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Here at Best Friends, we pride ourselves on our professional staff. Everyone from reception to the doctors is here to help support you and your pet. Whether it is a simple toe nail trim or a complex abdominal procedure, all of our skilled staff comes together to make sure you and your furry best friend are well taken care of.
Read on below to learn more about the people that take care of your best friend. |
Doctors
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Dr. Sahaja HladkyEver since Dr. Sahaja Hladky was less than 6 years old she knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. When she was in high school she attended her local community college and graduated a year early at the age of sixteen. It was at this time that she started her college career at Colorado State University, a school that has one of the top veterinary programs in the United States. While there, she worked and studied hard to be as prepared as possible for her future as a small animal veterinarian. After nine years of studying she received both a Master's and Doctoral degree through Colorado State and was ready to put her medical training to work. When Dr. Hladky and her husband moved to the Rogue Valley in 2015 she gained extensive experience at a small animal practice where she honed her skills in both small animal medicine, surgery and emergency case management. Since 2017, Dr. Hladky has found her professional home at Best Friends Animal Hospital in Talent, Oregon. Her special interests include small animal soft tissue surgery and supporting her patients and clients with their human-animal bond. In her free time, Dr. Hladky enjoys exploring southern Oregon's outdoor beauty whether it be on horseback with her husband or hiking with their 6 dogs
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Dr. Laura Fredricks-Powell |
Dr. Melinda March |
Vet Assistants
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Connie Schmidt (Veterinary/Surgery Assistant)Connie's love for animals is evident in the way she stays with every patient during and post any operation. She is a high energy, dedicated team member that always has the best in mind for all her patients.
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Kaitie Skulitz (Veterinary/Surgery Assistant)Kaitie has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up she brought home every lost and injured animal she found, but it wasn’t until 2008 that she found her calling in veterinary medicine. While she did take a break from the industry for a few years to stay home with her two kids and finish her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry, she couldn’t stay away for long. In the last 12 years she has worked in general practice, emergency medicine, and high volume spay and neuter, her favorite being general practice where she can develop long lasting relationships with the patients and clients. Kaitie also enjoys any outdoor activity that she can share with her husband, kids, and 3 dogs. She loves living in the Rogue Valley and serving the animal community.
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Josh Cohn (Veterinary Assistant)Josh is dedicated to every patient he receives. Combined with a fun sense of humor and jolly smile its easy to see why most pets and their humans warm up to him quickly. Not to mention he usually has the best treats on him.
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Melissa Texiera (Veterinary Assistant)I grew up in the Bay Area and relocated here four years ago. Ever since I can remember, I always knew I wanted to work with animals. I love working in this field because it's very rewarding and fulfilling to help animals. When I am not at work I enjoy reading, watching football, spending time with my family and of course with my dog Lenny. I also enjoy exploring the Rogue Valley, hiking, and finding new restaurants to eat at.
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Andrea Haligan (Veterinary Assistant)I love southern Oregon, have lived in Jackson county for 34 years and plan to continue working with animal care professionals to make life better for pets in our community
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Reception and Administrators
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Kelly O'Brien (Reception)Ever since I was little I have been surrounded by animals. I grew up in the country having several dogs, cats, and chickens. Walking home from school I often brought home stray dogs to keep safe until I found their original owners, usually against my mother's instructions. I dream of becoming a wildlife photographer and opening up my own animal rescue someday.
When I am not helping our wonderful clients and their loved pets, you will find me on the trails, backpacking, hiking or fishing at the lakes. Otherwise, I am at home with my cat and my two lovely dogs, Bailey and Odin. |
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Tyler Bowers (Practice Manager)Since 2011, Tyler and his wife (Dr. Sahaja Hladky) have been caring for, and adding to, their small ranch with many horses, goats, cats, and even more dogs. In 2019 Tyler joined the amazing team at Best Friends Animal Hospital to combine his passions for animals and creative problem solving in support of the great team and loved animals here at Best Friends Animal Hospital.
If you don't see Tyler helping to answer phones, fixing a computer, or getting a coffee order he is more than likely back at the ranch building a new playground for the goats, walking dogs, or helping muck a horse stall. If you have any questions or concerns directed to our management team, we would love to hear from you. Please send an email here or call into the clinic and ask into the clinic and ask for Tyler directly. |
