Jodene Beck, D.V.M.
Hudson Road Animal Hospital
Hometown: Winona, Minnesota
Education: One year at Winona State University, two years at University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – University of Minnesota
Pets: Golden retriever Cubby, orange tabby cat Pipes (he was found in a drain pipe)
Interests: Running, spending time with family, tending our small vineyard, hiking, doing therapy work with Cubby
Three words to describe yourself: Calm, patient, caring
Why did you choose this career? Being a vet was the only thing I ever wanted to do. Of course as a kid I absolutely loved animals and really enjoyed school, especially science.
What do you enjoy most? I once heard that veterinarians get to use their heart, head and hands every day and I find this to be so true. This is what I genuinely love about the profession. And I get to witness the strength of the human-animal bond on a daily basis.
What challenges do you face? Work-life balance can be difficult. Like anyone in the medical field, our cases can be very emotionally demanding. And a big challenge that our profession faces is the student loan debt, as the cost of school has gone up dramatically.
*Jodene’s Tip
If considering a puppy, the first year is so
critical. Plan to spend a lot of time socializing, taking classes and
working with the puppy. This will make them a much more enjoyable and
well-adjusted pet for the rest of their life.
Pets are part of
the family, and just like humans, they require good medical care
throughout their lifetimes. We talked with five local veterinarians (all
owners of multiple pets themselves) who share a strong commitment to
caring for our community’s pets. They also offer their tips for choosing
the right pet.
Kara Carmody, D.V.M.
Banfield Pet Hospital
Hometown: Ramona, South Dakota
Education: Bachelor of Science –
biology, South Dakota State University; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – University of Minnesota
Pets: Rescue dog (mixed breed) Maggie; cats Sasha, Bella, Katie, Clementine and Rolo
Interests: Spending time with my son and husband as well as other family and friends, traveling, gardening, playing in a women’s volleyball league
Three words to describe yourself: Enthusiastic, passionate, motivated
Why did you choose this career? The feeling of fulfillment. Every day brings a sense of fulfillment because I love animals, especially cats and dogs.
What do you enjoy most? Getting to play a role in improving the bond between a pet and his or her owner, whether through treating a pet’s illness/injury to maximize its quality of life or through educating the owner about preventive care. After all, so many pets are part of families today.
What challenges do you face? It can be challenging to assess a patient that can’t talk, especially when their clinical signs are vague.
*Kara’s Tip
Do your research on dog breeds to find one that fits your lifestyle; your vet can help provide recommendations. Then, if possible, be patient and adopt one from the humane society or a local shelter. Don’t underestimate the commitment required to take care of a pet—dog or cat.
Tim McConville, D.V.M.
Woodbury Animal Hospital
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Education: Bachelor of Science – business, St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – University of Minnesota
Pets: Mixed breed dog Oscar, border terrier puppy Hazel, cat Lucy who lives at the clinic
Interests: Raising my five kids, regional camping, fly fishing, Minnesota Twins and Saint Paul Saints baseball
Three words to describe yourself: Loyal, compassionate, positive
Why did you choose this career? In high school, I worked in a human hospital and decided that wasn’t the environment for me. Around that time, my childhood dog had to have surgery; I got a close-up look at animal medicine and was intrigued by the surgeon’s level of compassion and insight.
What do you enjoy most? Every day is almost always different than the one before. Sometimes it’s trying to get grandpa to stop feeding the family dog daily ice cream sandwiches, then trying to figure out how to get 2 pounds of pea gravel out of a 14-year-old Lab’s stomach.
What challenges do you face? As medicine/surgery/technology advance, we can do more beneficial things for our pets, which leads to increased costs. Pet insurance is likely going to be a big player for owners.
*Tim’s Tip
Our pets are important members of our families; strongly consider insurance for catastrophic events. And remember—the bigger the dog, the less space you will get in bed. The hungrier the cat, the less restful sleep you get at night.
Christine Maddox, D.V.M.
Carver Lake Veterinary Center
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Education: Bachelor of Science – zoology, Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, North Carolina; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – University of Minnesota
Pets: St. Bernard Bentley, mastiff mix Winston, English lop rabbit Angus, Flemish Giant rabbit Elliott, hamster Millie, assorted fish
Interests: Sewing/craft projects, ceramics/pottery, yard and garden work
Three words to describe yourself: Creative, easygoing, committed
Why did you choose this career? I’ve always been drawn to and fascinated by animals. I also wanted to do something that would benefit others. By helping the animals we live alongside, a veterinarian also touches the human lives those animals share.
What do you enjoy most? While of course I love meeting/interacting with the variety of animals I care for, I was surprised how quickly I found my favorite part is getting to share in the lives of coworkers and meeting my patients’ families. Animals naturally draw people together in a world where differences, progress and even technology too often succeed in pushing us apart.
What challenges do you face? The sometimes dynamic emotional swings as we empathize with a family’s sadness of a chronic illness or death, then must transition to an excited family with a new puppy, with little to no downtime.
*Christine’s Tip
Think about what activities you’d like to share
with a pet or what personality types you’d like the pet to have as you
choose between breeds, size and energy levels. Research, research,
research! Especially when considering small exotics such as mammals,
reptiles or birds. They often have very specific habitat and dietary
needs and may require medical care that you might not expect.
Jennifer Urban, D.V.M.
Valley Creek Road Animal Hospital
Hometown: Divide, Colorado
Education: Bachelor of Science – animal science, Colorado State University; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitt’s, West Indies, plus clinical year at University of Minnesota
Pets: Domestic shorthair cats Mattingley, Titten and Colby-Jack; German shorthaired pointers Anna and Rainy
Interests: Yoga, running, hiking with my dogs, fishing/boating, reading, jigsaw puzzles
Three words to describe yourself: Generous, kind, shy
Why did you choose this career? For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian. I never considered any other profession.
What do you enjoy most? Helping people make the very best decision they can for their pets. I am honored every time someone places the health and life of their pets in my hands.
What challenges do you face? Finding the balance between running a successful business and helping every pet I can. It’s very challenging to be limited by an owner’s financial situation. //
*Jennifer’s Tip
Visit some local dog shows where you can meet the breed in person and speak with the breeder; they usually know what environment their breed does best in. Don’t forget to check out the local humane societies and shelters. Take your time making a decision. Be prepared to provide what that animal needs throughout its life. Pets can be expensive, but the joy they bring to our lives is priceless!
