by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Paul Burnett was ready to escape the rat race. His wife, Dr. Susan Burnett, wasn’t quite ready. That was until Thief River Falls came calling.
Susan was reading a publication of the American Veterinary Medical Association, when she saw an ad for a veterinary practice for sale in northwest Minnesota. At the time, Susan was working as a veterinarian in Inver Grove Heights. When she came home later that day, she told Paul about the opportunity. They eventually made plans to visit Valley Animal Hospital. First, though, they needed to drop off their son, Alexander, at the University of North Dakota. Then, without telling him, they visited the clinic.
“It seemed almost like it was meant to be,” said Susan, who could see herself owning and working at the practice.
Fast forward a year and the Burnetts and their two rescued golden retrievers are now living in Thief River Falls. Susan succeeds Dr. Bruce Pierce, who retired July 15 after serving as a veterinarian in Thief River Falls for 40 years. Besides purchasing the small animal practice, the Burnetts also purchased the Pierces’ house.
Susan hopes to continue the quality of service Pierce provided here and offer clients the best care that she can. “The staff is outstanding, and we feel so fortunate to have them. And really I couldn’t truly do this job without them,” said Susan. “And the clients have been very nice, accommodating, welcoming. It’s been a really good start.”
Valley Animal Hospital employs five people, including both Burnetts, a veterinary technician, a receptionist, and a quarter-time buildings and grounds staff member. They may hire a veterinary assistant in the future.
Paul is employed as the business office manager, so now Susan is his boss. “I’ve been waiting a long time for that,” she said.
“She’s smiling a lot more now,” Paul said.
The couple met more than 30 years ago while both were attending the University of Michigan. At the time, they were taking piano lessons from the same instructor. Paul was taking advanced lessons for a degree in orchestra conducting. Susan was taking beginner piano lessons. Before long, Paul also learned that Susan lived at the same apartment complex as he did. The rest is history and so are their piano-playing days.
Susan eventually completed a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She worked for six years in medical research before enrolling in veterinary school at Michigan State University. Susan said she always loved science and medicine, especially how the body worked and why. She initially thought she could never put an animal to sleep. Once she realized that it may alleviate an animal’s suffering, she realized a career in veterinary medicine was for her.
Susan has now worked in the veterinary field for 25 years. Prior to coming to Thief River Falls, she worked for eight years at Southview Animal Hospital in Inver Grove Heights.