After eight years of working with critters of all shapes and sizes at the Michigan Human Society, Patrick Glidden, DVM, is running his own practice.
Dr. Glidden took over the Lakeville Animal Clinic, 3500 Lakeville Road in Oxford Township on March 31.
‘Dr. (Robert) Klepper was ready and so was I,? Glidden said.
Klepper started the clinic in 1977 and had taken care of animals there until selling to Glidden. ‘I’ll be around,? Klepper said of retirement. He also plans tackling some woodworking projects. Klepper sent out about 1,000 thank you notices to his clients. ‘I want to thank everyone for trusting me with the care of their pets.?
This is the first ownership of a clinic for Glidden. A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, he first practiced on the other side of the state at the Newaygo Veterinary Clinic before landing a job with the Humane Soceity in Auburn Hills.
While at the Humane Society he became practiced with house cats and dogs, wildlife rehabilitation and working with big cats, likes cougars and lions. But, some things he really became familiar with. ‘I got into the pocket pets — small little fuzzy things. Last year alone I spayed or neutered about 120 rabbits,? he said.
Humane Society work was not what he had in mind as a place of employment for so many years, he really wanted to work at a zoo.
‘I thought I’d be with the Humane Society about six months, not eight years. It was a great place to work, but frustrating,? he said.
The frustration of seeing many cruelly treated animals, and the fact he wanted more for his wife Jennifer and their two year old son Jonathon moved him to search for his own practice.
Glidden is familiar with the Oxford area, having grown and up graduating from schools in Romeo (and his uncle still runs the family dairy farm there).
‘I like the community. I like getting to know clients. To me, working in an area that has a community feel is important and I try to foster that as much as possible,? he said.
Glidden plans on growing the clinic and slowly updating equipment.
‘My goal is to eventually be able to expand the practice to include two doctors, working 32 hours a week each? he said, adding ‘When my son gets a older I’d like to watch him play his little league games.?
Glidden said he has been warmly welcomed by the community, Dr. Klepper’s clients and his staff.
‘They’re great,? he said of the clinic’s employees. ‘And, I am not just saying that.?
His staff is headed by Licensed Veterinarian Technician, Terri Elliott; Veterinary Assistant Kelley Shyer; and receptionist Diane Malloy. Folks visiting may also be introduced to the clinic’s house cat, Flea.
The Lakeville Animal Clinic is open from 9 to 6 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; half days on Wednesday and Saturday; and by appointments on Thursday evening.
For more info call 248-628-6840.