CARIBOU, Maine — North Country Animal Hospital, owned by Dr. Terry and Jim McQuade for 23 years, will be falling under new ownership this Monday when they pass the business to Dr. Lori Brown, a traveling vet who serves Aroostook County.
“We’re going to take some time off and then open a canine rehabilitation clinic in Colorado” Dr. McQuade said, adding that she is originally from Colorado and her family still lives in the area.
Before moving to Maine, Terry McQuade received a bachelor of science in veterinary science and a Ph.D in veterinary medicine at Colorado State University. From there, she spent a brief period of time at an emergency clinic in Denver and soon moved to central Maine.
“We worked at Windsor Animal Hospital for a while and decided it was time to strike out on our own,” she said, “and 23 years ago we bought this practice from Dr. Smith, who had to cut back on work at the time as he had Parkinson’s disease.”
Dr. McQuade said she started out at a small clinic next to North Country Animal Hospital, hired on three doctors, and eventually moved to the current building. During that time, McQuade says she has seen at least 15,000 animal owners, and is thankful for all of them.
“We couldn’t have done this without (them),” McQuade said of her clients. “We are going to miss all our customers and our pets. They’ve been here from the time the new puppy comes until it’s time to say goodbye, and we’re going to miss that.”
Dr. McQuade’s official last day was April 27. The animal hospital will be closed for the weekend, and then Dr. Brown will take the reins on Monday, May 1st.
“The other doctors will be here, and the staff will be the same,” McQuade said. “It’s going to be a smooth transition, just a different name.”
Dr. Brown, she added, worked for North Country Animal Hospital for eight years after she finished school.
“I’ve wanted to be a vet for as long as I could remember,” Dr. McQuade said. “Animals don’t hold grudges or talk behind your back; they love you for who you are.”
