After being gone for the past 15 years- Greg and I had always hoped, but never guessed we could make our way back home. We both had secure jobs in South East Wisconsin, which we loved, a house, some land and our beautiful children. Life seemed great. Then in October of 2019, just prior to leaving on our anniversary trip to California Wine Country, I got the news from my practice owner that they were selling to corporate. My dreams of practice ownership were dashed in an instant. I spent our vacation contemplating what I should do.
On one hand- Greg had just landed his dream of being a Police Canine Handler and Obie was such an awesome dog! On the other hand, I knew I would always be and Associate Vet. For many, this is a fine option. The corporate pay is a huge incentive and there's great benefits. It's pretty hard to pass up.
I returned home to Wisconsin and signed the contract to work for the Corporation, Something I never thought I would do! Business was as usual, but I couldn't shake that voice in my head that I wanted more.
I attended AAEP in Denver, December 2019. I spoke with some of the most inspirational women Equine Vets who started their own practices and encouraged me to do the same. Dr Clara Mason was one of them; she sat down with me and told me her story. I knew, we had to find a way to make it happen.
Greg and I spoke extensively about where we wanted to end up. We always came back to Michigan. Growing up Fruitport, Trojans! We both had fond memories of our childhood in West Michigan- going skiing at Crystal Mountain, playing in the Sand Dunes, not to mention our wonderful friends and family- that's what we wanted for our kids.
We began perusing the real estate listings and soon came across a property perfect for everything we wanted to do. Ultimately, we poised to sell our house in a very good market and somehow the property of our dreams was still available.
Now- we've sold our house in Wisconsin and are ready for this next adventure back home in West Michigan. I can't wait to provide the service of Equine Veterinary Practice to the community where I grew up and feel so privileged to raise my family here. Being a Solo Equine Vet and Mom of two, won't be easy! But I'm excited for what our future holds and can't wait to share it all with you!
