WORKING TOWARD 24/7 VETERINARY CARE
in Las Cruces, NM
In order to provide and sustain 24/7 emergency care for pets, our top priority is to recruit new veterinarians to the city of Las Cruces and surrounding communities. To that end, we work with all of our existing clinics and our county and city animal services to help expand veterinary services through the addition of qualified staff, providing debt relief scholarships for veterinarians committing to work here. We create interest in veterinary students returning to work here by providing travel expenses and housing during externships at our clinics. We hold educational opportunities in our community to help pet parents avoid emergencies, and we advocate to our government entities for ways to make veterinary care more accessible. We use our considerable efforts to create an atmosphere and quality of life for our veterinary professionals and pet parents that is positive and supportive.
My name is Siena Buser, I am a 4th year veterinary student at Washington State University. As a student in veterinary rotations, I have some allotted time to travel for my education and chose to travel specifically to my home state of New Mexico to gain
experience where I will be practicing as a future veterinarian.
The entire board of Animal Companions of Las Cruces were immediately and eagerly willing to help me through this process of travel and externships. They did more than support me through this process, they welcomed me to the area with open arms
and smiles, aided me in finding travel accommodations as well as provided housing that was comfortable, inviting, and allowed me to focus on getting the best experience from veterinarians in the area.
Because of the assistance I received from Animal Companions, I was able to complete one of the best externships I've been a part of Zia Vet Clinic in Las Cruces, NM where I practiced surgical skills daily, handling medications, as well as working up cases under the amazing doctors that practice there. The doctors were patient, kind, willing to let me be included in anything I was comfortable with, as well as challenged me to strengthen my thought processes and abilities.
I have spent quite a bit of time in Las Cruces, as I completed my undergraduate career at New Mexico State University. It was an absolute pleasure to return. I was able to spend my time with amazing and hard-working women in the veterinary industry and
non-profit community, which is, frankly, priceless to me. I will be returning to the area for more substantial and exceptional learning opportunities.
I want to thank the whole staff of Animal Companions of Las Cruces, particularly Dawn Duncan who worked hard to get me to the area and introduce me to new possibilities in my future, as well as Wanda Berryman who housed me with more warmth and care than I ever could have asked for! I also want to thank the entire staff and doctors of Zia Vet Clinic who were integral to the start of my clinical rotations and confidence moving forward.
- With appreciation,
Siena Buser
Dawn Duncan (701) 388-3478
WEBMASTER: Kelly Carvlin