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  • Home
    • Our Team
    • Our Lobby
  • Pet Care Services
    • Urgent Care Medicine
    • Preventative & Animal Wellness >
      • Vaccinations
      • Age Charts
    • Special Services & End of Life Decisions >
      • Rainbow Bridge
      • If It Should Be...
    • Checklist for Annual Exams for cats
    • Checklist for Annual Exams for dogs
  • Contact Us
    • Client Testimonials
    • New and Current Client Center
  • Forms
    • New Client Form
  • Gallery
  • Videos
  • Frequent Q & A
  • Petly Online Pet Portal
  • Our Webstore
  • Blog
  • Additional Links
    • Boarding Facilities

Blog

WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Morgan)

9/21/2017

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​Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff.
Today we are talking with Morgan. She joined our team this year!

​How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?

Ever since I can remember I knew this is what I was made to do. I have always had a huge heart for animals. I love the reward.
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​What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. The patients! Especially the really big dogs or Pitbull’s!
  2. Getting to know the clients. I’m so excited to meet everyone and establish a relationship with everyone.
  3.  The pace of things. There is always something to do to keep you busy.
​How many pets do you have?
Currently only two; Sasha is a bulldog mix with an unknown history. I fell in love with her my last semester of school so she came home with me.
​Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
I almost didn’t choose this profession. There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I could deal with the sad part of our jobs, but I’m happy I stuck with it.

In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?

During my internship I found out that warm blood gets to me a little bit. Otherwise, it’s my nose that gets me in trouble. Strong smells really get my stomach churning.

​What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?

Time is not always promised. I lost my first dog way before I was ready. You have to take every moment and cherish it because you don’t know what could happen tomorrow. So, I guess that also taught me to always forgive and move on. It’s just not worth it to hold a grudge. Always remind your loved ones just how much you love them.
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WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Nadder)

9/14/2017

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​Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff.
Nadder Samari, DVM is a graduate of Iowa State University.  He has been a Veterinarian for 25 years and is currently the owner of Lakes Veterinary Hospital and also Cedar Grove Vet Clinic.
How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
As I was growing up, I helped my dad with our 300-400 sheep and goat farm in the summers.  I developed a love for animals. 
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​What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. Surgery
  2. Challenging diagnosis
  3. Seeing the joy the recovered patients bring to their owners
How many pets do you have?   
One cat now, (Princess) Tallulah.  We lost our beloved Jack Russel earlier this year. 
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​Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
On occasions during my mixed animal practice days, I had to give mouth-to-mouth breathing to a new born calf to revive it.  Although I washed my face later, I enjoyed the expression on my wife’s face after kissing her and then telling her about my heroic efforts.
In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?
The least favorite is fecal matted hair with maggots and scaled skin underneath.  I always feel very bad for the neglected pet.
What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?
They have taught me how to love unconditionally without any strings attached.  We will miss out a lot in life if we don’t accept each person for who they are.  Also forgiveness - how we will be blessed if we quickly forgive others and repair the relationships – as our pets love us shortly after a gentle discipline. 
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WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Lee)

9/6/2017

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​Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff.
Lee Samari is the Practice Manager for our practice.  She Graduated from the U of M and has been with Lakes since 2015.
​How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I am still discovering that, it is a continuing surprise. 
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​What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. Customer Service
  2. Staff relations and team building
  3. Great pets that I am privileged to meet and serve. 
​How many pets do you have?   
We are down to one cat, Tallulah Belle – she is quite a cat and is enjoying being an only child. 
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Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
My first anal gland expression was traumatic a.k.a. I could have puked. I was holding a big, nice dog and Dr. Lukken was doing something in the back nether regions when this indescribable, horrific odor wafted up over and all I could do was bury my head in the dog’s fur and whisper, “It’s okay bud.  Neither one of us is going to throw up.” Over and over.  It was bad.

In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?

Anal glands and other really gross smelling things. 

​What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?

Tallulah has taught me how to channel my inner princess and Ozzie (Jack Russel Terrier) taught me to persevere.  Never stop trying.  He persevered in naughtiness. I’m trying to use it for good.  

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WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Rebecca)

8/31/2017

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Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff.
Today we are talking with Rebecca.  She has been with Lakes Veterinary Hospital for 1 ½ years and is a graduate of Jordan High School.
How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I’ve always had a connection with animals, and it is essential for me to have a profession where I can help others.  Lakes Veterinary Hospital is a great fit for me because everyone here is kind, genuine, incredibly intelligent and caring with every client and animal.
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What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. The knowledge that I have been taught and learned so many different things.  I always learn at least 1 new thing a day working here.
  2. Working as a team that we at LVH try every day to efficiently work together and give the best care possible to all clients and their pets.  I enjoy all my coworkers too.
  3. Helping others of course. It is a reward in itself to be able to assist in the aide of caring for an animal and their families.  It is a job well done, daily. 
How many pets do you have?
Currently we have 2 dogs, and 1 cat.  Kya is out 2 yr. old German shepherd/Retriever Mix.  Herb is out 5 year old Yellow Lab.  Frank is out inside and outside cat and will be 1 year old in July.  They all get along great together.  They are the light of my family’s life.
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​Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.

I have Apiphobia (fear of all swarming & flying insects that sting); anytime a bee or wasp buzzes past me I have no control! I run in a panic, always scream, and find a “safe zone” immediately.  I’ve had this fear for my whole life.  It’s embarrassing, but I’ve learned to laugh at myself.

In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?

Puss filled things! Any kind of bug or parasite, Vomit is probably the worst, it’s right up there with diarrhea.  Lots of blood makes me queasy - and stinky stuff!

What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?

That it is super important to show affection to your pets every day.  They are better-behaved I think and it makes a difference not only in their day, but ours too.  Also I’ve learned to remember to appreciate your pets, because even though they can get into trouble sometimes, they grow fast and won’t be here forever.  So love and be grateful. 
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WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Breanna)

8/16/2017

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Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff.
Today we are interviewing Brea, a recent graduate of Globe University in Moorhead.  She is the newest Veterinary Technician with Lakes Veterinary Hospital.

How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I’ve always loved animals, but after helping/saving a paralyzed kitten I knew I wanted to help other animals and work with them every day.
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What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. Puppies and kittens!
  2. The satisfaction I get from cleaning dirty teeth!
  3. Educating pet owners and letting/showing them that I care about their pets.
How many pets do you have?   
4 cats: Wafer, Simba, Sunny & Skye and 1 dog: Dodger.
Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
Fresh out of high school I thought I was going to be a baker.  I was obsessed with Food Network (still am), and dreamt of owning a cupcakes shop.  I was taught how to bake by my Grandma and have been doing it all my life.  Now I just bake for friends and family and experiment when I have free time.

In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?

Having to pick up hot puke or diarrhea.  Makes me gag almost every time.

What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?

Patience, responsibility & love.  I say patience primarily for dogs because you definitely need it during training.  At that time my vocabulary only consists of the word “no”.  They taught me responsibility.  I often think, “Wow this creature loves me and depends solely on me to live & stay healthy.”  I’ve had all kinds of animals all of my lie and it’s amazing how responsible you have to be.  The last thing they’ve taught me is love.  It’s pretty miraculous how much of a special bond you form with your pets when you don’t speak the same language.  They become family.  Yes, pets take time, money and patience, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
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WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Lisa)

8/10/2017

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Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff.
Our interview today is with Lisa.  She is a Certified Veterinary Technician and has been in the profession for 21 years.  She graduated from Willmar Technical College. 

How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I have had a compassion for animals as long as I can remember, and have a strong desire to protect, love and care for all animals. 

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What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. Each day is different, no two days are alike.  I get to work with many different patients over the day and with that treat a variety of injuries, emergencies and use many different diagnostic tools (lab work, radio-graphs) to assist in treating them.

  1. The varied responsibilities! I get to wear so many different hats all in one day.  They vary from Head Technician, Head Surgery Technician, computer work, radio-graphs, pharmacist, vaccinate animals, lab work, collect samples, phlebotomist and many more.
 
  1. Okay, so this last one will sound strange to most.  However any true veterinary technician will understand.  The pus, zits and all the fun gross things!
How many pets do you have?
Currently I only have 1 dog.  Her name is Kairi.  She first came to the Vet clinic as a neglected dog brought in by the police.  She only weighed 7 lbs! She was skin and bone.  I fell in love with her loving attitude.  She was at the clinic for 1 night so I brought my family to meet and it didn’t take long for her to be loved by all.  She has to go to the HSOTC for a little bit, but not for long.  We are not sure what exact breed she is, some kind of terrier mix.  She is now 13 lbs and at a perfect weight!  I can’t imagine a day without her. 

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Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
It was a warm evening in May in 1995 when Cosette came into my life.  Her life has just been turned upside down.  Her family home was on fire!
All the fire trucks caught my eye and the friend I was with knew the family that lived there.  We pulled the car over due to being concerned about their welfare.  As we approached the scene we saw a few fireman crowded around her.  Wrapping her in a blanket and trying to provide comfort.  Another was holding an oxygen mask on her face.  My heart broke into pieces seeing a little one in such bad shape. 
Cosette was only 5 years old at the time.  There were not a lot of firemen on the scene and I could tell they wanted to go help try to save her house.  I offered to sit with her and try to help calm her.  She had soot covering her face and her eyes were huge.  Some of the neighbors came over and offered to let me bring her into their house. 
Once inside the house I started to help calm her down.  Then the unforgettable happened – SHE stopped breathing!! I immediately started CPR.  After what seemed like an eternity she came back to us.  I was so relieved. 
Just a little bit later she was taken to get a check-up by a doctor.  She ended up being okay, just a little shock.  I saw her the next day and she curled up in my lap and started purring. Cosette was a 5 yr old Domestic Shorthair Cat!

In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?
Honestly, not much grosses me out.  The two things that do turn  my stomach are when we have a few come in with a broken leg and you can feel the bones all broken up.  I feel so bad for them it just tears me up.  The only other thing that gets to me is when a pet has eaten something that has to be removed surgically and it has been in the stomach for a long time.  It smells so bad when we remove it, sometimes I come close to vomiting – especially when it was in intact rotting deer leg!

What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?
Patience! They have struggles just like people and every pet is different just like people. 

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Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff. (Ericka)

7/29/2017

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Today I am interviewing myself (Ericka Stoltenberg) – So here is a little bit about me.  I grew up in rural Underwood and have known both Dr. Samari and Dr. Lukken since I was a little kid.  I graduated from Underwood High School in 1999, received an Associate Degree from Fergus Falls Community College in 2002 and decided to go into banking for about 6 or 7 years.  Then when the opportunity arose to attend NDSU for Veterinary Technology I took it.  After graduation I moved back to the area to manage the Humane Society of Otter Tail County for 3 years while I started part time with LVH.  When the full-time opportunity came along it and it was the right time I took it - that was in 2012. 
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How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I had always dreamt of being a Technician or Veterinarian.  In my Sr. year of High School we were required to choose a profession of interest to us and spend the day shadowing someone.  I chose to shadow an Equine Technician and loved it.  Banking was a lot of fun but it was far too clean, and there aren’t any animals.

What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. I have the love of animals in common with all of our clients and my coworkers.  What other profession can you be in and have that level of common ground right away?
  2. It is a great fit for me in that I get to be challenged every day – usually to see how many directions I can go at once.  I love inventory, bookkeeping (when Carol is gone), social media, blogging, crafting (entry way décor, outside seasonal decorations via my side passion – my business MeelaMoo), misc. office work, client education, performing dentals and of course the pets.  With LVH I have a lot on my plate, but if I didn’t I would be bored.
  3. When I put a lot of time and advice from personal experience into a visit with someone that is struggling and then find it helped them and their pet to be happier. 
How many pets do you have?
I have a Quarter Horse, Rosie that is 37 years old we used to compete in barrels and poles, but she has been retired for 13 years from that life.  We have 2 dogs- Meela, a 10 yr. old Pomeranian/Chihuahua &.  Dre, a Lab/Plott Hound mix (age unknown).  We have 2 cats – Cain who is 12 yrs old (my first adopted) and Big Puff who is 14 ½ - 16 ½ yrs. old. 
Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
I have had puppies in my adult life and bottle fed many kittens but when choosing a pet to adopt will always go with an adult.  Against the norm I prefer to have a pet that already has some maturity to them (our cat Big Puff was adopted at 8-10 yrs. of age 6 years ago and is one of many “old” pets that we have adopted over the last 8 years.)
In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?
Nearly anything to do with eyes just makes me wants to exit the room.  Maggots are not for me either and I just can’t stand wood ticks.  Some days I can touch them and some days it just isn’t going to happen.  I do however absolutely LOVE pus!
​What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?
I talk with clients about this often, but really can’t say it enough.  You need to get your pet used to being handled at a young age. (If you adopt them start slowly and work up to it.  Keep in mind it is all about trusting you). It’s no coincidence or stroke of good luck that I am able to do nearly everything with my pets by myself.  It helps that I have had a lot of practice over the years, but it’s from personal experience that I am telling this.  Make your puppy lie next to you on its side many times a day until they stop struggling, hug them tightly.  Even more when they don’t like it!!!!! Grab their legs like you are going to hold off a vein for a blood draw, mess with their ears like you are cleaning them and get in their mouths.  If you invade their personal space on a regular basis, then praise and reward them for their good behavior when doing so it will make your lives easier. This makes treating infections, giving medication and most of all visiting us for these things routine.  The best part is that none of these things are scary when we do them so that their visits are not so stressful. 
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WELCOME TO OUR SERIES OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAFF. (Ashley)

6/29/2017

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​We know so much about your lives as we get to know about you and your pets. So, we would like to share a little about ourselves in return.
Today’s interview is with Ashley.  She has been with the Vet Hospital since 2007 since she was 16 with the exception of her leaving to go to college and taking care of her daughter.  She attended Battle Lake Public School and Twin Oaks Home School. After graduation Ashley attended Ridgewater College where she received a degree in Photography.
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How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I love fuzzy animals! I also love seeing something new and enjoy being busy.  I’ve known some of the staff since I was a child and love how we can always find something to laugh about. 
​What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. Seeing a litter of puppies for check- ups and vaccinations.
  2. Down to earth clients.
  3. The wonderful staff.  We help each other out.
How many pets do you have?
4 cats, Jewel (12 yrs.), Lilly (10 yrs.), Sable (9yrs) and Caterina (9 yrs.) and 1 dog, Luna (3yrs)
Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
I find it funny how clean and professional I can be.  When on the phone at work even my relatives don’t recognize that it’s me.  In reality I am a country girl, I wear ripped jeans and cowgirl boots.  I am always outside camping, fishing, gardening and my clothes are never clean.  If it means getting head to toe in mud I’m all for it!

In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?
I get really squeamish with maggots – how they look and how the area they are in smells. Yuck!
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What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?
I have learned that my pets are my children as well as my 3 year old little girl.  You have to enjoy every day with them whether it be a good day or a bad day.  If they are sick give them cuddles because they are part of the family.
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Welcome to our series of getting to know your Lakes Veterinary Hospital Staff. (Jeff)

6/15/2017

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We know so much about your lives as we get to know about you and your pets. So, we would like to share a little about ourselves in return.
Today we are interviewing Dr. Lukken.  He has been a Veterinarian for 32 years (he started in July 1985)!
He graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1977, then from NDSU in 1981 and the University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. 

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How did you decide that this is the right profession for you?
I had to write a paper in 9th grade careers class about what I wanted to do when I grew up.  I chose Veterinary Medicine and never wavered from that choice.
What are your top 3 favorite things about your career?
  1. Special relationships with dog & cat patients and their owners.
  2. Cows.
  3. Driving around the country side, coffee cup in hand, going out to farm calls on a sunny spring morning.​
How many pets do you have?    
Brinkley – 6 yr. old Golden Retriever and Sarge – Adult long-haired cat.  I also had a pet wolf spider (looks a little like a tarantula) named Speeder in my apartment at NDSU.  It was fun to feed him live flies and watch him catch & eats them. ​
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​Tell us a little about yourself that you don’t think our clients know.
I am of 100% Norwegian heritage.  The same couple from Norway show up in both my Mom’s and Dad’s family tree, making me my own 3rd cousin! Explains a lot!
In this profession people often don’t think that we get grossed out.  What makes your stomach churn a little?
The time one of my Techs was expressing anal glands as I walked into the room and having to go into my open mouth comes to mind.
What is something that your pets have taught with you that you feel sharing with others would help them in their struggles?
If you have a cat that likes to urinate on your clothes that you leave lying around, don’t try to convert them – start over with a new cat! Signed, cat pee across my nose. 

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​By Ericka Veterinary Technician with Lakes Veterinary Hospital
 Thanks to Blog Master Ashley for putting together the information and photos
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