At first glance, you will notice American Animal Hospital (AAH) at 11030 Emmet Street by its modern facility with its many windows. If you are surfing virtually, you may notice photos of birds share the same spot as dogs and cats on its website, and an entire section of the site is devoted to photos of canine friends in costume, or beloved pets that have passed. Scratching beneath the surface, you will find a number of veterinarians who come from agricultural backgrounds, and vets whose experience transcends helping the "traditional" Fido or Fluffy. Dr. Jennifer Phillips is among AAH's team of vets who brings her perspective from growing up on a farm to her work at the hospital. "I loved growing up on a farm and all of the opportunities that it presented to me," the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine graduate said. "I grew up living a mile from my grandparents and spent many afternoons helping my grandpa check on the cattle." In fact, Phillips said it was always her grandfather's dream to be a veterinarian. The pair even worked together to train his dog, Lady. "His visions helped inspire me and my vision of becoming a veterinarian," she said. Partner Dr. Jay Jesske was reared on a farm in rural Nebraska, as was Dr. Kris Rutar. As for Jesske, he showed quarter horses at the national level, according to AAH information. "Growing up on a farm or having a farm background allows you to grow up around animals and can create a strong work ethic," Phillips said. In Phillips' case, she carried that work ethic through two years at Sterling College, and the following two years at KSU. She later received her DVM at KSU. "In a way, I feel like Omaha chose me, in that I was looking for a job my senior year and I was recommended to apply at American Animal Hospital," she said. "It has worked out great so far." Phillips' colleague, Dr. Rutar, also graduated from KSU, after earning a degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL). Other UNL connections come courtesy of Dr. Dave Kroeger, a south central Nebraska native who eventually earned his doctorate at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Jesske also attended undergrad at UNL, and later went on to earn his DVM from Iowa State University. These veterinarians see a wide range of different types of pets (and clients). "We do see many pocket pets, such as ferrets, hamsters, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits," Phillips said. "We also have two veterinarians here that are excellent with birds." Veterinarians with expertise in birds include Kroeger, who is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, according to the AAH site. Dr. Sarah Roelofs, a graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, worked for 13 years at the Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center in the Chicagoland area. According to AAH, the former workplace where Roelofs served as senior veterinary associate for six years was recognized for its "pioneering avian medicine," courtesy of Dr. Ted Lebefer who opened the practice roughly 60 years ago. "I feel it does work in our favor, since not all clinics will see birds or small animals," Phillips said of her colleagues' diverse backgrounds and experiences. Another differentiator, according to Phillips, is the hospital's hours. "Our hours are great for clients," she said. "We are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week, and also have weekend hours, so I think it does help us stand out from others in this aspect." The weekend hours Phillips refers to are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Its general services include preventive medicine, dental care, nutritional counseling, geriatrics, obedience and behavioral counseling, microchip implantation and expertise specific to cancer cases. It also utilizes a number of computerized systems, according to its site, including e-records, prescription labeling and digital photography. On the hospital side, AAH boasts a surgical room, lab to complete diagnostics often in less than 10 minutes, an isolation area to prevent the transmission of communicable disease and a treatment area for critically ill pets. Other services include grooming and boarding. To get a feel for American Animal Hospital's services firsthand, visit its site at www.americananimal.net. You may also visit the hospital firsthand; they are located on Emmet Street, just north of West Maple Road and west of North 108th Street. To schedule an appointment, call 493-6767.
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