Thankful Thursday: Frightfully Fun Appreciation

October 19, 2023

These messages of appreciation are so everlasting, we hope they haunt you all month! Thank you to everyone who participated this month and in prior months. Your notes continue to make a difference. 

Hunter Reed from Animal Medical Center, Ontario, Ohio, wants to recognize Lauren Urschitz, Pet Care Attendant: "She is always positive, stays busy, and makes sure the animals are well taken care of!"

Megan DiPerna from St. Francis Animal Hospital, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Dr. Alex Elizeus: "Dr. Elizeus is a new grad who joined our team in September. She has been an amazing addition to our team. She has jumped into taking her own appointments and is adapting so well! We're so thankful to have her as a part of our St. Francis AH family!"

Michele Hickman from All Creature Features Animal Hospital, LaPorte, Indiana, wants to recognize Angelica Orman, CSR, and Tiffany Bright, CSR: "These ladies do such an amazing job every day! They are such positive team players in our clinic and are always willing to go the extra mile! Every day they will bend over backwards to help our clients, patients, coworkers, and myself. Anytime I need assistance with a task they readily take it on. They both are always taking on different projects to help the clinic without even being asked. If I could clone them I would! Thank you to both of you for always making my life easier and for just being a joy to be around!"

Margie Giles from Sanford Animal Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Amy Douglas, Lead Receptionist: "Amy is amazing!  She can literally jump around to any position or role in the hospital.  She is a huge help to me in my job and just a very good asset to the team!  We are very lucky to have her here!"

Roberta Wilkinson from Burke Veterinary Clinic, Burke, Virginia, wants to recognize Nicole Curler, Regional Manager: "Thank you for taking the extra time with Dexter during his last week. He was super affectionate and I am thankful he was able to share that with you. You went above and beyond by offering to care for him while I was away and I will be forever grateful."

Nina Hernandez from Miramar Animal Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida, wants to recognize the entire staff!!: "It's been a while since I've been able to take a vacation. As a hospital manager, it is almost nerve-racking to leave the staff and clinic. There is that responsibility that comes with the title and it can be stressful knowing you are leaving your staff to "fend for themselves" while you're out enjoying yourself. But my staff has been amazing! During the time leading up to my departure, my entire staff has been supportive of my vacation and excited for me! They have been doing all that they can to encourage me to take this time off and give me the reassurance that things will be okay when I leave! They're an amazing staff and I'm honored to be able to work with this incredible group of people. I also wanted to give a huge shout-out to my Regional Manager, Andy Riddick, and our Jacksonville Senior HM, Rob McCarthy, for extending their assistance to my staff while I am out. I have no doubt in my mind they can all hold down the fort! Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to go on my adventure!"

Lucy Smith from the OPS team wants to recognize Shannon Sullivan, Corporate Communications Manager: "I want to thank Shannon for her help in sending swag for my multiple leadership meetings. Along with some of the typical swag, she and her team helped design a Vetcor label to put on rootbeer bottles for an upcoming leadership meeting. Thanks, Shannon, for helping make these meetings fun!"

Angela Madden-Heinzen from Port Cities Animal Hospital, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, wants to recognize the whole team: "This team has faced incredible adversities over the last year and they have stuck together and handled it with such grace - I cannot imagine working with a better group of people. I am so grateful for them every day!!"

Tina Green from Purrfect Care Feline Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, wants to recognize John Prindiville, Legal: "I had SO many questions about transferring the title and registering our housecall vehicle and John was very patient and so helpful and I appreciate him!  Thank you!!"

Tina also wants to recognize Janet Cohn, COS: "Dr. Cohn is in her last week of seeing patients as she transitions to a mentor for our new associate DVM and her (Dr. Cohn's) own retirement!  I have enjoyed seeing how amazing she is with her clients and patients and I can't wait for her to pass along all that enthusiasm to our new DVM!"

Allison Eddleman from South Anderson Veterinary Clinic, Anderson, Indiana, wants to recognize Jasmine Clark, Surgery Assistant: "Jasmine identified a learning gap in our medical team, drafted a plan, had it approved by her HM & COS, and is actively implementing that plan! Her insight into her team's abilities and her willingness to come alongside them and teach while also consistently performing at a high level is so appreciated. We are so grateful to have her on the Team!"

Laura Dobbs from Steamboat Animal Hospital, Olympia, Washington, wants to recognize Kyrie Willis, Assistant Manager: "Kyrie has been an amazing asset to this business. She has a fantastic work ethic and always goes above and beyond for the team. I found out recently from our Covetrus Rep that her diligence in ordering has saved our clinic 36,000.00 this year so far!!"

Jessica Eddy from El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital, La Mesa, California, wants to recognize Tayler Rice, Veterinary Assistant: "Tayler always has a helpful attitude and a smile on her face.  She looks out for the patient's wellbeing ALWAYS and eagerly jumps in to help out the CSR team when they need assistance.  Tayler is a ROCKSTAR VA, on her way to being a ROCKSTAR RVT!!"

Ashley Willis from Basin Run Animal Hospital, Colora, Maryland, wants to recognize Brandon Piper, RVT: "I would like to thank Brandon for his flexibility recently with scheduling and helping in reception when we have been short-staffed.  While I know it isn't his favorite place to be he has been a true team player and assisted out front with a positive attitude.  Thank you! "

Kim Fegan from Big Creek Pet Hospital, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, wants to recognize Barb Szucs, Groomer: "We are so very thankful for Barb, our groomer.  She is always recognizing and acknowledging the good in her co-workers.  She has NEVER complained about others and each month Barb is the person who does the most shout-outs, even though she doesn't work directly with any of the team. Barb is an amazing groomer and an even better person. Thanks, Barb for being the kind of person this world needs and for being part of our team!"

Michelle Skinner from Crofton Veterinary Center, Crofton, Maryland, wants to recognize everyone - our doctors and support team: "We've had a rough several weeks - September was not kind to any of us physically or mentally. I love how we lift each other's spirits up and continue to encourage one another. When your team takes care of one another, you know that caring spirit extends to our clients and patients. Thank you, Team CVC!"

Mallory Joyner from Ambassador Animal Hospital, Fayetteville, North Carolina, wants to recognize Caitlin McAlister, Veterinary Assistant: "I would like to thank Caitlin, our senior vet assistant, for always lending a helping hand. She helps our kennel staff when they are in a bind and also helps me with tasks. She works hard until the job is done!"

Mallory also wants to recognize Debbie Latta, CCS: "I want to thank Debbie for helping the assistants when they are running behind and for offering to come in when we are short-staffed. I appreciate her being a team player and always here ready to work!"

Jerry Johnson from DuPont Veterinary Center, DuPont, Washington, wants to recognize Mark Allen, Regional Manager: "I am thanking Mark for stepping up and doing a phenomenal job at being an RM, especially for teams completely across America. He is always patient with us and listens to our frustrations in miscommunication situations. He has been available to discuss different concerns and help address them. Best RM in a very long time."

Danielle Gutierrez from Zippivet Arboretum, Austin, Texas, wants to recognize Dr. Helburn, COS: "I am so proud and excited to have Dr. Helburn join the ranks of COS for Zippivet. Dr. Helburn shows up in every way. She cares deeply for her patients and her team. Dr. Helburn always goes the extra mile. Congratulations!"

Danielle also would like to recognize Zippivet Arboretum Vet Techs: "The techs of Zippivet: Tabs, Steve, Bridge, Kay, Jenn, and Christina, One week in October just isn't enough time to recognize all you do for our team. Each of you amazes me. Tabitha, I am so proud of your commitment to absorbing as much information as possible in the vet med world. Steven, your ability to take on new challenges, excel at them, and then share them with team members is incredible. Bridgett, aka surgery rock-star, I continue to be impressed at your skills, confidence, and desire to provide the best standard of care. Kayla, you embody "teamwork makes the dream work" always offering support to others, a smile, and a good attitude. Jennifer, you took a chance moving positions from CSR to tech assistant and it is heartwarming to continue to see you push past your own fears to learn new skills. Christina, you're passion and desire to provide the best care for animals is exemplary."

And last but not least, Danielle wants to recognize Cheyenne Talbot and Lizbeth Villafane, Receptionists: "Chey and Lisa you both go above and far beyond what is expected of you. Together you both make sure our clients are heard, seen, and feel loved. You have shared tears with clients and put on a smile even when it's tough. Y'all are creative and innovative in finding ways to make our every day a better place to work."

Kelsey Alberti from Leland Veterinary Clinic, Mableton, Georgia, wants to recognize all of the staff!: "We have been through so many clinic challenges,  staff changes, and countless adjustments that everyone has had to face, accept, and just keep on rolling. The best thing about a clinic is the people that make up the team and the family that runs it. If you do not have a strong family and team, you do not have a successful Clinic! We are so proud of everyone and we look forward to such a bright and successful future together!"

Kalani Wittrock from Keepers Animal Clinic, Rochester, Washington, wants to recognize Lyssa Metcalfe, LVT: "Lyssa is one of the most dedicated licensed technicians I've ever worked with. She is incredibly caring and compassionate with clients and is so loyal to her patient's comfort and high practicing standard of care. We are so incredibly grateful to have her on our team."

Tasha Larsen from Wasatch Animal Clinic, Heber City, Utah, wants to recognize Harlie Giles, Technician: "Harlie has been employed with us for several years, and from day one she has always maintained a positive demeanor to her clients, patients, and coworkers. Her amazing work ethic is what initially stood out to us and then she developed the skills to become an extremely talented technician. Harlie is a double threat and we truly value her choosing Wasatch Animal Clinic to be her work home. It wouldn’t be the same without you. We all love working with you and your work as a technician is amazing. Thanks Harlie!"

Ian Foulks from Columbus Central Veterinary Hospital, Columbus, New Jersey, wants to recognize Heaven Williams, Assistant Manager: "For stepping up and flawlessly running the show while I was absent for a little over a month. She is truly a magnificent talent."

Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, California, wants to recognize Kelly Jager, Technician: "Kelly is so hardworking and passionate about what she does. I am so proud to have her on our CAH team and don't know what we'd do without her. Thank you Kelly for all you do!"

Terina Dobson from Poland Animal Hospital, Poland, Maine, wants to recognize Our Receptionist Team, Lee Ann, and Amanda: "I don't know what I did to deserve these two. It's always difficult to hire for multiple positions, and just when you think you have something figured out, the universe has other plans. Lee Ann joined our team in August and I had another candidate ready to start the next week. She backed out at the last minute, and my third choice candidate only wanted part-time. Lee Ann approached me one day and asked me if I filled the position. Her daughter Amanda was looking for a job. They both had previous veterinary experience from working together at another animal hospital nearby.  This mother-daughter duo is the dream team! They were so quick to pick up our hospital's software and protocols. They have already made some wonderful improvements to our hospital and I am excited to see what the future holds for each of them. I actually took a week off for the first time in years, and that was in their first 90 days! Thank you, Lee Ann and Amanda! We're so happy to have you on our team!"

Mariah Hunt from Bethany Centennial Animal Hospital, Ellicott City, Maryland, wants to recognize Danielle Hammett, Technician: "Danielle started at our practice during a crazy and difficult time. Between being here through our COS's retirement, working with teams of relief doctors, and dealing with us needing to be closed on some business days, she has been a rock-star technician! She is always present, great with clients and their animals, and has had no problems filling multiple roles when needed. Thank you for being so dependable and knowledgeable (as an added bonus). We are so blessed and thankful to have you on our team!"

Brandy Anselmo from Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to recognize Brandy Cosenza, CCS: "We would like to spotlight Brandy Cosenza. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and a client-first approach in every task she undertakes. Brandy's relentless pursuit of self-improvement and enhancing our client's experience does not go unnoticed. Whether it's her infectious attitude, her unparalleled client service, or her ability to form instant bonds with all of her clients, Brandy has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our team. Thank you for being the shining star that you are, Brandy!”

Brandy also wants to recognize Dj Smith and Drake Botelho, PCAs: "We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to two individuals who have significantly impacted our practice and team with their dedication and teamwork - Dj Smith and Drake Botelho, our remarkable Kennel Technicians. Dj and Drake, your collective efforts have created a nurturing environment for our boarding pets and a supportive atmosphere for our team. The care you provide to the pets and the support you extend to the team does not go unnoticed. We are immensely grateful for your dedication, teamwork, and the positive impact you make each day."

Tiffany Lund from Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to recognize Jessica Dudgeon, Veterinary Assistant: "We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Jessica Dudgeon. She embodies a spirit of continuous self-improvement and unwavering dedication to enhancing our client's experiences. Her support extends not only to our valued clients but also to our team members and doctors. Jessica, your unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and support has not only elevated our client experiences but has also significantly contributed to our team's success and morale."

Hannah Jensen from Prosper North Animal Medical Center, Prosper, Texas, wants to recognize the entire staff: "It's impossible to narrow it down to a single employee I am thankful for! Our clinic opened this April and our team has done an incredible job learning, adapting, and creating an environment that everyone enjoys. Extremely grateful for the entire staff!"

Jessie Nelson from Sugarloaf Animal Hospital, Lawrenceville, Georgia, wants to recognize Marissa Day, Hospital Manager: "You have been an amazing leader here and such a great help.  I love your ideas and looking forward to seeing how you can get this place going! Thank you for being here and being the amazing person you are!!"

Devinne Yoder from Turkeyfoot Family Pet Center, Akron, Ohio, wants to recognize the entire staff: "I am so thankful for all of them. Couldn't ask for a better team!"

Redonda Honey from Hazel Ridge Veterinary Clinic, Fair Oaks, California, wants to recognize Cindy Gessford, LVT: "We would like to thank Cindy for her dedication and genuine care for her patients and for always being there as part of the team.  She is always willing to check in on hospitalized patients after hours."

Ashley Misner from Stark Animal Hospital, Canton, Ohio, wants to recognize Emily Kimball, RVT, Logan Beitzel, RVT, Jordan Culbertson, RVT: "I just wanted to say thank you to my awesome RVTs in honor of tech week coming up! They are so skilled at what they do and they help our practice run smoothly. We couldn't do this job without them! THANKS!"

Danielle Mercado from Leland Vet Clinic, Mableton, Georgia, wants to recognize Catherine Ray, DVM: "Dr. Ray has been an integral part of any success we experience here at Leland and we truly appreciate her work ethic and drive every day! Her ability to see as many clients as she can daily is amazing, she is definitely an inspiration. She has such a great "can do" attitude that we and her clients are so grateful for. She does a great job at our community events interacting with people and teaching them the importance of pet wellness visits. We appreciate you, Dr. Ray!"

David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Becca Lange, CVT (head tech and hospital manager): "Becca wears many hats in our practice. She is a very knowledgeable and skilled technician, with a history of working in an emergency hospital, so we often utilize her skills when the oddball emergency situation arises. In addition to her duties as a technician, she has many responsibilities as a practice manager, dealing with seemingly everything that helps our clinic function."

Christina Gove from Veremedy Pet Hospital, White River Junction, Vermont, wants to recognize Steph Morancy, CCS: "Steph is amazing and talented in her customer care role every single day.  A couple of weeks ago when the server crashed and we had to wait for a new one, she stayed late every single evening to work out the glitches and carried the load in addition to her customer care role.  She is invaluable to us at Veremedy and we are so happy that she is part of our team!"

Nicole Mock from Lake Station Pet Clinic, Lake Station, Indiana, wants to recognize Anna Smith, Hospital Manager: "Anna is our beloved and amazing practice manager who continuously goes above and beyond to support our team, our clients, and our community. This specific shout-out is to acknowledge what an outstanding job she has done (and is still doing) to find our hospital relief vets! She is working tirelessly to ensure that we can continue to see our high volume of patients and keep our many staff members happy and employed. Words cannot express how grateful I am and our entire team is. Thank you, Anna!!"

Krystle Bernier from the OPS team wants to recognize Heidi Dunning, Hospital Manager, Town and Country AH, Stouffville, ON Canada: "Heidi and her Hospital just recently joined the Vetcor family, and since day one, she has been such a pleasure to work with! She is proving to be a wonderful addition to the Canadian group, and I am so thankful to have her on my team!"

Jolene O’Brien from Berrien Veterinary Services, Baroda, Mississippi, wants to recognize Dr. Sara Lange: "Dr. Lange has shown tremendous growth in her 2 years with our practice. As a new grad, it can be challenging to fit in and find your stride as a vet. But she has gained confidence and her knowledge is growing exponentially. She also has a natural talent for gentle tissue handling in surgery. Very gifted. We are lucky to have her on our team."

Alannah Labesky from Regional Manager, North East, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Shelley Buys, Finance Manager: "Shelley recently helped two of my locations with some major daily totals errors. She was so kind, patient, and helpful. Thank you, Shelley!"

Katrina Guell from Scottsdale Cat Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, wants to recognize Tara Donnelly, CCS: "It is no secret that you are the one responsible for keeping clients and team members happy while I was on vacation. I had the best time relaxing, and I will be forever grateful to you for taking work off my worry list. Thank you for being my right hand and holding the fort down!"

Nicole Curler from the OPS team wants to recognize Erin Rojas, HR Director: "Erin is always willing to jump on the phone and answer questions or address my concerns. Erin provides high-quality HR support for all areas of Vetcor."

Nicole also wants to recognize Vanesa Rivera, Procurement Coordinator: "Vanesa has been accommodating and informative when I ask questions about vendors and Capex requests."

Courtney Dawson from El Cerrito Veterinary Care, El Cerrito, California, wants to recognize Lorena Reyes, LVT: "For the past couple of months, she has taken initiative as a leader and has helped the practice and myself as a practice manager. She has gone above and beyond to work with management and staff members to ensure that everything ran smoothly while management was out of the hospital. Proving herself as a strong leader in the process."

Sean Sornsin from the OPS team wants to recognize Matt Campbell, Regional Manager: "Matty-Ice is just a tremendous person to have on our team.  He's not only a high work ethic leader but brings great passion and compassion to his team and Vetcor. On top of that, he has a great sense of humor and always finds a way to make our OPS team laugh!  He's really a valuable player on our team and I am always glad to have him out in the field helping clinics!"