Dr. Michal Anne Harris grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where she started volunteering at a local veterinary hospital at the age of 12. During the sixth grade she nearly drove her parents nuts, because when she wasn’t dragging home every stray in the neighborhood she was begging to go to the library to write letters to veterinary colleges asking what it would take to become a vet!
She completed her undergraduate studies at Warren Wilson College. After getting married and moving to Florida in 1991, she graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Dr. Harris was the Valedictorian of her graduating veterinary class and the winner of the Merck Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Harris (we call her Dr. Mike) began working as a technician at Wells Road Vet in 1991. After graduation from veterinary school, she worked as the associate veterinarian here for 12 years. In May of 2008 Dr. Mike purchased the practice from her long time mentor Dr. Shelton. Dr. Mike and Dr. Shelton also founded Saint Francis Animal Hospital several years ago. Saint Francis is a not for profit veterinary clinic with the ultimate goal of providing veterinary care to pets regardless of their owner’s ability to pay.
Dr. Mike's professional interests include cancer treatment and chemotherapy, internal medicine, and critical care, although one of her favorite things is just meeting and seeing everyone’s pets.
She and her husband Dave live in Jacksonville and are serious auto racing fans. Dave does high-performance automotive work for a living. Dave owns a 1986 Buick Grand National that he uses as a show car and sportsman drag car, and they often travel to attend NHRA national drag racing events. Dr. Mike and Dave are also big time Jaguar fans and proud season ticket holders since 1997, so look for them at the games!
The Harris family dogs are Weimaraners Cyclone and Tsunami. Both are rescues. Tsunami came from Weimaraner rescue as a 4 month old puppy, and Cyclone came from a local home at 8 weeks. Tsu and Cy are sometimes spotted hanging out at the clinic, although they usually prefer to relax at home on the couch these days while Mom works hard at the office! As far as cats go, Dr. Mike has her hands full taking care of Latte at the office. For those of you who have met him, you know he is a personality larger than life.
Erica Smith (our Office Manager) was born in Jacksonville Florida and has lived here all of her life. Being more of a country girl she grew up with almost every kind of animal you could think of. Her favorites were the horses. Her hobbies include barrel racing the horses. She has 3 and their names are “Sunshine”, “Cricket”, and Cricket’s baby “Dillan.” She also has a Pomeranian named “Cujo,” who was rescued from a severe case of ringworm when he was 5 weeks old. He is more like her son than like her dog. Erica also has 2 cats: Spice who was dumped in the woods near her house, and Willie who was rescued from ACC by our beloved Andrea (he has only 1 eye). Erica lives in Clay Hill with her husband Jon, and their two daughters Hailey and Kara.
Erica started at Wells Road Vet when she was 17 years old. She was just kennel help after school and on the weekends. She worked her way through an AA degree at SJRCC, intending on being a veterinarian which was all she ever wanted to do.
Erica worked at Wells Road for several years before deciding that Dr. Shelton and Dr. Harris worked more hours than she ever intended to, since one of her biggest goals in life was to have a family. So, she didn’t know what she wanted to do from that point on. Erica worked full time for Dr. Shelton for a few more years, and took some time off to get married to Jon (whom she had been dating since she was 16). She also took some night classes and worked her way up within the clinic to semi-management. She learned new skills including dentistry, and even attended the veterinary technician’s dental school in Baltimore and found a new area of interest.
Erica decided that she liked dentistry so much, she wanted to further her career by becoming a human dental hygienist. So she resigned her position at Wells Road Vet to go to school, but she still worked a few hours per week here and there. The Hygiene program was the 2 longest, hardest years of her life. During this time she was also blessed with her 2 children. There were times she wanted to give up, but she graduated and got a job as a hygienist. Erica liked this new job, but her heart just wasn’t there. She found out Wells Road missed her as much as she missed them, so she came back in September 2007 with a promotion to being the manager. You may also catch her from time to time helping Dr. Mike on Saturdays or doing dentals. Erica feels extremely blessed now with her great family (both at home and at work) and she doesn’t plan on going anywhere else.
Dr. Susan Shelton grew up in Jacksonville. She began undergraduate studies at Jacksonville University. She completed her bachelors degree at the University of Florida. Dr. Shelton graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. She had opened Wells Road Veterinary Medical Center in 1990. She obtained Board Certification in Canine and Feline Practice from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in 2000. This accomplishment for companion animals recognizes excellence and awards "specialist" status to those who pass. Dr. Shelton's greatest interest lies in pet dentistry including endodontics (such as root canals), periodontics (treatment of gum disease), oral surgery, and even some orthodontics. Dr. Susie first became involved in animal welfare issues when she was concerned about conditions at Jacksonville's Animal Care and Control (ACC) following media coverage of the situation in the year 2000. She was invited to participate on Mayor Delaney's Task Force to investigate the problem in January 2001. She then served as Senior Veterinarian for Animal Control from January, 2002, until July, 2002. After July, 2002, until April, 2003, Dr. Shelton and Wells Road Vet continued providing limited on site medical and surgical services for ACC. Dr. Susie and Dr. Mike formed Saint Francis Animal Hospital, a not for profit veterinary clinic in Jacksonville with the ultimate goal of providing veterinary care to pets regardless of their owner’s ability to pay.
Dr. Susie lives in Jacksonville with her husband Scott Setser and her two wonderful boys, Blake and Lucas. Even though she is semi-retired from general practice, she continues to serve as the leading force behind Saint Francis, and you may even spot her working occasional surgery days at Wells Road! She is an avid runner and a devout member of the Catholic Church. Her family pets include Autumn, a rescue dog from her days at Animal Control, and her two cats Baby Mel and Gonzo.
Michele Ryninger grew up in Virginia, Louisiana, and Mississippi and finally settled in Jacksonville, FL in 1996. She's had a lifelong love of animals, and as a teenager Michele worked with horses at a summer camp and began the journey of becoming a professional vet tech.
Once Michele relocated to Jacksonville, she began working for Wells Road Vet. In 2001 she transitioned to working for Duval County Animal Care and Control to be the vet tech supervisor as well as the coordinator for the rescue, foster, and adoption program. In 2008 things turned full-circle with Michele returning to Wells Rd Vet as our head receptionist.
She has a passion for special-needs animals and shares her home with five dogs ranging from a 130 lbs. St Bernard mix, to a 3 lbs. Chihuahua. Michele also has what she calls a "herd" of special-needs cats and continues to occasionally take in foster and rescue animals that need extra attention. Because Michele has been able to build solid relationships with many of the foster and rescue groups in our community, she’s a great resource helping our friends and clients find pets to suit their families. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help when considering a new four-legged family member! Chances are Michele will have the special someone you’re looking for, or know of someone that does.
Michele plays a vital role in keeping our office operations flowing. Her friendly, reliable nature, strong multitasking and organizational skills, and in depth knowledge of animals, Michele is an asset not only to our staff, but more importantly, our clients.
Charlotte Rebekah Grubbs was born in Orange Park Florida, and has lived in Jacksonville ever since. She has had a love of animals since birth, and as a child always passed over the Barbie dolls to play with stuffed animals. She rescued her first kitten, April, from a neighborhood pet store when she was only five years old, and from that point, her bedroom, apartment, etc., has always been a haven for unwanted animals. She has extended her haven to include the extra spaces inhabited by family and friends and has placed numerous short term foster cats and dogs, and even better, long term placements with everyone in her circle of acquaintances. Even now, Charlotte is the first call for anyone with a question about an animal! When she was 15, she realized that her love of animals could easily translate to a career and she started working at an animal hospital. In the past ten years, Charlotte has worked at many day time practices in Jacksonville, and one emergency clinic. In 2004 she took a job with Animal Care and Control where she worked for two and a half years. She also became euthanasia certified at this time.
In July 2006, she started working part time at Wells Road Veterinary Medical Center and in January 2007 she came on full time. Presently, she is the head veterinary technician and truly enjoys her job. She has received training at a weekend institute in Baltimore for animal dentistry through Well Rd. This training added to her many different veterinary technician training courses she has taken throughout her career. In addition to working full time, she is also a part time college student and is working towards her Associates Degree at both Florida Community College and St Johns River Community College. She plans on completing her first degree by summer, 2009. Charlotte has one dog and four cats, all of whom are as spoiled as much as possible! Her dog, Yenelis, a seven year old Animal Care and Control adoptee, was named after a dear friend that Charlotte met during one of her three humanitarian trips to the island of Cuba. Charlotte plans to always work with animals no matter what career she ends up choosing, at least part time.
Megan Cooper was born in Akron, Ohio and grew up in the small town of Garrettsville, Ohio. She has had a passion for animals since she was born. Coming from a family where everyone is an animal lover, she grew up helping her mother nurse, adopt, and foster anything from baby rabbits to great dane puppies. As she grew so did her love for animals. On her 17th birthday her high school sweetheart wanted to surprise her with a very special birthday present. When she arrived home that day she was greeted by the most wonderful 6 months old puppy named Louie. It was love at first sight!
Megan later went to college at Kent State University, after graduating high school. She pursued her passion for art, and studied Graphic Arts/ Visual Communications & Design. School was put on hold when she decided to marry her high school sweetheart, Brian. Brian joined the Navy, and later received orders to Jacksonville, FL. But just a few days before Megan moved down to Jacksonville, she ran into a 3 month old puppy that was in need of rescuing. The puppy who was later named Murphy, was immediately welcomed into the family by his big brother Louie.
Once the whole family was living down in Jacksonville together, Megan decided to get a job at the local PetSmart where she found her passion for grooming. She studied with a PetSmart Master Groomer, and was later certified as a Professional Pet Stylist. She later left PetSmart to come and work for Wells Road Vet. She hasn't been a member of the family long but already feels welcomed. She is very eager to turn a new leaf with her career in grooming, and thanks Wells Road Vet for giving her that opportunity.Wendy McKamey - I began my life in Jacksonville Fl. in October 1970 at the NAS Jacksonville Hospital. My father was career Navy. This gave us many opportunities to live in many areas of the United States. We moved from Florida in 1971 to Tenn., to Whidbey Island Wa., then to Ga. Whidbey Island was a beautiful place to live and we often visited Canada. We had great times going floundering and clamming. The aquarium in Seattle was a great place to visit, especially seeing the otters. The outdoors in the Northwest was really a great sight. Georgia was my favorite state to live in. Stone Mountain Ga. was another one of my favorite places. I loved the different seasons of the year, especially winter. My father retired from the Navy in Atlanta, Ga. We moved to Middleburg, Fl. where I graduated from Middleburg High in 1988. Upon graduation I worked in retail, as a bank teller, and as an attorney's office assistant. After obtaining my massage therapist license I worked in a doctor's office and a spa. Because of my passion for animals I decided to become a dog groomer. It is very fulfilling to help a dog look good and feel well.
I have always loved and cared for animals. I even tried to save a baby bird when I was six years old. We had friends in Washington State who had a farm and I really enjoyed the visits with the sheep, rabbits, cows, and ducks. My parents and brother also loved animals of all types. Animals have always been a part of my life. Currently our home is occupied with three great dogs, Dixie, a brindle Pit Bull/Boxer mix, Keona, a German Shepherd/Lab mix, and Zoe, a black Pomeranian.
Latte "My name is Latte, and I am also called Tater. I love working here. It is so much fun and I get to do whatever I want! Dr. Mike does get mad at me when I help myself by opening a bag of expensive prescription food off the shelf, but I’m just trying to help out so they don’t have to feed me! I love other cats and dogs, but people are my favorite. Just look at how many come to visit me every day! Don’t be surprised if I hop into your cat’s carrier when I find it empty, I like to check out everyone else’s accommodations!
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday:
8:30 am - 6 pm
Tuesday and Friday:
7:30 am - 6 pm
Saturday:
8 am - 1 pm
Sunday:
Closed