SMACK

I’m here to talk SMACK about Dr. [Kathryn] Penrod [of Brookside Animal Hospital]. She is an amazing veterinarian, boss, friend, coworkers. Dr. Penrod goes out of her way to help people whether they are a client, friend, or employee. Even when she is having a bad day, she always checks on us. My husband was out of town in an in-patient rehab, and she offered to come give my goat a shot even though we don’t see goats at our clinic. She [then] checked on me by text and in person… She always has a listening ear and offers advice when she can. I cannot even image working for another owner/veterinarian!

The practice manager [at Verona Veterinary Medical Services], and these fantastic veterinary medicine team members [doctors and CVTS who attended an after-hours presentation] took their evening to learn how to communicate and interact better with others. And to all of you, I say, “YO!”

Hi! I’m Leilani Mustillo, and I am here to talk SMACK about Dr. Marie Holowaychuk. Marie, you’re a household name because all of us know how much you’ve done for our profession. You’re not only an amazing criticalist who is dedicated to teaching (especially veterinary technologists but also veterinary students), but you also have done SO much for mental wellness in our profession. Thank you so much for everything you do!

Hi! I’m Dr. Raye Taylor, and I’m here to talk SMACK about Lauren Bernstein. This amazing human does nothing but selflessly think of communities she serves, including the students. She’s out there teaching the good way to interact with humans and animals, and to make sure you’re always thinking of one thing: the love that is shared between animals and humans—no matter who they are, no matter what the animal is, and how incredibly important that is. It dictates everything she does, and it’s just a beautiful thing to watch her work in such a natural way—keeping pets and people together.

Hi, everybody! My name is Dr. Bridget Heilsberg, and I’m a former SAVMA president (2012-2013), and I’m a current equine practice owner in Whitesboro, Texas. Today, I’m talking SMACK about our SAVMA president-elect Tarra Baron—who’s a student at Lincoln Memorial University. Not only did she sign up to volunteer while being a student (which is a major ordeal!), she has taken it on personally to make sure that she is representing student opinions from all across our vast nation. She’s doing a really good job, and I wanted her to know it. So, Tarra Baron, great job! This one’s for you.

It’s inspiring to watch someone achieve their dream. That’s why I’m so inspired by Dr. Ploch at Harper Animal Hospital in Palatine, Illinois. Dr. Ploch started her career at Harper as a kennel attendant in 2012, later training her way to become a veterinary technician, and then attending veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to become a fully fledge veterinarian. Along the way, she has cared for so many pets – including my own! Thank you, Dr. Ploch, for all you have done for my feline family – most recently making sure that Ellie gets the right medications and specialist care, so her senior years go smoothly.