The St. Joseph Veterinary Hospital is in good hands: “Dr. Dawn Tulson, of the Village Vet in Stevensville, is now the new owner of Dr. Jeff Richards’ practice, and is taking care of our clients in her Stevensville location until the new vet arrives,” says Nancy Burch Richards. Dr. Richards was a beloved community leader, veterinarian, father, husband, and public servant, and his existence made an enormous impact on everyone around him.
“Dr. Richards mentored me when I was a veterinary student and was a wonderful fount of knowledge, with practical advice for a student. He and his family were always supportive and wonderful,” says Dr. Tulson.
Village Vet in Stevensville opened in mid- 2021, and offers integrative medicine, like cold laser therapy and herbal medicine, as their approach to care for your animals and pets. A 2006 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Tulson is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Food Therapy, and Veterinary Chiropractic from Chi University.
Dr. Flanagan joined the team in November of 2021, and with her, brought traditional medicine, like dental and surgical procedures. Their staff of six brings the perfect blend of knowledge and compassion to veterinary medicine, and the addition of a new location will only exacerbate their passion for healing and animal care.
As a soft transition, the St. Joseph facility will just offer grooming services, and eventually have full veterinary services available. Dr. Tulson, Dr. Kelly Flanagan, “and the entire staff at Village Vet are excited for this opportunity to continue to help the amazing pets and wonderful clients of Dr. Richards.” The Village Vet staff will rotate between both locations.
The community was shocked and saddened by the loss of Dr. Jeff Richards, but his passion and love for his community lives on.
“Dr. Tulson mentored with Dr. Richards during her undergraduate years, and they knew each other well. He would be very pleased!” Nancy says.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contributor
