Spring/Summer 2012 Aesculapian Magazine - University of Georgia ...

Photo by Laura Smith
Jack and Janet Damhorst
“Dr. Roth is such an asset to the CPC,” explains Jack
Damhorst. “His knowledge and personality combination
serve Athens well.”
For the Damhorsts, an added benefit of bringing pets
to the VTH for more than 35 years is working with the
students — a few of whom were family friends. “There was
one student we ran into at the Hospital a few years ago
whom we have known since she was playing t-ball at fouryears
old,” recounts Mrs. Damhorst. “It is a neat experience
to run into kids you have known most of their lives and it
is always good to talk with them.”
It is that same mission of working with the students
and helping to further their education that has kept Judith
DePaola coming back over the years. DePaola first brought
her dog, Maggie, to the VTH to be spayed back in 1984
and 28 years later, she is still bringing animals to the CPC.
“It’s important to me to give back to the University
that meant so much to me,” says DePaola, who now brings
her two dogs, Nicole Grace and Logan, to the CPC for
routine care. “I want to help the students learn and if I can
do something to contribute, I will continue to take my
animals there as long as the students are learning.”
In addition to routine care, the CPC also offers puppy
training classes, in which DePaola enrolled Logan, her
1-year-old black Labrador Retriever, after the puppy ate
through two pairs of expensive eyeglasses.
The biggest change DePaola has been witness to over
the years, other than the CPC’s move to a free-standing
building, is that the files have been computerized.
“Maggie used to have a huge file,” says DePaola. “Now
all the information is accessed through a computer.”
While helping students learn may have been her
11
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Judith DePaola and one of her dogs, Logan.
initial reason for coming to the CPC, DePaola emphasizes
that compassionate care and good customer service are
bonuses.
“I can honestly say that every student I have had
contact with has had an extra level of compassion and
care,” said DePaola. “And, when a veterinary technician
or faculty member comes out to greet you and asks about
your dog, or recognizes you from class, that extra touch
makes you feel very welcome.”
And it keeps them coming back through the years.
For More
InForMatIon
For more information on our Teaching Hospital
or our Community Practice Clinic:
www.vet.uga.edu/hospital
706.542.3221 or hospital@uga.edu
To make an appointment at the CPC,
call 706.542.1984
Photo by Laura Smith