Dr Jeffrey Weitzel, Practice Owner

Jeffrey Weitzel graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. Upon graduation, Dr. Weitzel was hired at Lake Station Pet Clinic as an associate veterinarian. In 2001, a partnership was offered and accepted. In 2002, Lake Station Pet Clinic purchased Heritage Valley Pet Hospital in Valparaiso and renamed it Porter County Pet Clinic. Dr. Weitzel agreed to become the lead veterinarian at Porter County Pet Clinic. Dr. Weitzel is married and has one daughter, 2 cats named Peanut Butter and Muckluck and one dog Nimbus.

Dr. Philip Cooper, Practice Owner

Dr. Philip Cooper graduated from Tuskegee University in 1974. In 1990, he accepted a partnership with Dr. Stephen Heckler at Lake Station Pet Clinic. Today, both Lake Station Pet Clinic and Porter County Pet Clinic share his expertise. While he primarily practices at Lake Station Pet Clinic, he works 1-2 days a week at Porter County Pet Clinic so Dr. Weitzel can have some time with his family and friends. Dr. Cooper has an interest in orthopedics and soft tissue injuries. Dr. Cooper is married, has 3 children, and one new grandbaby boy.

Angie Shirley, Management Staff

Angie Shirley is the practice manager here at Porter County Pet Clinic. Her primary duties include staff training and education, clinic maintenance, supply/drug ordering maintaining vendor relationships, scheduling, A/R, management of email, website, and pet portals, and support as needed to the staff and clients. Angie transferred from Lake Station Pet Clinic (our sister clinic) in late 2008. Angie is the daughter of Dr. Stephen Heckler, partial owner of both clinics who practices at Lake Station Pet Clinic exclusively. Angie has been a part of the clinic family since the late 80's. Her journey began as a kennel assistant, then training as a veterinary assistant, followed by training as a customer care representative. In the spring of 2006, Lake Station created a position for and promoted Angie to Customer Care Supervisor over a team of 8 Customer Care Representatives until her transfer to Porter County Pet Clinic in November 2008.   Angie has 2 cats named Milo and Stretch and a dog named Diego. She has been married 11 years and has two children.

Kayla Resendiz, Registered Veterinary Technician

Kayla recently graduated from Penn Foster College in September 2010 with an Associate's Degree in Science with an emphasis in veterinary technology.  She worked at an Illinois veterinary practice during her schooling but she recently relocated to Indiana.  Her education and skills will allow her to perform many duties such as scaling and polishing during dental cleanings, inserting IV catheters, administering gas and intravenous anesthetic agents, anal gland expression, and ear cleaning. She will also be discharging most of the surgical patients, reviewing the procedure(s) and post-operative instructions vital to the healing process. Kayla will be supervising general patient care so just think of her as our doggie and kitty RN and welcome her to the PCPC family!  Kayla is the mother of 2 girls, Teagan and May. 

Rachel J. Connor, Customer Care Representatives

Rachel has worked at Porter County Pet Clinic since December 2006. Due to the fact that our clinic lobby is open 66 hours a week and Christy works 40 hours each week, Rachel works the remaining 26 hours around Christy's schedule. She has committed to working 6 days a week, opening each morning, working 12 hours each Friday, and 6 hours every Saturday. Our Customer Care Representatives are here to greet you with a smile, and Rachel's smile is one of our brightest! Among several other clerical tasks, her duties include answering the phone, admitting pets to and discharging pets from the hospital, checking in and checking out our daily appointments. and calling to check on your pet's progress when ill or injured. Rachel currently has a bachelors degree in English and Communications and is working on double majoring in Sociology. Rachel has two dogs Bean and Buddy and five cats Boomer, Kiki, Achilles, Piper and Dutchess.
 

Christy Ashford, Customer Care Representatives

Christy has been part of our clinic family since 2006, working at Lake Station Pet Clinic for 2 years before joining our team in late 2008. Christy works opposite Rachel to keep our lobby open 66 hours a week for your convenience! Christy is one of our most artistic assets. She creates our seasonal pens to help prevent them from disappearing and walking out the door and creates a festive mood by decorating our lobby for the holidays.  She loves to cook and we love her food! . Among several other clerical tasks, her duties include answering the phone, admitting pets to and discharging pets from the hospital, checking in and checking out our daily appointments. and calling to check on your pet's progress when ill or injured. Christy is a newlywed, just married November 5, 2010. She has 3 cats named Jynx, Lucky and Tiger and one dog named Mojo.

Josh Good, Veterinary Assistant

Josh Good hired in the summer of 2010 originally as a kennel assistant. However, a need arose for a replacement veterinary assistant, and Josh has easily transitioned into this new role. As a veterinary assistant, his primary responsibilities include supporting the veterinarian and caring for the animals in our care. Josh is currently being home-schooled around his clinic hours with plans to graduate December 2011. Josh intends to pursue a veterinary career when finished with high school and find a local position to stay close to his family. Josh owns 3 dogs named Trixie, Wishes, and Pepper and one cat named Patches.

Cheri Bledsoe, Veterinary Assistant

Cheri was hired in the fall of 2004 as a veterinary assistant. This early bird opens each weekday for the convenience of our clients who are early risers. The clinic opens at 7am during the week and Cheri is here to admit pets for surgery, treatments or grooming so their moms and dads can get off to school or work. She is often the team member who will review the medical care plan created specifically for your pet. She will answer your questions, describe what the treatment will entail, and explain the associated costs. Soon after Cheri's arrival to PCPC, she realized she had too much downtime during surgery hours as the other staff were assisting the veterinarian at that time so she asked if she could use that time more effectively by "beautifying" our patients. Due to Cheri's background in grooming, the doctors were on board to offer grooming services. Most grooming facilities have limited sedation options. However, PCPC can offer full sedation since both a groomer and veterinarian are on staff. We are so blessed to have Cheri on board and appreciate her desire to use her skills to expand the services offered at PCPC. Cheri has 3 standard poodles named Prudence, Taylor and Trisha.

Debbie Truax, Veterinary Assistant

With the exception of Dr. Weitzel, Debbie has worked here the longest. She began her career in the fall of 1990 under Dr. Crise and decided to remain on under the direction of Dr. Weitzel when the clinic was purchased in 2002. Debbie has a great memory and has known many of our clients and patients for years. She is our most compassionate soul and a great comfort for staff and clients alike when those sad days arrive. Luckily, we have more fun, happy days than sad ones and we all love the days when we get to play with the puppies or celebrate with families whose pets have recovered from illness or injury. Debbie is a master at taking the time to thoroughly explain to our pets' moms and dads how to care for their animals at home and is always willing to work a little longer when the days are busy and we need an extra hand. Thanks Debbie! Living with Debbie (AKA the cat whisperer) are 4 cats Marmalade, Lewis, Clark and Prophet.

Katie Moser, Kennel Assistant

Katie began working here in September of 2008. She is primarily responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the clinic and caring for the pets that are briefly hospitalized for treatment. She is a vital member of our team, providing support for people and pets alike. Katie has a desire to work with abused or neglected animals, providing them a happier and healthier life which all pets deserve. Although our practice does not treat horses, Katie has a passion for them and worked at a horse farm this past summer. Katie hopes to own her own horse some day. Katie has six cats at home.