Lakeland Veterinary Hospital

"Caring for pets and the people who love them"

As some of you may know by now, I have retired and turned over the practice to my very capable daughter Deb and son-in-law Matt. I am very proud to have been able to keep the practice in the family. Deb and Matt are very dedicated, and will provide the best and most current medical and surgical care available in a private practice setting.

As I leave, I have mixed emotions because I loved the practice of veterinary medicine. Working with people that love animals provided special rewards every day. It was all of you as well as my dedicated and caring staff that provided those rewards. Most days provided new challenges and enjoyable interactions with clients and the pets they loved. I always went home at night feeling very good about the profession I chose.

Veterinary medicine and Lakeland Veterinary Hospital have seen many changes since I graduated from Iowa State University in 1967. I purchased the Town and Country Animal Hospital from Dr. Emmit Brittin in 1972. At that time, Baxter was very small, out in the sticks so to speak, and Lakeland Veterinary Hospital (I had changed the name after purchasing the hospital) was very small. One room served as exam, treatment, and surgery. Most space was dedicated to boarding and a garage.  I started with only

one full-time and one part-time employee. Over the years as the area grew, and with your support, we remodeled and expanded several times. In 2000, we moved to the present location. Lakeland Veterinary Hospital now has 3 veterinarians and twenty three support staff either full or part-time. The new hospital has five exam rooms, a four unit treatment room, a dental/specialty unit, two modern surgery suites, well equipped lab, and much more. I wish to thank all of you because your support and patronage has allowed this growth and the improved pet health care that accompanied it.

As I stop by the hospital to pester the staff (I miss them), I hope that I will get the chance to visit with some of you. Thanks to all of you and to everyone that worked for me over the years. You’ve all enriched my life.

Dick Piepgras