Dr. Mike

VETERINARIAN

Born and raised in Cumberland County, Dr. R. Michael (Dr. Mike) is thrilled to be back home practicing veterinary medicine. Growing up in Oxford and Amherst, he always dreamed of returning to serve his community. Dr. Mike’s journey to becoming a veterinarian is anything but traditional. Before graduating from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2012, he attended UNB, Mount Allison, and UPEI, while also completing flight school, firefighter training, and even clown school! His diverse experiences bring a unique mix of skills and humor to our team. Dr. Mike has been happily married for over 25 years to his wife, Rochelle. Together, they have two sons, Aaron and Corey, and a full house of beloved pets: Chance, a rescued tripod Golden Retriever; Nanuk, another Golden Retriever; Joey, a Boston Terrier mix; Sassy, a Siamese from our Mama Cat program; Mr. Zoon (Zoongide'e), and Mick (Miikawwaadizi), Bengal kitties. Known for his eclectic taste in music, Dr. Mike keeps the hospital lively with everything from classic country to 80’s rock (and some questionable karaoke). A Halloween enthusiast, his over-the-top decorations make his Amherst home the talk of the town every October. Grateful to be back in his hometown, Dr. Mike looks forward to meeting you and providing exceptional care for your furry family members!

Questions

Can you share a memorable story about a pet you’ve treated?

One of my most memorable cases involved an elderly Labrador with severe dental disease. At 13 years old, he wasn’t a regular patient at our clinic, and his owners were understandably concerned about the risks of anesthesia. We had a detailed conversation about the fact that age is not a disease—if his blood work and overall health were good, the benefits of relieving his dental pain would far outweigh the risks.

The owners decided to proceed, and the surgery went smoothly. The very next day, they called to thank me, saying their dog, even after having several teeth removed, went home and ate his regular kibble for the first time in over a year! I don’t recall exactly how much longer I saw him after that, but every visit was filled with tail wags and a happy demeanor.

His owners were incredibly grateful, and knowing we gave him a pain-free, happy life for his remaining time is something I’ll never forget.
If you could communicate with animals, what’s the first thing you would ask them?

“What brings you in to see me today?”
What’s your pet’s name, and how did you choose it?

My dog’s name is Chance, and he truly lives up to it. He came to me when he was just 5 days old, born with an amniotic band around his right front leg, which had cut off circulation. His prognosis was poor, and he was scheduled to be euthanized, but something about him tugged at my heart. His owner surrendered him to me, and I decided to give him a “chance.”

With antibiotics, round-the-clock care, and tube feeding every two hours, my family and I nursed him back to health. He lost part of his leg, but that never slowed him down—Chance is one of the happiest, most determined dogs I know. While we debated a few names for a three-legged dog, Chance was the one that fit perfectly. He’s our little miracle, and we’ll always remember the second chance we gave him.
What inspired you to work in this industry?

My path to veterinary medicine was an organic journey. Unlike many veterinarians who dream of this career from childhood, I took a less traditional route. I have a long and varied background—everything from operating heavy equipment to aviation, science, and engineering.

When I returned to complete my Bachelor of Science, I became more drawn to biology and medical sciences. During that time, I landed a job at a government research farm, spending several summers working with cattle (and occasionally sheep and pigs). The more I worked with animals, the more natural it felt to dedicate my efforts to their care.

That experience sparked my interest in veterinary medicine as a career, and now, many years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What advice would you give to pet owners to ensure their pets lead healthy lives?

Listen to your vet! The saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more true when it comes to your pet’s care. Preventative measures—like feeding a high-quality diet, especially during their early years, vaccinating to protect against devastating illnesses, and preventing emerging diseases like Lyme—are key to ensuring a long, healthy life.

Ticks and Lyme disease are more common now than when I was growing up, and staying ahead with proper prevention is critical. The care we give our pets today keeps them healthy tomorrow, so trust your veterinary team to guide you every step of the way.