Hospital Director, Co-Owner
I attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where I graduated with a BS in Dairy Science and then graduated from Veterinary School in 1981.
I did veterinary work on primarily dairy cows for the next 23 years and helped Dr. Greer establish Veterinary Village by being a technician, kennel boy, maintenance man, computer helper and anything else. (aka Middle Aged Man for the Saturday Night Live fans out there.)
I developed an interest in canine lameness and chiropractic-like therapy and attended further training. I trained at Healing Oasis in Sturtevant Wisconsin for Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (similar to chiropractic in humans) and at Colorado State University for acupuncture. I sold my dairy practice in 2004 and started my companion animal career working for Dr. Greer.
What motivated you to become a veterinarian?
My initial interest in Veterinary Medicine was an interest in dairy farming and helping farmers.
What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
I have several rewarding moments in my career being able to deliver newborns is especially gratifying when having to manipulate a calf or rubbing a puppy at C-section. The satisfaction of treating a cow with Milk Fever that is almost comatose and after 10 minutes of treatment with Calcium IV and getting up to walk away still amazes me.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
If I had not pursued being a veterinarian, I would probably be doing something related to animal agriculture.
What animal scares you more than any other?
The power of an adult dairy bull is amazing and without respect for that power you can find yourself in a very scary position.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
I think the greatest to date is raising two children to be responsible and productive members of society.
What do you do in your spare time?
Travel and fish.
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
I think the advent of the animal rights movement in America will do more harm than good in the coming years.
What is the most exotic animal you have ever treated?
Pot-Bellied pigs and Hedgehogs.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Marty running late.
Name 5 things people might be surprised about if they knew it about you?
1. I have had 2 nicknames in my lifetime. Oz and Animal.
2. I always sneeze twice, unless I sneeze three times.
3. I can recite the Big Mac recipe fast enough to get a free one. (In college)
4. I like Star Wars. (original released on my Birthday in 1977)
5. I was President of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association 2006.