Dr. Melanie

January 20th, 2020 by Justin Vandeberghe

Hometown:

Mt. Vernon, Indiana

My Pet Family:

I’ve had five dogs and several cats over the past 25 years. My dogs have included an Irish setter named Rosie, a Belgian sheep dog cross named Scooter, a yellow lab named Ranger, a black lab named Maggie, and a Rhodesian ridgeback cross named Kenny.

My current cat is Hidey,  and she will be 21 years old soon.

Our latest edition is Rebel who we adopted from the German Shepherd Rescue.

Favorite Story about My Pets:

Both Scooter and Ranger loved the water and would ride on wave runners with my husband and me.

When I’m Not at Cherished Companions, You’ll Find Me…

I enjoy hiking (especially in the mountains), skiing, old movies and following Purdue’s basketball teams.

My Education:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University.

Why I Became a Vet:

My family tells me I always wanted to be a veterinarian. In high school and college, I enjoyed science classes, so I researched careers where I could pursue more science classes. I narrowed it down to human and veterinary medicine, and I decided on veterinary medicine because I thought it would be more challenging and fulfilling. It has been!

My Role at Cherished Companions:

I’m the owner of Cherished Companions and one of the veterinarians on staff. I provide every service a veterinarian can, except for orthopedic surgery. I especially enjoy soft tissue surgery and dental surgery.

Greatest Thing About Working with Animals:

I thoroughly enjoy each and every dog and cat I see, and I strive to decrease their stress as much as I possibly can. I also am immensely blessed to be a voice for the voiceless!

Favorite Compliment from a Customer:

My dog loves coming in and seeing you!

Special Expertise:

In November 2014, I finished a two-year course and was certified in pet ultrasounds and echocardiography. I also took Tony Woodward’s two-day course in veterinary dentistry.