Thank you for saving us so many redraws and upset clients!"

Jodi McDowell from Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Molly and Halie, Technicians: "Molly and Halie "Malie" as we often refer to them by, bring such a young, fun, positive attitude to our team. They are always happy and dancing. They lift the spirits of the whole practice when they are here! I am so thankful to have these wonderful, hard-working ladies as a part of our team!"

Kelly Buckley, Practice Support Coordinator, wants to recognize Jennifer Weitzel, Regional Manager: "I would like to recognize Jen for her continued hard work and dedication to the remote work initiative. She has inspired so many with her enthusiasm and excitement regarding remote work and the amazing benefits it brings to so many practices. She has also made a huge difference in many practices that are currently struggling with recruitment and retention by providing them with the guidance and resources needed to make remote work successful for them. Way to go, Jen!!!"

Candice Atkinson from Royston Animal Hospital, Royston, Georgia, wants to recognize the doctors and staff at Royston: "Our Doctors and Staff always work hard but the last couple of months of being short staffed due to Covid and clients not always as nice as they should be, our entire staff has stepped up their game. Sure, we are all exhausted, but all keep smiling and working on. Thank you RAH Doctors and Staff for all you do.  Keep up the GREAT WORK!"

Julie Gerardot from Alex Bell Veterinary Clinic, Centerville, Ohio, wants to recognize Greta McCleland, Veterinary Assistant: "The energy that she brings to the clinic. She’s always willing to jump in and cover for people and help where needed."

Lisa Adaes from Fresh Pond Animal Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, wants to recognize Dr. Elizabeth Knight, DVM: "Dr. Knight from the first time I meet her a year ago was one of the kindest and caring Veterinarians that I have had the pleasure to work with. Dr. Knight goes above and beyond for her patients and the clients adore her! Dr. Knight always takes the time to answer questions the staff has. We are so lucky to have her with us at Fresh Pond Animal Hospital!"

Dr. Becky Salinger, DVM, COS from Austinburg Veterinary Clinic, Austinburg, Ohio, wants to recognize Dr. Susan Paulic, DVM, COS: "I am very thankful for Dr.Susan Paulic, I am not sure I could or would be the doctor I am without her support and friendship. The past couple of years have been turbulent, to say the least, but she has always been there for our entire team. Plus she loves Neil Diamond as much as me :)"

Erica Adkins from Tri County Veterinary Service, Orwell, Ohio, wants to recognize Dr. Thomas Smith, DVM, COS at Twinbrook Veterinary Hospital, and Dr.Gretchen Zarle, DVM, COSA at Bartels Pet Hospital: "The staff, as well as the clients, are grateful for Dr. Smith and Dr. Zarle for taking time and helping out our clinic as we are down doctors. They always make everyone feel comfortable and working together as a team and having fun at the same time. We get many compliments from clients for their welcoming and care for their animals."

Carol Preston from Main Street Veterinary Hospital, Millis, Massachusetts, wants to recognize Sandy Rodrigues, CCS, Michelle Murray, CCS, Alyse Phipps, Technician, and Amanda Simmonds, Technician: "It's not often that a hospital has a complete turn over of staff and doctors, but that is what happened to our hospital in February 2021. Everyone, including myself, are new to VetCor and to this hospital in 2021. Over the course of the last year, we have had to rebuild a practice that was in shambles as a result of the prior staff and doctors departing. My staff is remarkable for jumping into the fray, learning new processes and procedures, helping to rebuild our client and patient relationships as well as coming together as a cohesive team that supports one another. Through many a rough day, week, and month, they have made it their mission to make this hospital run smoothly. Yes, we've stumbled a few times, it's part of the learning process. But, rather than get discouraged, they find humor in it, learn from it, and move on. Hearing them laugh each day is a balm to my soul. I know there are days that they want to cry, and have. They all came from different backgrounds when they joined our hospital. I had them all write me a short essay on what tools are in their toolboxes when they started. I asked them to always find ways to add more tools and they have and continue to do so. They take advantage of our continuing education opportunities as well as working as Lend A Hands at other VetCor hospitals. They each bring back suggestions and process improvements that make the job of caring for our clients and patients better and better.  We've gone from gossip in town social media, rumors that we were closing, to now having great reviews being posted by our clients. Not a bad turnaround in just under a year, if I say so myself. It would not have been possible without their love for their work and their dedication to seeing things through. It makes me very proud to be their Hospital Manager."

Tamara Mckenzie from Mountainstone Veterinary Hospital, Cleveland, Tennessee, wants to recognize Lacretia Nichols, Hospital Manager: "Since our transition to VetCor she has taken on a manager role, since then she has been called upon to do things that we didn't ever have to do in the past as managers. Through all the stress of these new tasks, she goes above and beyond, and I am super thankful for her help!"

Becky Pardue from Red Bank Animal, Chattanooga, Tennessee, wants to recognize Katie Fogus, Technician: "We have had a lot of change within our clinic and she has taken it like a CHAMP. Stepping up to the changes and saying "ok let's do this".”

Sandy LaViolette from Ripon Veterinary Clinic, Ripon, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Carrie Calmes, Veterinary Assistant: "Carrie is my go-to coworker that I can count on to get things done for me. She has the best attitude and is always willing to go that extra mile. I am so thankful for all that she does for the practice."

Keri Garland from Animal Hospital of Gordon County, Calhoun, Georgia, wants to recognize Yessica Garcia, Veterinary Assistant: "She has been such an asset to our hospital the past year by being able to speak Spanish to our Hispanic clients. She has definitionally stepped out of her comfort zone to help. She is also willing to learn and has learned so much in the past year. She is an amazing individual for sure."

Dallas Thompson from Hartfield Animal Hospital, Hartfield, Virginia, wants to recognize Steve Skinner, COS: "For being an incredible mentor for the past 15 years."

Bonnie Mathews from Countryside Veterinary Service Champion, Warren, Ohio, wants to recognize the doctors and tech team at Countryside Veterinary Service Champion: "We had a challenging case this week with a cat that had a reaction and the entire team gave "Mister" the best treatment, medically and emotionally. He received so much love and kindness from everyone. I'm so proud of our team's compassion and care each and every day!"

Wanda Denslow from Ocoee Animal Hospital, Blue Ridge, Georgia, wants to recognize Vet Assistants/Technicians, Receptionists, & Kennel Staff at Ocoee: "We've had a "wave" of illness running through our office over the last week or so, with almost half of our staff out at one time. I am so proud of our employees who stepped up during this time and worked together as a team ensuring our doctors, patients, and clients were well taken care of! This Ocoee Animal Hospital Team is amazing and an absolute pleasure to work with!!"

Cesar Molina from the OPS team wants to recognize Jenn Kupneski, Acquisition Manager: "Jenn is an amazing acquisition manager I have personally seen her grow and become a great acquisition manager. She is always a pleasure to work with and is always willing to help (plus she brings me coffee, haha). She always brings a smile and navigates well through difficult site visits. I appreciate working with her!"

Sandra Taner from Pet Hospital of Willoughby, Willoughby, Ohio, wants to recognize the entire team at Pet Hospital of Willoughby: "Our team is utterly fabulous. We have pulled together and got through Covid, 3 doctors quitting, staff members quitting, while still maintaining our standard of care. Our CSR's get the most of the flack because we can not see the same amount of pets with us being at least 2 veterinarians short. They keep their heads up and do their best every day. Our technical staff has worked out a system with the doctors to maximize their time. we are so lucky to have each other."

Maggie Kuhn from Ridgeville Animal Hospital, North Ridgeville, Ohio, wants to recognize Terry Graessle and Sandy Birdsall in the IT Department: "I want to send out a HUGE Thank You to Terry and Sandy for getting us through the set-up of our new server. There were a few hiccups along the way but nothing Vetcor's amazing IT department couldn't handle."

Thomas Smith from Erie Twinbrook, Erie, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize all of the staff at Tri County Veterinary Services Orwell: "I have done several relief shifts over the last few months with this hospital. They are a wonderful team that works well together. They are eager to care for their clients and patients. They have always made me feel welcome and have assisted in every way possible. Tri-County is a wonderful place to work thanks to the staff. "

Agi Marszall from A Cat's Place, Norwalk, Connecticut, wants to recognize the entire staff at A Cat's Place: "I would like to thank the entire team here at A Cat's Place. Every single staff member is wonderful, dedicated, hard-working and I appreciate the entire team so much.  Our practice would not run as smoothly as it does without the team we have. I am especially thankful for everyone's positive attitude even during the worst days, which we've had many of during the pandemic. Thank you everyone at A Cat's Place!"

Kaci McHenry from Greenville Veterinary Clinic, Greenville, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Alannah Labesky, Reginal Manager: "I feel like "thank you" just isn't sufficient enough! Alannah has been such a huge help with anything I need, and I have been needing her a lot lately it seems! She does everything with a smile on her face. I honestly can't thank her enough for her continued support and wisdom! She is someone I truly look up to."

Melissa Chere from Pet Partners Animal Clinic, Sussex, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Kylie Hucke, Technician: "Kylie started as a receptionist but has been interested in getting more involved in assistant and technician work. She has been doing a great job. We recently had a technician leave and Kylie has really stepped up with a positive attitude. There have been days that she has assisted with most of the appointments and hasn't complained. She is always willing to learn new skills and even if she is nervous about something new she is still willing to give it a try. I'm very thankful she is on our team."

LeAnne Charles from Mars Hill Animal Hospital, Bogart, Georgia, wants to recognize Rosa Baez, CSR: "Rosa is an absolute joy to work with. She started working with us as a High School student in the work-study program. We loved her so much we created a concierge position for her.  She has worked in several different positions throughout our hospital and is now one of our CSRs. Her IT skills help keep me sane and I look forward to seeing her every day."

Anna Childers-Smith from Lake Station Pet Clinic, Lake Station, Indiana, wants to recognize Heather Pettit, Lead Tech, and Jen Sherwood, Lead CSR: "These two amazing ladies are my rocks. They help manage the chaos of a five-doctor practice and keep the sanity. They both offer nothing but support, truthfulness, and wisdom. I appreciate them both to the moon and back and could not do my job without them."

Alannah Labesky from the OPS team wants to recognize Shelly Jagers, Hospital Manager at Countryside Veterinary Service in Middlefield and Garrettsville, and Erica Pangio, Hospital Manager at Countryside Veterinary Service in Kinsman and Jamestown: "Shelly has jumped right into guiding her second hospital in a positive direction. She's such a hands-on HM and goes above and beyond. Erica has been doing amazing to her two locations and is such a team player."

Alannah Labesky also wants to recognize Bobbie Smith, Hospital Manager at Wintergreen Animal Hospital: "Bobbie has learned a lot and has offered so much support to her team since she joined Wintergreen just 6 months ago. She rebuilt her staff after a large turnover and has implemented new and fantastic protocols. I'm very thankful to have her as one of my HM's on my team. Thank you for all your hard work, Bobbie!"

Dana Myers from Doctors Park Veterinary Clinic, Canfield, Ohio, wants to recognize Dr. William Cameron, DVM, COS: "Dr. Cameron is one of a kind! He is always so kind and caring towards our clients and patients and truly has their best interests at heart. He rocks the dad jokes and our clients love his humor. He is a great and knowledgeable doctor and he cares about his staff! I am grateful every day to work with such a genuine person."

Dr. Chad Harris, DVM, VP Veterinary Leadership, wants to recognize Kelly Buckley, Practice Support Coordinator “Everything Specialist”: "I am so thankful for everything that Kelly brings to the table, especially the wit and humor!  Also, she seems to possess the speed of light when finding an answer, which is why she is known as Quick Draw! Thanks for crushing life, KB!"

Stacy Ozanich from Gateway Animal Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, wants to recognize the entire team at Gateway Animal Clinic: "I am thankful for how our entire team came together during a recent power outage and helped Dr. Wolfford who was in the midst of a FB surgery to complete the procedure safely by cell phone light. The rest of the doctors and staff helped to get the patients that were waiting taken care of and home safely before the winter storm hit. Great job everyone!"

Amy Klotz from Douds Veterinary Hospital, Oberlin, Ohio, wants to recognize Laryssa Johnson, Veterinary Assistant: "We were impacted by snowstorms and one of our team members was stuck in her driveway and couldn't get out. Laryssa went out of her way to go and pick the team member up and got them both here safely for work that day."

Jodi Smoley from Primary Pet Care, Stow, Ohio, wants to recognize Marge Solar, Hospital Manager: "Thank you for always making time to take my call and for being my "go-to" HM when I have questions. It's been almost a year since the Great Inventory Experience of 2021! I will always appreciate your mentoring and positive outlook."

Margie Giles from Sanford Animal Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Dr. Kaitlyn Walsh, DVM: "We want to thank our amazing Dr. Kaitlyn Walsh!  She is not only a brilliant and thorough doctor, but she is also a ton of fun to work with!  We so appreciate all of the hard work Dr. Walsh brings to the clinic while also being an amazing Mom to two boys under the age of 5! We don’t know how she does it all. She must be Wonder Woman!"

Michelle Metzner from Parkside Animal Care Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Dr. Amber Jensch, DVM: "Dr. Jensch is an outstanding member of our practice every day, but especially when December 2021 came and we were hit hard by COVID 19 quarantines. Dr. Jensch worked several days as the only DVM on the floor, managing her schedule as well as the smaller staff she had available to assist her. She was very conscientious of how the multiple unavoidable absences were affecting our support staff, and made sure to leave times for them to catch their breath and not become overwhelmed by extra appointments and the holiday season. While we appreciate Dr. Jensch daily, we really wanted to give her a shout out for going above and beyond during this very difficult time."

Ali Laing from Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Richmond Heights, Ohio, wants to recognize Chrissy Brown, Hospital Manager at Animal Hospital, Willoughby Hills, Ohio: "I am so thankful for Chrissy and all the assistance she gives me. She is the HM at our sister hospital and she is always there if I have a question or need something. She is great to have as a partner in management. She works really hard and I just really appreciate everything she does!"

Kristyn Hubbard from the Home Office wants to recognize Jenny Driscoll, Practice Support Coordinator: "Jenny has been an amazing teacher since I started in Practice Support. I went from being a vet tech to working in the corporate office which is a HUGE difference. Both Sarah and Jenny have been very patient with my learning process in this new position, and I've never felt more welcome at a new job. :)"

Dr. Katy Hazzard, VMD from the Boston Cat Hospital, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, wants to recognize Julia LaBarge, Lead Veterinary Technician: "Julia is the most industrious, conscientious, and fun person to have leading our technical team! She is always eager to learn new things herself and is an incredibly patient teacher for our newer team members training as veterinary assistants/technicians. Outside of her training role, our feline patients simply adore her, and she is so helpful to me (the only full-time veterinarian), while supporting our new hospital manager in countless ways, too.  We are so grateful!"

Sue-Anne Gentry from the OPS team wants to recognize Amy Haley and Martine Salamone from the Accounting Department: "These ladies are so helpful and caught my snaffu this week, which is always appreciated. Not just that, but the way they respond and let you know of corrections that need to be made is both polite and respectful. Thank you so much to all of the AP team! You keep our lights on and our doors open!!"

Amanda Marchesseault from Elk Creek Animal Hospital of Bullitt County, Mt. Washington, Kentucky, wants to recognize Alec McDaniel, Technician: "Alec is the guy who's constantly showing up with "good vibes"! He's kind to all of our clients and their pets and he has a fantastic way of communicating clearly while educating the people he encounters. Thank you Alec for keeping our moods high and full of positive energy!"

Kelly Kasum from East Towne Veterinary Clinic, Mequon, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Matt Brotz, CCS: "Matt performs a stressful job well and can enjoy the humor that eventually results from handling occasionally difficult clients and/or situations"

Jennifer Weitzel the OPS team wants to recognize Dr. Aiman Labib, DVM, COS: "I'm so proud of Dr. Labib! He leads with positivity, kindness, and professionalism. Even with recent challenges, he finds a way to smile. The love he demonstrates for his practice, people, and patients is extraordinary. Thank you for trying your best every day!”

Jennifer Weitzel also wants to recognize Dr. Elizabeth Hodge, DVM: "I'm so thankful to have Dr. Hodge's input and help with our remote work initiative.  She is brilliant, kind, has the best sense of humor, and is always eager to lend an ear to any veterinarian in need. We are so fortunate to have her in our VetCor family!"

Megan Barnhizer from Animal Hospital, Willoughby Hills, Ohio, wants to recognize all of our veterinary scribes: "This group of employees (Ashley, Jim, Maya, Kayla) has been so dedicated over the last 2 years, they always have positive attitudes and are such a huge help in educating our clients and improve the acceptance of our high-quality medicine and care for the patients. We could not do this without them! Thank you so much for being the AMAZING employees that you are!"

Dr. Lori Edwards, DVM from Parkside Animal Care Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin, wants to recognize all of the hospital staff at Parkside: "Just want to give a SPECIAL shout out to ALL of the staff at Parkside Animal Care Center for all the hard work and adaptability during the last year with everchanging COVID-19 protocols, especially during the last couple of months. Thank you for staying late, coming in early, and having abbreviated lunches to help provide excellent care to our patients and clients. I am proud and THANKFUL to be part of such an AMAZING group of women. Keep up the GREAT work Ladies!"

Sue-Anne Gentry from the OPS team wants to recognize Terry Graessle and Dawn Conklin along with the whole IT Team: "Because we don't function without them, and it is fun to function/interact with them!"

Cassandra McInerney from Hilton Hospital for Animals, Lynbrook, New York, wants to recognize Melanie Barlow, CCS: "Melanie has done an amazing job keeping the hospital going during our covid crisis in January. Thanks for taking on all the extra hours and keeping your positive energy. Thank you for caring about the team and our clients! We are so happy to have you as part of our Hilton family. Your work ethic is the true meaning of TEAMWORK!"