Julee Whitehead
Julee volunteered at the office as a teen and quickly climbed the ranks from Kennel Tech to Vet Assistant and more. She's now a mom to an adorable son named Lincoln. Julee loves nature and was raised around animals, from exotics to household pets. They have always sparked her interest and held a special place in her heart. Her own pets include Ozzie, the Dachshund, and Paisley, the mixed breed. Julee brings a special light and energy to the office and is known to keep everyone laughing!
We're always looking for our next great employee! If you're interested,
download this Job Application, bring it by, and say Hello!
Dr. Ackerman
and Mikey
Lori Ashe
Lori has over 40 years of grooming experience and can turn your scruffy pet into a runway model! Her work is beautiful and she has a wonderful touch with all kinds of animals. Lori has also taught our canine obedience classes in the past. She has had countless pets, including Agility Champion Toot the Papillion, squirrels, and a potbelly pig. Presently her family includes two Papillons, Cheeky and Flynn, two Golden Retrievers, Champion Antione and Walter, Tonks, a Smooth Coated Collie, two horses, chickens, and last (but not least!) husband Duane. Lori and Duane spend their free time training and competing successfully in Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Rally, Agility, and Conformation.
Amber Dorpinghaus
Amber brings many years of valuable experience as a receptionist to our team. She and Daniel, her wonderful husband of fifteen years, share their home and lives with two cats (Zelda & Zie) who are spunky & sassy. She also has an amazing Standard Poodle puppy (Antonio), who she is training to be her Service Dog. She loves the outdoors and helping animals in need, especially orphans, and has a passion for crocheting small things & drawing. Amber wholeheartedly believes in giving animals with a Ruff start, the Purr-fect family life.
Bonnie Smith
Bonnie takes care of the bookkeeping and business needs of the practice. She and her husband, Rickey, have two daughters, Jennifer and Kerri, who are close by. Both have children of their own, and grandsons Justin, Jakson, Jaken and Jesse along with granddaughter Jemma are the lights of Bonnie's life! Occasional orphaned birds, puppies, or kittens are her extended family. Doodle Bug is her most famous pet; he came to our office after being abandoned and near death in a dumpster. Bonnie's TLC saved him, and he became a happy, healthy member of her family for many years.
ABOUT US
Brittany Knight
Brittany recently relocated from Tallahassee to Cairo to be closer to family. She's the proud mother of 3 adult children. Brittany loves animals and anything pertaining to them. For six years, she participated in raising puppies and service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence where she provided early training and socialization for canines destined to assist their owners with various special needs. She enjoyed every minute of it! Brittany enjoys family time, playing softball, and fishing. She is very excited about her opportunity to work at Animal Medical Center and make new furry friends!
Hooligan says
"Welcome to our Animal Hospital!"
Melissa Thomas
Melissa Thomas started at Animal Medical Center at the beginning of 2024. Her passion for animals has sprung into full gear as she learns skills that help assist Dr.Ackerman care for your pets! Some of Melissa's favorite things to do include: spending time outdoors with her pets, going to the beach, and trying out new recipes. She will provide a clean and comfortable place for your pets to stay and ensure that they get lots of love!
Our Veterinarian, Staff, and Furry Friends:
Jane Lange
Jane returned to us after retirement; she just couldn't stay away! She deserves much of the credit for keeping our office sparkling clean and fresh. She has raised many assorted orphans over the years. Jane is currently
Dog-Mom to her best buddy, Talia, and she assists many of her neighbors and friends with their fur babies, too.
Daisy
Daisy, along with her two littermates, was left in a box on our doorstep one cold winter night in 2012. She quickly endeared herself with everyone at the office and made herself right at home. She continues to amuse us with her antics and curiosity! There's no telling where you might find her. She's friendly to dogs, provides free Cat Scans, and helps patients relax while here for care. Her two littermates also found excellent homes with our staff members. Yay!
By the way, Daisy Mae (being the trendy cat that she is) has her own Facebook page. Check it out and Like her!
Crystal Thomas
Crystal began as a receptionist in 2021 and now is picking up even more skills assisting
Dr. Ackerman with hand-on patient care. She is a mother to 3 beautiful girls, Angel, Bella, and Ashtyn. She is also the mother to 2 very spoiled pitties, Gunner and Chi and recently rescued her new kitty, Peachy. She is pursuing her lifelong passion, love, and dream of working with animals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, spoiling her fur babies, and crafting. She will always greet you with a smile and will love and care for your fur babies as if they were her own.
Left to right-
Front Row: Dr. Ackerman with Hooligan, Julee Whitehead with Paisley, Crystal Thomas with Ozzie, Brittany Knight with Walter
Back Row: Amber Dorpinghaus, Bonnie Smith with Daisy, Lori Ashe with Cheeky, Nan Boyles with Flynn, Melissa Thomas with Tonk
Nan Boyles
Nan was born and raised in Thomasville, Georgia and has lived in Cairo for eight years now. She gathered skill in a receptionist position at another animal hospital on the east coast, and we are fortunate to have her experience and smiling face at our front desk! Nan is married with three children and four grandchildren, and a beloved Yorkie named Cowboy. She loves gardening and reading in her spare time.
Janet L. Ackerman, D.V.M.