Pet doctor lured back home to open space, slow pace

Feb. 16, 2007

By SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

PALMER - The sunny skies of Florida weren't compelling enough to keep him away.

Being able to work with animals while providing a much needed service to residents in the Valley was all it took to bring local veterinarian Mike Whittington back from the Lower 48.

&#8220I've been gone for about 10 years from Alaska,” Whittington said, and during that time he lived in a lot of places, including Ecuador, but nothing could compare to Alaska. After earning his medical degree at the University of Florida, he found his way back here.

&#8220I traded crowded streets and tourists of Florida for a slower pace and the wide open spaces of Alaska,” Whittington said.

&#8220There seemed to be a deficiency of clinics in the Valley, and I like the outdoor activities that are available here, and I especially like being so close to Hatcher Pass.

&#8220The Valley seemed to be the best place to open a clinic because at the rate that it is growing,” he said.

So, in August 2006 he opened

Far Country Animal Hospital, and hired Valley veterinarian professionals who had been commuting into Anchorage to work to help him run it.

&#8220It's so nice to work in the Valley in a place that provides great medicine (for pets),” said Nicole Baston, a veterinarian technician.

&#8220He's such a good doctor to work for, and it's just a great clinic.”

The clinic has been open approximately six months, and has a clientele that is steadily growing.

&#8220We are the first new practice to open in the Valley in 20 years,” Whittington said. &#8220We are injecting new energy in the veterinarian scene and a lot of folks are realizing they don't have to take their pets into Anchorage to get care.”

The clinic is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Whittington said he has plans to make the clinic a 24-hour operation in the near future.

&#8220We also hope to have emergency hours soon,” he said.

Providing quality care for the Valley's furry residents is his main goal for the new facility, despite all the challenges it can bring.

&#8220I describe being a vet a lot like being a pediatrician, in the fact that your patients can't talk and ‘mom or dad' is trying to interpret what is making (their child) ill,” Whittington said. &#8220And it's just as rewarding.”

Contact Sharon G. McBride at 352-2250 or sharon.mcbride

@frontiersman.com.