To my Clients and Friends,

It was 32 years ago this May that I opened the doors to the Animal Care Clinic for the first time. We were just across the street from our current clinic location, starting off in a much smaller rental building, but anxious to prove ourselves to the folks who lived in and around my hometown of Branson, Missouri.

Today, with a great deal of gratitude, a bit of pride in how far we’ve come, and just a twinge of reluctance, I am announcing my retirement from the practice of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past few years, I have acquired several health issues. None of them are terminal, but together, these health problems make it impossible for me to remain in practice. I truly love what I do, and frankly had planned on practicing for another 5 years or so. Yet all of us know all too well about mice, and men, and their best-laid plans.

The good news for all of you is that I have found a veterinarian to take my place at the helm of the Animal Care Clinic. Her name is Dr. Alison Barulich, and she shares my passion for first-rate medicine and client service excellence. Like myself, Dr. Barulich is a graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to our existing small animal services, she brings with her an expertise and passion for working with pet birds, and I know many of you will be glad to find that expertise closer to home for a change. You’ll also be pleased to know that the friendly faces you know and love at the reception desk will still be there to greet you and care for your pets as they always have.

Dr. Barulich will begin seeing patients in mid July. Over the next several weeks, I will be present at the clinic assisting with the transition to her ownership. For those of you who don’t have the opportunity to meet her in the next few weeks, my wife Melissa and I will be holding an Open House in her honor at our offices on Friday afternoon, August 2nd from 4 pm – 7 pm. I look forward to seeing all of you there to help me celebrate the last 32 years of practice, but especially to welcome her as the new leader and owner of the Animal Care Clinic. I know you will be impressed with her commitment to medical excellence, her compassion for her patients, and her great sense of humor. I know I am! I have met the future of the Animal Care Clinic, and the future is bright indeed!

I hope to see all of you at the open house!

Best regards,

W. Patrick Parnell, DVM