MINDEMOYA – Doctor Monika Stevens is the new owner of Scott Veterinary Services in Mindemoya, taking over from Dr. Darren and Kathy Stinson of Chelmsford.
The business was opened in 1992 by Dr. Dale Scott and Dr. Stevens and her associates want their animal and equine practice to reflect the positive atmosphere that he had. “Dale was such a huge influence on the community,” Dr. Stevens said, “and I want the community to know that we want that too. We intend to be engaged in the community. Dr. Scott had a positive presence and we would like to reflect that. There has been a change and we are here for the animals and their owners.”
Dr. Stevens is from the Simcoe area and has lived in Guelph and Cambridge. She is a graduate of the University of Guelph and the Ontario Veterinary College. She graduated in 2014 and was hired then by Dr. Scott in 2016. She lives in Spring Bay.
Lisa Lepage is the receptionist and offers everyone a very warm welcome when they enter the building. “I love working here,” she told The Expositor, “because animals are the best thing in the world.” She worked in a vet clinic in Montana for many years and now lives in Tekhummah, back to her family roots. Her grandparents, Rex and Rhea Ward owned Ward’s Store in that town and her uncle and aunt, Ross and Susan, own it now.
Michelle Holtze is all things horses as an equine technician. She has worked in the veterinary pharmaceutical field, has taught riding and worked at high-end courses in southwestern Ontario with the very distinguished equestrian, Mary Bell. Ms. Bell obtained her veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania and then came to work at the Ontario Veterinary College. She has received a great number of awards for her work for the health and well-being of Canada’s horses.
Ms. Holtze moved to Little Current to retire, but it was not to be. She accompanies Doctor Stevens as she attends to horses, not only on the Island but also from Spanish to Whitefish. Doctor Stevens is concerned with preventative health care for horses which would include dentistry, vaccinations and deworming and also deals with such issues as lameness.
Sara Harrietha is Scott Veterinary Services office manager and vet assistant and is from Guelph. She worked for two years in that field, then found employment in the dental field, and is now back working once again with cats and dogs. She lives in Kagawong.
The professionals at this animal service can take care of any pet problem, but Dr. Stevens is concerned about the problem of puppy mills on Manitoulin. “It is getting worse,” she said. Islanders are reminded that the OPP has the number 1-833-926-4625 for reporting abuse and neglect of any animal and has appointed an interim chief inspector to oversee these issues.
Dr. Stevens and her associates service the Island, as well as the North Shore, and are open six days a week. Hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. For more information, or to book an appointment, call 705-377-5666.
