Kalkaska Animal Hospital
MEET OUR TEAM
Kelli B, Veterinary Assistant & Receptionist
Kelli was born here and raised here in Kalkaska, Mi. She left the human medical field to join us back in 2022. She enjoys spending time with friends, family and her two dogs (Sophie and Lilly).
Dee R, Receptionist
Susie H, Vet Assistant & Receptionist has been a resident of Northern Michigan since 1986. She graduated from Kalkaska High School and then attended NMC. Susie fulfilled her love for horses while working at Ranch Rudolph as a trail guide in her early 20's. From there on it was all about working with animals. In 2004, she married Derek Hogerheide and they became the proud parents of twins, Laney & Trent. The Hogerheide's have two cats, Vanna & Elliotte, one rescue dog Lenny, and a horse named Denver.
Allie M, Receptionist
Michelle D, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Speedythe African Spurred Tortoise came
to live with us the summer of 2015. She was
donated to Dr. Lewis from a family friend.
Speedy grew up in a school surrounded by kids.
She loves kids, chasing her ball and getting
her shell scratched.
A little about the African Spurred Tortoise;
It is the third-largest species of tortoise in
the world. The lifespan of an African spurred
tortoise is about 50–150 years, though they
can live much longer. African Spurred Tortoises
are herbivores and their diets consist of many
types of grasses and plants. Speedy eats a head of romaine lettuce everyday but her favorite
treats include strawberries, pizza crust, tomato and watermelon!
Kalkaska Animal Hospital
625 M-72 NE
Kalkaska, MI 49646
Office (231) 258-4107
Fax (231) 258-0671
Dr. Leigh Ngirarsaol, DVM
Dr. Ngirarsaol was raised in Grand Rapids and earned her Bachelor degree at Hillsdale College. She graduated from Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Dr. Ngirarsaol joined our team August 1, 2011. On January 1, 2013 Dr. Ngirarsaol purchased Kalkaska Animal Hospital. She and her family lives in Rapid City with their 2 dogs, 3 cats and 4 horses. In her spare time she enjoys water sports, spending time with friends and family, riding horses and playing softball . Her favorite team? The Detroit Tigers!
"The strength of the team is each individual member.
The strength of each member is the team." --Phil Jackson
Dr. Richard Smith, DVM
Dr. Rick Smith, a 1969 graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, returned to Michigan to join Kalkaska Animal Hospital in 2003. After practicing in both Lansing, Michigan and in Neenah, Wisconsin, he is delighted to be “back home: in northern Michigan. He and his wife Tricia live in Traverse City with their dog Charlie. They have two married children and two grandchildren.
Katie H, Receptionist & Kennel Assistant
Cheddar and Cheeto are our newest additions to the clinic! They came to us as strays on a weekend, and stole the staffs hearts! We decided the clinic needed some new life and excitement. We are ready for you all to meet them.
Sarah P, Veterinary Technician
Sarah was born and raised in Kalkaska, Mi. Graduated from Baker College in 2020 with an Associates degree for Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology. She has 3 dogs (pitbull mixes and a doberman pinscher), 2 Paint horses and 4 cats. Outside of the clinic Sarah enjoys the outdoors; kayaking, hiking, riding horses, camping, etc. Her love and passion for animals has been since birth!
Roy, Tequila and Screech they all keep us quite entertained! Roy loves to open doors and visit clients in the exam rooms, drinks from the sinks, and exploring the outdoors! Tequila is our "wobbly cat." She had a neurologic condition - but loves life nonetheless! And Screech sadly passed away this summer 2023. He wanted to be friends with everyone and loved any sort of attention he could get! He will be forever missed.
Lori G, Kennel Assistant
R.I.P. Docarrived on the scene at KAH in the fall of 2003. He was found as a stray by a man who brought his pets to KAH. We needed a clinic pet and Doc filled our needs beyond our wildest expectations. He was very friendly and loved all ages of people and other animals too. Unfortunately Doc passed away October of 2019. He will be forever missed.