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There’s a new vet in town
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Austintown Veterinary Clinic’s new vet, Theenda Greer, was already in her element in the busy and noisy clinic office.
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Boo the kitten looked uncomfortable during an immunization, but Greer suggested them for her new patient , who was a stray for the first 10 weeks of her life.
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Greer shows off her friendly bedside manner with Betty Matase and her kitten, Boo, while checking Boo’s pulse and heartbeat.
By SARAH FOOR
Since she was hired in June, veterinarian Theenda Greer has been faced with howling animals and stressful surgeries. But her steady hands and patience have enabled her to make a smooth transition to her new position at the Austintown Veterinary Clinic.
Originally from Louisville, Ky., Greer has had no problems traveling when it comes to her passion for veterinary medicine. After attending vet school at Auburn University in Alabama, she has practiced in Chicago and Richmond, Va., before settling into her new workplace in Austintown.
“Every day there is something different,” Greer explained. “That’s what I love about being a vet. Every day there is something funny that happens, and there are also sad things that happen, so you need to be a well-rounded and adjusted individual to handle those ups and downs.”
A normal day for Greer includes surgeries in the morning and afternoon appointments with Austintown clients, the majority being pet owners with dogs and cats.
“No, I haven’t met many exotics in my few months here, but that doesn’t mean the work isn’t challenging. I have to know the idiosyncrasies between breeds and species, what to give to some and not others, and it’s always keeping me on my toes.”
To calm the fears of the most worrisome pet owners, Greer said she puts herself in their shoes.
“I listen. I listen to their concerns because I understand that wonderful human-animal connection. I have a sick personal pet, and I get it. I treat their pets like they are my own,” she said.
During a check-up with Betty Matase and her kitten Boo, Greer showed an easy compassion and patience for the former stray, who was jumping around the exam table and biting fingers.
“I consider myself very patient and a calm individual, and I want to give each animal a thorough exam and my full attention.”
With a smile, she added, “Even if they are nipping at my fingers.”