About Wolf River Veterinary Clinic
Our Staff
James Ziegler, D.V.M.
Dr. Ziegler graduated from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. He started the Wolf River Veterinary Clinic in 1996 and has focused his efforts on companion animal medicine and surgery since that time. His special interests include canine reproduction, orthopedic surgery, and animal welfare. When not working Dr. Ziegler enjoys running, biking, hiking, and reading.
Mark Baetke, D.V.M.
Dr. Baetke graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. He has been practicing small animal medicine in Northeast Wisconsin since. His special interests include complimentary therapies such as chiropractic, homeopathy, herbs and nutrition.
Dr. Erin Henderson, D.V.M.
Dr. Henderson graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2011. Her special interest include preventative medicine, dentistry, and surgery. In her spare time Dr. Henderson enjoys hiking, reading, and amateur sculpture. She is excited to join the team at Wolf River and work with everyone to provide great medical care!
Ashley Schwartz, CVT
Ashley Schwartz, a Certified Veterinary Technician, graduated in 2007 from Argosy University with an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology. Her interests include oral health and anesthesia. She is a member of the WVTA and ASVDT.
Karen Rodencal, CVT
Karen graduated from the University of Minnesota-Waseca in 1980. Karen has been with the Wolf River Veterinary Clinic since it opened. Karen grew up in the Fremont area and enjoys all aspects of the veterinary field. Pictured with the dental equipment.
Beth Andersen
I have worked at the Wolf River Veterinary Clinic since 2001. I am a receptionist, an assistant, and I work with the boarding animals. When I'm not working at WRVC you will find me selling and flying light sport aircrafts. I have 2 dogs, Ralph and Spencer, and a cat named Fritz. They have all been adopted from Wolf River's S.A.F.E. Program.
Jennifer Kettleson
Jennifer has had a variety of pets her entire life but her heart belongs to dogs! In 1992, she and her family entered the sport of exhibiting AKC registered dogs in Confirmation, Junior Showmanship and hunt tests. Together they have bred, owned and shown many English Setters and English Springer Spaniels to their Championships and continue to be involved with multiple nationally ranked dogs. She makes her home in Greenville with her husband Mike, daughters, Baillie (a student and basketball player at UW-Whitewater), Brittani (an AKC Registered Handler Apprentice), 5 dogs and 2 rescued cats.
Kathleen Nehring
Hi! I am Kathleen, one of the receptionists here at Wolf River Veterinary Clinic. I am a true animal lover and have been blessed to have a house full of great pets. My menagerie consist of two dogs, Makita, a four-year old German Shepherd, and Dingo, an eight-year old cattle dog/shepherd mix, I have six cats, all domestic short hairs, Bo, Sassy, Baby Kitty, Napoleon, Morris, and Skunky. I also have two freshwater aquariums full of very entertaining characters. I also happen to be married to a great guy, Jim, and we have two very wonderful children, Alex, 17 and Megan, 8. During my free time, I enjoy volunteering at the Humane Society of Waupaca County, being actively involved in my church, gardening, and spending time with my family and friends. I am proud to be a part of a great team here at Wolf River and to provide you and your pets with the best service and medical care.
Ashley Blanchard
My name is Ashley. I just started at Wolf River Vet Clinic and I have enjoyed it so far. My love for animals started at a young age. Since I was 7 I dreamed of helping animals when they were sick. So after high school I pursued my dream and moved from small town Clintonville to the Twin Cities, where I attended Argosy University. There they have a Veterinary Technician program that I attended from 2008-2010. I graduated October 2010. After two years in the big cities I decided I wanted to move home to the small town. Which leads me to where I am today. I currently live with Travis (boyfriend) and Stella (Olde English bulldogge) on the outside of New London. I look forward to living my dream and having a career of helping animals.
April Murphy
My name is April Murphy. I am a married mother of 2 beautiful children. I have to tell you, I love my job at Wolf River Veterinary Clinic. I enjoy the interaction with the animals that I get to work with every day. My family has a pet at home; he is a 5 year old Vizsla (dog) and his name is Eli. As a child I grew up around all kinds of animals, and although I have spent most of my life caring for the human population as a CNA, I am finding this new adventure in my life caring for the animals just as rewarding. I look forward to caring for the canine/feline member of your family! In my spare time, I love to watch NASCAR, fish, and spend a lot of my time outdoors with my family.
Hannah
Hi, I’m Hannah, I graduated in May of 2011 from Madison Area Technical College with a degree in Veterinary Technology and recently passed my national and state exams to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. I was born and raised in Shiocton, WI, where I still currently live with my cattle dog mix, Kasey. I have always had a passion for working with animals and have worked at several humane societies throughout my college venture. I have been blessed to be able to work at Wolf River, It’s an amazing place that I’ve been bringing my animals to since I was a little girl. So I look forward to working with your pets for many years to come.
SAFE Pet Adoption - Pet of the Month
"Frankie-March Pet of the Month"
As I mentioned last month, the pet of the month is often a memorial to a pet who has passed away and a tribute to the owner who took exceptional care of the pet. This month follows that pattern as I recognize Frankie, a very special cat who recently had to be euthanized due to extreme medical problems.
Frankie had a number of health issues during his life. The most significant one was a condition called mega-colon a well recognized, but infrequent condition in which the normal function of the colon (lower intestines) ceases, and the unfortunate cat suffers from very serious constipation. The problem starts with medical management, but always ends up as a surgical problem. Frankie progresses exactly this way. We (and the owner) managed him medically for a long time. In the end, he had three surgeries to attempt to resolve the condition. All dealt with the issues temporarily, nut he always relapsed. In the mix of things, Frankie also developed urinary complications, for which he had to be hospitalized, treated, and subsequently maintained on a prescription diet for urinary health.
Things came to a head this winter as Frankie’s constipation problems because over whelming. He was hospitalized every 10-14 days. Ultimately, we referred him to a specialist, who, in the end, recommended that Frankie be euthanized. Frankie’s journey in this life has ended. All of us were saddened.
I will remember a number of things about Frankie. He was a very gentle, loving cat. He also hated being hospitalized, and while he dealt with these times with grace, you could always tell that he was not happy. My next memory is of his caregiver-always smiling, always happy, and never hesitating to do what had to be done to make Frankie more comfortable. Frankie obviously meant a lot to her, and thus he meant a lot to us.
Like all who love animals, the owners will move on. They have a new cat-a new love in their life. As a clinic, we will also move on-taking care of the living and assisting with the losses. There are always those pets, however, who remain with you forever, the unique personalities you bond to, the exceptional caregivers whom amaze you, and the powerful bond that can exist between a human and a pet.
I will never forget Frankie. I will never forget the commitment that gave him every chance at life.