Dr. Michelle Ahmann

What motivated you to work in veterinary medicine?

I had a pug named Smudge when I was a child and he got an infected cyst on his tail. Smudge’s veterinarian asked me to warm compress the cyst each night (and we gave him antibiotics). Needless to say, I felt like the warm compresses I applied to his tail saved his life (not really) and I was hooked.

What has been your most rewarding moment working in veterinary medicine?

Every c-section

If you weren’t working at a veterinary clinic, what would you do?

I would be an archeologist. I was torn between going to veterinary school or to graduate school for archeology. It is still a passion and something I find very interesting.

What is the most exotic animal you have treated?

I got to assist with a canine tooth extraction of a lion when I was in veterinary school.

What animal scares you more than any other?

Cockroaches - creepy little buggers

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Completing veterinary school

What do you do in your spare time?

I work with my dogs training for various different events or grooming them. I also enjoy hiking or something outdoors (when nice) with my husband and our pets.

What is your favorite comfort food?

I love raspberries and anything with cream cheese

What is your biggest pet peeve?

An animal attempting to bite me and an owner telling me what a nice/friendly pet they are… they just tried to bite me…

What animals do you currently have?

Marlowe - 3 year old Irish setter. He is my heart dog. He is a giant goofball and everyday is the best day of his life. We are currently training for and showing in multiple different venues of dog sports (confirmation, dock diving, obedience, rally obedience, agility, barn hunt, nosework, and Fast CAT)
Eleanore - 4 year old Bengal cat. She joined our family after she had an emergency spay due to a pyometra. She is a wonderful cat but she does not enjoy being pet by me however she will tolerate it. She is beautiful and she knows it.
Forester - is our new Golden Retriever puppy, more about him soon.

If you were to come back as an animal, what would it be and why?

I want to come back as my dog Marlowe. He just has so much joy, it would be great to live that way everyday. He is also spoiled rotten.

What is your favorite childhood movie and why?

Milo and Otis - The pug is wonderful. This is why I wanted a pug as a child.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Christmas gatherings with all of our family and extended family at my grandparents house in North Dakota

Name 5 things people might be surprised about if they knew it about you?

1. I was on the University of Wisconsin Equestrian Team through undergrad and loved every second

2. I met my husband Dave in veterinary school

3. I can’t keep house plants alive

4. I love collecting dog leashes and matching collars

5. I can’t cook