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Career came naturally for new veterinarian
McCOOK, Neb. -- Her heart follows country roads. She says she was "raised by a golden retriever"; her first word was "doggie." She grew up a tomboy, she likes to fish and she doesn't object to gettin' a little bit dirty.
It sounds like Dr. Nicole Lenz will fit in just fine in Southwest Nebraska.
Dr. Lenz is the new veterinarian at Red Willow Animal Clinic west of McCook, joining Dr. Wayne Watkins in his large and small animal practice this summer. Nicole is a spring graduate of Kansas State, explaining that she "wears lots of purple," having attended undergraduate school and veterinary medical school at KState.
Dr. Lenz grew up in Wichita, Kan., where she spent her weekends on her family's country acreage. The family dog, a golden retriever named Chelsea, welcomed Nicole into the family, and the love that grew from that single dog foretold of Nicole's future work with animals. "My first words were 'doggie,' 'daddy' and 'mommy," in that order, Nicole grins.
It was at KState that she immersed herself in the world of large animals. Taking advantage of every opportunity to learn about large animals, she gained experience quickly, she said.
The family joke is "Thank goodness God made cows," because it was a promise from fellow KState student Matt Lenz that Nicole could "come work cows" that enticed her to visit the Lenz ranch at Wray, Colo., and she fell in love with and married Matt, who grew up on that Colorado cattle ranch.
At Red Willow Animal Clinic, Nicole will work both small and large animals. "I love the variety -- dog, cat, horse, pig, cow. It's a busy practice. There will always be plenty to do," she said with a grin. She added," And I can learn something from everyone I talk to ... benefitting from everyone's experience."
Nicole's husband, Matt, is "a farmer through-and-through," she said. "He's got dirt in his veins." He is farming north of McCook on land being managed for a family friend.
The couple lives in an apartment in McCook, and Nicole says they look forward to the day when they can own their own place and have dogs. "We're 'big dog' people," she said, although she hasn't shooed away the stray cat that has "adopted" them.
Nicole said that she and Matt are enjoying getting to know McCook, and they've bought some camping gear to use at Hugh Butler Lake. Nicole kayaks and hikes and is a long-distance runner. "I've discovered McCook's beautiful walking trails," she said. The couple looks forward to fishing and water sports activities next summer.
Red Willow Animal Clinic is 1 1/4 miles west of McCook on Highway 6 and 34. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon.
Call (308) 345-4143 during regular hours, and also for emergencies after hours.