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Get to Know Emily Meier

May 292013

Emily Meier has been with our kennel staff since June of 2011. She is originally from Waterloo and is currently a biology major at UNI. A typical day for Emily means so many different things as she has a variety of job responsibilities at Den Herders. She could be walking dogs, cleaning cages, stocking the rooms, or working hand in hand with the vets and clients.

What is the best part of your job? Hardest part?

The best part of the job, for me, is all of the experience I am able to gain on a daily basis. I am always excited to come to work knowing that I will be able to learn something new.

The hardest part of my job is adapting to every challenge; but I would be lying if I said that I did not enjoy rising to the occasion. The variance of cases keeps my job fresh and exciting, and that’s what I love!

Why do you work here?

I have always had a love for animals and a desire to care for them; that is why I want to become a veterinarian. Ever since I have had my own pets, I have taken them to Den Herders. As such, I have always wanted to work here and love every minute of it.

What pets do you own?

I have had over 10 different kinds of pets at one time before, including zebra finches, parakeets, various fish, a leopard gecko, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, love birds, hermit crabs, and a canary. However, at the moment, I have two hamsters, two guinea pigs, a parakeet and fish.

Any pet challenges?

For the past few years, I have been taking in animals with special needs. I had a dwarf hamster for many years that had been abused by its previous owner. Currently, I have a hamster that injured its side by being caught in a wheel. Now, one of his favorite things to do is run in his ball. I love to take care of animals. There is no greater reward for me than to know that I can make sure an animal lives a happy life.

What was the first pet you ever had?

The first pet I personally owned was a hamster named Teddy

Tell us about your family.

My mom is a pharmacist and my dad stays at home. My sister, Chelsea, just graduated from UNI and will be continuing her education to become an emergency room doctor.

What is the craziest thing you have seen while working here?

I thought it was amazing to see a successful amputation on a tiny little dwarf hamster. It amazed me that Dr. Cherney was able to do such a wonderful job on such a small creature. I had no idea that such a complicated surgery could be done on anything smaller than a dog or cat.

What was something you learned in the last week?

I learned the right way and wrong way to pet a cow. A friend from college invited me to his farm and among the many animals that I interacted with, I learned how to properly approach a cow.

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

Any kind of Bosnian food! It’s all good.

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

I enjoy any and all crafts, doing martial arts, and learning something new.

Get to Know Sydney Johnston

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May 292013

Sydney (Halferty) Johnston has been with our kennel staff since August of 2012 and is also assisting some in the hospital. Sydney and her high school sweetheart, Dalton, are newlyweds. The both are students at UNI with Dalton majoring in construction management and Sydney is pre-vet. She plans to continue on to vet school in the near future.

What is the best part about your job? The hardest part?

The best part is working with the different dogs and cats and getting to spend time with them. I love animals and being around them. I especially love when puppies come in–they just brighten my whole day! The hardest part of working here would have to be when an animal passes away, especially one that I have taken care of and grown to care for.

Why do you work here?

I am a pre-vet major at UNI and I hope someday to be a veterinarian. When I transferred to UNI from Kirkwood I was determined to find a job working with animals so I could make sure it was what I really wanted to do. I’ve definitely found that it is! I love working at Den Herder Veterinary Hospital!

What pets do you own?

I own a guinea pig named Rocky and I grew up with my dog, Prince, who is a Rat Terrier mix. I also claim my husband’s pets as my own and they are Sam the Siamese cat and Beau the German Shepard. The picture I have attached is of my guinea pig, Rocky, and my dog, Prince. This was the best I could do because my dog is scared of my guinea pig!

Any pet challenges?

A challenge for me would be interacting with pets when they are not in the best moods. I’m still gaining experience in how to handle those situations, but I have improved since working here.

What was the first pet you ever had?

The first pet I had was a blue Betta fish named Betty. I wasn’t allowed pets because my mom babysat in our home. I kept begging and we finally got a fish. It didn’t live very long because I kept petting it…

Tell us about your family?

I am recently married to my high school sweetheart and he goes to UNI. My father works in unemployment taxes and my mom works as a business assistant for the Colo-NESCO school district. I am the middle child of two sisters. My eldest sister is finishing up her Administrative Assistant degree at DMACC and she has a two year old daughter. My youngest sister is a sophomore in high school.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

I don’t know about the craziest, but the coolest things would be watching Dr. Taylor do an ultrasound or watching one of the doctors perform a surgery. Something unusual would have to be seeing all the different animals brought in from the Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project. I’ve seen hawks, owls, baby squirrels, swans, quite a variety!

What was something you learned in the last week?

Something I’ve learned in the last week would be how to run the lab equipment and all the tests we can do for blood work.

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

Call me crazy, but I love tomato soup and grilled cheese. I love dipping dill pickles and Cheetos in my soup. It is delicious.

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

I love reading books. I like reading paranormal romance and science fiction books. I also love the outdoors and being active.

Get to Know Hallie Kuchera

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May 292013

Hallie Kuchera has been on our kennel staff since 2011. She is a biology major at UNI and is originally from Waterloo. She helps with all aspects of the kennels, caring for boarding pets, cleaning and stocking the building—she is one hard working gal!

What is the best part about your job? Hardest part?

The best part about working here is spending time with the animals and getting to know each of them (especially the puppies and kittens). The hardest part about working here is when animals pass away.

Why do you work here?

I work here because I love spending time with the animals and taking care of them.

What pets do you own?

Currently my only pet is a blue Betta fish named Edwardo.

Any pet challenges?

Cutting my guinea pigs nails was always a challenge!

What was your first pet as a child?

I had several fish as a child but my first official pet was a guinea pig named Popcorn.

Tell us about your family.

I have an older brother, Brenton, and a younger brother, Eliott. My Mom (Shelly), Dad (Dan), and Brenton all work at Columbus High School, which is also the same school that Eliott attends.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

One of the craziest things that I have seen while working here was a baby raccoon that had to have half its tail amputated.

What is something you have learned in the past week?

Something I recently learned is that almost all calico cats are female.

What is one food you would almost always have seconds on?

Pizza!

What do you like to do for fun or free time?

In my free time I love to play tennis, read, and hang out with my friends.

Get to Know Jennifer Gidley

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May 292013

Jen has been with us since November of 2012 as a veterinary assistant. If variety is the spice of life, then Jen is set with this job. She wears a lot of hats around here from working with clients, assisting the doctors with both in and out patient visits, running lab work, filling prescriptions—you name it! She does it all with a smile and is a great addition to our team.

What is the best part about your job? The hardest part?

Other than the obvious answer of being able to help animals, the best part of my job is getting to form bonds with our clients and patients. At Den Herders, we get to welcome new pet additions to the family. We then get to watch those puppies, kittens, and other pets grow from babies to adults. We are there through the laughter and the tears, the hardships and the celebrations. It’s almost impossible to not form bonds with both the pets and the pet owners when we’re so involved.

The hardest part of my job is without a doubt the goodbyes. Not only is it sad to have to say goodbye to the pet, but it is also hard to watch people grieve. It’s tough to see a client go through that sort of hurt and know I can’t make it better.

Why do you work here?

I’ve had a passion for animals ever since I can remember. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to work at a veterinary hospital. I actually started out as a client in 2007, and on my first visit to Den Herder Veterinary Hospital, I thought to myself, “Wow! There is really something special going on here. Everyone here is so caring and passionate about what they do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to work here?” Fast forward five years, and I can now say from personal experience that Den Herder Veterinary Hospital is every bit as wonderful of a place to work as I imagined it would be. I truly have my dream job.

What pets do you own?

I currently have an American Eskimo-Pomeranian cross, a Shih Tzu-Yorkie cross, two cats, and a Lionhead rabbit. I’ve had quite a variety of pets in the past, though.

Any pet challenges?

My American Eskimo-Pomeranian cross has deformed rear feet which are very sensitive and have caused her a lot of issues. She cannot go on walks without wearing booties because her feet are so tender. Her rear feet also have a tendency to develop interdigital cysts. The treatment provided by the doctors here has been invaluable in keeping her comfortable and reducing the incidence of cyst development.

What was the first pet you ever had?

I’ve always had at least one pet as long as I can remember. My first pet was a three-legged tortoiseshell cat. She had been attacked by a neighborhood dog and had to have one of her rear legs amputated. The loss of the limb didn’t slow her down one bit, though. She was able to keep up with my brother and me until she died at 18 years of age.

Tell us about your family (now)

I’m happily married, but don’t have any children yet. I guess you could say my pets are my children. I have one brother. With the exception of my husband’s sister, all our family lives close by, so we have a close-knit family.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

I don’t know that it can be categorized as crazy, but the most unique thing I’ve seen while working here was a beautiful Snowy Owl which Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation had brought in for treatment. I’ve always loved Snowy Owls, so it was an awe-inspiring experience to get to see one up close.

What was something you learned in the last week?

I’ve learned to never underestimate a cat who is determined to get down a staircase you thought you had properly barricaded. My husband and I recently moved and have been trying to introduce our pets to their new environment slowly to reduce the shock of it all. We started with the cats in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Due to the layout of our house, when it came time to allow the cats free reign of the upstairs level, we had to allow them access to a hallway with an open staircase leading to the lower level. We thought we had done an immaculate job blocking off the staircase with stacked totes, broken down cardboard boxes taped to the railings, and whatever else we could find to block any holes. Within five minutes, one of our cats had made it to the basement.

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

I’d definitely have seconds on authentic Italian pizza Margherita. I couldn’t get enough of it when I visited Italy.

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

My husband and I like to be active together, whether we’re taking the dogs for a walk, running a 5K, riding our bikes, hiking, or going to the gym. I have a background in art, so I love to paint, draw, and craft. I am also an avid reader. I like a number of genres, but I am a huge historical fiction fan.

Get to Know Sandy Grundmeyer

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May 282013

Sandy Grundmeyer has been with Den Herder Veterinary Hospital since August of 2010. Sandy’s friendly smile and easy going nature make her a great fit in our front office. Sandy is our resident expert on Old English Sheepdogs, Beagles and Grandsons (not necessarily in that order)! Sandy brings over 30 years of retail experience and works very hard to keep things flowing smoothly for clients, doctors and staff alike.

What is the best part about your job? The hardest part?

The best part is working with such great people, both clients and co-workers. We are all so different but blend so well. For me, every day is different and I like that. I love helping our clients and their pets, getting people what they need and with whom they need to see. The hardest is saying goodbye to such great pet friends. They really do become part of our family as well.

Why do you work here?

I love animals and love working customer service. Working here lets me do both. It’s an honor to be able to work with the doctors and my co-workers. Hopefully I can make a difference is some small way.

What pets do you own?

We have 3 Old English Sheepdogs (Lexi, Lacey and Murphy) and Wilbur, a Beagle.

Any pet challenges?

In the past, I had older dogs with a variety of health issues that Jerry, Tom and Lori helped me through. I don’t know what I would have done without them. Now I have one with neck problems and allergies and a rescue pup that was fearful of several things as well as some heart problems.

What was the first pet you ever had?

When I was a kid we had Otto the Dachshund

Tell us about your family

I have been married to Dan for 34 years. We have a wonderful daughter, Kaley, and great son-in-law, Mike. They are the parents to my wonderful grandson, Logan, and of course I can’t forget our granddog, Auggie! I never thought anything was better than being a mom, but being a Grandma (GaGa) is the best ever.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

Seeing all the wildlife is really something very special. I’m working on getting over my bird phobia and it is great therapy seeing some amazing creatures come through the door. After wildlife, seeing what dogs eat that they shouldn’t have!

What was something you learned in the last week?

I learn something every day. I really didn’t know anything about exotic animals until working at Den Herders so that is very interesting. Flea and tick info has been a growing interest lately. I definitely want to protect and prevent, not to deal with the problems!

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

Pizza and, of course, chocolate

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

I love to travel even though we haven’t gone anywhere lately. Going to the ocean and hanging around with my pups and family are the best things for me. I’m up for anything if it involves doing something with our Grandson. You’ll know if I’m going to the Quad Cities or if they are coming here.

Get to Know Tracy Zitelman

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May 232013

Tracy Zitelman joined Den Herder Veterinary Hospital in May of 2004 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She is a graduate of the Kirkwood Veterinary Technician program in Cedar Rapids. She brings a constant calm and friendly smile all throughout the hospital.

What is a typical day like for you?

It is nice that we have many different tasks each day. Each day has a variety: prepping for surgery, treating sick patients according to the doctor’s instructions, running blood work, assisting the doctors with outpatients, and helping clients.

What is the best part about your job? The hardest part?

The best part for me is seeing sick patients get better with our help. I love the fact that we focus on prevention so much so the doctors can catch a problem or illness early then it can be treated. I enjoy doing teeth cleanings and seeing the end result–clean, healthy teeth!

The hardest part is saying goodbye to pets. It can be a kindness but having a close bond to the pet and client you feel their heartbreak. And having been through losing a pet myself, I know the grief they are feeling even though it may be the kindest choice.

Why do you work here?

We have the BEST doctors and staff. We work hard, but also have fun doing it.

What pets do you own?

1 cat, Cosmo. He is 11 years old.

Any pet challenges?

He does have pancreas elevations which we monitor and he is on a prescription diet. He does have a bad habit of shredding the toilet paper when he is mad at us!!

What was the first pet you ever had?

I grew up on a farm so we always had dogs and cats around. We also raised Boer goats which I treated as pets!

Tell us about your family.

I am married to my husband, Matt since June of 2006. We have 1 daughter, Isabelle who was born in April 2010.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

Helping with surgery, I see lots of cool things. Removing a whole Kong toy from a Boxer’s stomach tops the list. Helping with wildlife is always neat. Seeing Bald Eagles up close is special.

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

Pizza!

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

I enjoy reading. We’ve kind of started our own book club here at work and that is fun. I also enjoy gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Get to Know Tracey Boyle

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May 232013

Tracey Boyle has the longest tenure of anyone at Den Herders (other than Jerry and Kathy) and she knows her stuff. Her energy and enthusiasm for working with animals can be seen everywhere in the hospital. She is our resident behavior specialist, so if you are ever having trouble keeping your pets in line—she has the answers! She is our spokesperson for many of our educational videos on the website and has a wealth of knowledge to share with you.

How long have you worked here?

After completing my bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University I moved home to be closer to my finance (now husband). I started as a member of the Den Herder kennel staff in August 1992 and commuted to Cedar Rapids to complete their Veterinary Technician program. In May of 1994 I began working at Den Herders as a full-time registered Veterinary Technician.

What is a typical day like for you?

The greatest thing about this job is that no two days are exactly the same. The nurses at Den Herders are responsible for assisting the doctors with the care and treatment of hospitalized and boarding animals, laboratory analysis, surgery preparations and monitoring, radiology and out-patient care. We have four Certified Veterinary Technicians and rotate our surgery/laboratory schedule so each day has something new.

What is the best part about your job? Why do you work here?

The best part of my job and one of the reasons I work here is the relationships we develop with our patients and their owners.

What pets do you own?

Currently the Boyle pet family has two dogs, a 5 year old Golden Retriever named Jenni, a 10 year old Shih Tzu named Toby, a dwarf rabbit named “Jack-Jack” (my daughter’s is the small one in the picture), a dumbo rat name “Raisin” (my son’s) and two fish.

Any pet challenges?

We are still waiting for our Golden Retriever to “grow up.” She is very enthusiastic!!!!

What was the first pet you ever had?

My first pets were a gerbil and a Yellow Lab named Cada. I remember picking her name from the Captain Kangaroo Show!

Tell us about your family.

My husband and I were high school sweethearts and we will be married 20 years in November. We have two children. Our daughter Samantha is 12 years old and is a 6th grader at Valley Lutheran School. Our son Benjamin is 10 years old and is a 4th grader at Orange Elementary.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

Oh my, how to pick one!!! I think the wildlife that Dr. Cherney treats always brings fun and excitement to the office. Eagles, pelicans, pigeons, possums, raccoons and rabbits. You never know what will be in the box or how fast it wants to come out!

What was something you learned in the last week?

We are required to take continuing education to maintain our licenses and I went to a great meeting this week. I was surprised to learn that experts now recommend doing CPR on bulldogs on their back like you would do a person, instead of on their side, because of their deep chest. I hope I never have to USE this information but I thought it was interesting.

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

Chocolate is a food group right???

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

When we are not attending gymnastic meets, track meets and Lego League functions our family goes to Lansing, Iowa. We have a place by the river across the street from my parents. We spent most of our free time boating, swimming, kayaking and hanging out with family and friends. We have also discovered that everyone like to run so we have entered some 5K road races as a family.

Get to Know Charity Hayek

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May 232013

Charity Hayek has had many hats at Den Herder Veterinary Hospital over the years. Starting in Kennels, to Supervisor, To Assistant and now is one of our talented Certified Veterinary Technicians. She is a bright and cheery addition to our staff, supplies us with great treats (both healthy and not) and is as compassionate as the day is long.

How long have you worked here?

I started on kennel staff in 2006, soon after I became a veterinary assistant. After graduating from Kirkwood Community College’s veterinary technician program, in 2011, I moved to Kalispell, Montana to be close to family and began my career as a technician. In February of 2012, I returned to Iowa and to the Den Herder team.

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day at work consists of helping the doctors in exam rooms, treatment, and surgery. In the exams rooms, I help with anything from routine vaccines to the hospitalization of sick animals. Back in treatment, the other technicians and I take care of any hospitalized patients that need some TCL with fluids, antibiotics, or pain meds. In surgery, I am a part of preparing animals for surgery as well as monitoring during and after procedures. In between there, I fill prescriptions, do lab work, and help where I am needed.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is being part of a team that works together to help treat our patients. I enjoy seeing what we can do together with the help of the technology we have in the office, from our blood machines to x-ray and ultrasound. It is a great feeling to see a sick animal “walk” out of our building with a clean bill of health.

The hardest part?

The hardest part of my job, as I am sure all of my co-workers would agree on, is not being able to help an animal return home to their family. I consider my pets to be a part of my family and it is hard to see our clients lose a family member, no matter what the case may be.

Why do you work here?

I consider Den Herders a “one of a kind” job and veterinary office. I think that is something that I had to learn the hard way after moving 1500 miles away to Montana…there is no place like home. I love Iowa. (Even if the winters are too long and the summers are too hot sometimes!) I love it here and enjoy the fast pace environment as well as the clients and animals I have the privilege of working with.

What pets do you own?

I have two dogs, Chloe and Joy. “My girls” as I call them. They make me smile and laugh every day. Chloe is a loving five year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle mix. Joy is an energetic one year-old, twenty pound mixed breed.

Any pet challenges?

Well, like all pets my dogs are spoiled for sure. Chloe is the “princess” of the household, being the oldest, and well, I admit I have had a hand in making it that way. I am pretty sure she is still thinking I should return Joy to wherever she came from! I was thinking they would be best buddies, but maybe Joy needs to grow up a little bit more. I guess I should say Joy thinks Chloe and her are best buddies. Chloe “tolerates” Joy very well for the puppy she is.

What was the first pet you ever had?

The first two pets I had growing up were a white Persian cat named Casper and a Dutch rabbit named Elvis. I had to wait what I thought was way too long in my book, to get a dog. When I was 10, I finally got my first dog, a male Yellow Labrador Retriever puppy, I named Maddison (And yes, I know now that Maddison is a girl’s name).

Tell us about your family.

Right now I just have two nephews that I get to spoil (I have one sister, Chelsea). They live out in Montana, which is way too far away for my parents and me. When I take vacation time from work, I spend that time out visiting my sister and her family in the beautiful Flathead Valley area of Montana, right next to Glacier National Park.

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen while working here?

I would have to say the craziest things I have seen while working at Den Herders are the things dogs will eat and/or swallow. A whole Kong toy, money, underwear, knee high stockings, and the list goes on. Some of the coolest things I see are when Lori works with the wildlife. It is a pretty neat day when you get to work with a bald eagle.

What was something you learned in the last week?

I learned that 8 week old kittens are really hard to hold still for a blood draw. Also, toys that you can stuff kernels of dog food into are a great way to keep a one year-old dog entertained for well … the clock is still running.

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?

German chocolate cake

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

In my free time, I like spending time with my family and dogs. I enjoy taking my girls for walks, doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, bike riding on the Cedar Valley trails, helping my mom with her gardening, and going out to Montana to visit my sister and her family.

Get to Know Keely Swope

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May 222013

Keely Swope probably needs no introduction, but how could we not let her tell us about herself?!? She has worked in the front office since July 2006 and entertains staff and clients alike with her wit, wisdom and unending fashion sense. If the sparkle in her eye isn’t big enough, then just check her jewelry, shoes or purse for a lot of “bling” as she likes to say.

Why do you work at Den Herders?

Working with an awesome staff here at DHVH plus fantastic doctors, but most of all–the clients are the BEST! What can be better than working with people who LOVE pets? I also enjoy the fact every day is different and it is a family owned business. It’s not corporate America working here so I feel like I matter. I feel like my co-workers care about me and the clients care about me. (P.S. I also have a purse and “bling” problem and like to shop. A lot.) Oh, and I love the puppies!

What is the best part about your job? The hardest part?

The best part I think is what I talked about above: people, pets, great co-workers and doctors. For me, the hardest part is the passing of our 4 legged “kids.” Of course I think we all have that listed as the number one hardest part. It can be very sad. Some days on my way home from work I turn off the radio and have a good, old fashioned cry. I always try to keep a brave face on at work so my car is my place to release it all.

Tell us about your pets.

Currently I am the Momma to Boise, a 1/2 black lab (pure) and 1/2 golden retriever (pure). I love the mix! She is the best dog I have ever loved in my life. My husband, Tim, asked me if I loved the dog more than him. I very lovingly replied, “Oh, Honey, of course I do!” She is the best, but aren’t they ALL!!

Any pets you are challenged by?

I don’t know much about cats. I am allergic to them. I don’t know much about exotics and I am deathly afraid of snakes!

What was the first pet you ever had?

My first pet was a wild bunny I caught. When I gave her carrots and lettuce and she did not eat it, I told my Dad I have to let it go. He said he knew it was hard for me but it was the best thing for the bunny and he was happy I figured it out on my own. My real first pet was a little black Schipperke. My Dad brought her home from a service call he made to an elderly lady to fix her TV. Her husband had died and she couldn’t care for the dog anymore OR pay my Dad. He told her he had three kids at home that would love her if she wanted him to take her. He considered the dog payment for the service call on her TV. Her name was Toy and she was so incredibly sweet. I think that is why I love black dogs!

Tell us about your family:

My family: my retired husband, Tim; my baby Boise the Lab; my son Steve and his girlfriend Tami; and my grandkids Cody and Samantha. Cody is graduating from East High May of 2013 and Sammie will start East next fall. I love my grandkids and son very much! My mother, Jean Post, and my brother, David live in our huge house from our childhood. David is a claims adjuster for State Farm. My sister, Melinda Huting, is a great teacher at Hudson School and has been there since 1976! I have many nieces and nephews but my sister named her daughter after me! “Little Keely” is at Drake University studying to be pharmacist. I love and am very proud of my entire family!

What is something you learned in the last week?
I have learned the best thing you can give someone is a smile! So, laugh every day (at yourself is the best).

What is one food you’d definitely have seconds on?
Chocolate. Every time. No questions. No hesitation.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to go fishing with my husband and my dog! I also enjoy bike riding, yard work and my flowers. Tim and I go Harley riding and we love the races (dirt track)!! We help sponsor a friend’s son and he is VERY good! I love to stay busy. We are purchasing a cottage at Kentucky Lake, a dream we have had since we started vacationing there 16 years ago. We have made some wonderful friends there and one of them is finally selling us his cottage! We leave in less than a month to complete the transaction!

Meet Lori Cherney, DVM

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Nov 162012

In between dogs, cats, turtles and a Barred Owl, we got a few words in with Dr. Lori Cherney. As most of you know, she sees the widest variety of animals in the clinic with her volunteer work for Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project. She is much more than just our “exotics vet” as you’ll read about here.

How did you get interested in veterinary medicine?

I was lucky. I knew from a very young, 5 years old I think, that I wanted to be a veterinarian. We always had pets and critters running around. I was fascinated by them and it never has gone away. My mom did want me to have a Plan B, however. That happened to be Marine Biology. Not sure that would have worked too well in Iowa.

Where do you see the field going in ten years?

There are so many more options and specializations we learn about every day. The field is getting more comfortable with holistic medicine, we have more diagnostic options, better drugs–you name it. It is nice having all those choices that we once didn’t.

One thing I’m glad for is better options for anesthesia and pain management. Pain control is huge and is relatively new in terms of options and effectiveness. I see pets living longer and we want them to have that quality of life to the very end. Sometimes managing pain is a part of the senior years (pets and people alike!)

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from being in practice?

Don’t underestimate the power of Mother Nature! The body has astounding ways of healing itself given time and the right support. I am always amazed at how animals have the ability to heal and have such a strong will to fight. We just have to be patient. Along with that, my other big lesson is to look at the pet–the whole pet—to get the big picture. I don’t want to rush into decisions without taking them into account. I think if you watch and monitor them, they tell you whether to try something or not, to stop something or not.

What is the best part about your job?

Every day is different. You never know what will come that day and that is exciting. I like the fast pace and the challenge. From surgery or sick patients to wellness care, dogs, cats, exotics–it all is great!

What is the worst part about your job?

Saying goodbye. It is hard for me to let go of cats I’ve seen since they were kittens or puppies that are now 13 years old. And it is hard to watch the people grieve. My heart goes out to them. Our clients are like family and I don’t like to see them hurting. I guess if you don’t feel something like that in this line of work, you should get out.

Do you have any “memorable” cases or “one for the books” types of experiences?

Memorable, yes. Unfortunately, not in a good way. I have been in involved in a handful of puppy mill cases over the years and talk about leaving an impression! You read about these things, but to see it, to know it is real, that is powerful stuff. I take away that it is good to be able to help end it, get through the legalities of it all, to clean up the mess. I know it is a huge problem and I think I am more apt to work to prevent it, to watch out for it.

What should folks know then, to help stop these puppy mills?

When getting a new pet, you need to visit where the puppy lives. Meet the mom and dad and the littermates. If someone will only meet you elsewhere, that is a red flag. You need to be able to see the place with your own eyes. You can check references from other owners, too, to learn about the quality of pet, did the breeder live up to expectations and the like. I also think rescue groups and shelters are a great place to start. A lot of diamonds in the rough are out there waiting for loving homes—don’t overlook them!

Where are you from?

I am from Cedar Falls, born and raised. I went to Cedar Falls High School and then started at UNI, but finished my biology degree at ISU. From there I went to vet school also at Iowa State.

Your family now?

I married my high school sweetheart, Ken, and this July will be 25 years of marriage. (Editor’s note: Lori and Ken were married at 5 years old.) We have three children. Hannah, 16; Bryce, 15; and Ty, 7.

What pets do you currently have? Ever have any challenges being a pet owner?
We have 3 dogs (all rescue/shelter pups), 3 birds and now 1 Bearded Dragon. As for challenges, don’t laugh, but my dogs have the longest nails of anyone in the Cedar Valley. I think when you work with animals all day, it isn’t something I think about doing at home (even though I should).

So how about those ears and teeth, are they clean???

I plead the Fifth! So, clients, do as I say, not as I do!

If you weren’t a veterinarian, what job you would like to have?

I would love to be Marlin Perkins or a Jack Hanna type of person. Have my own exploration team and just set about discovering wildlife.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a Master Gardener and love plants. I’m also the world’s worst typist and computers are not my friend.

Are you afraid of any animals?

Mean, aggressive, stray cats. And monkeys. Diseased monkeys with big teeth.

What was something new you learned in the last week?

As a parent of two teenagers, I learn something new every day. I now see and understand all the warnings people give you about having teenagers! But, I love them all!

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