As we start 2008, I would like to introduce myself to all our members. I am a small animal practitioner and part owner of a practice with clinics in Wiscasset (Coastal Veterinary Care) and Boothbay (Boothbay Animal Hospital.) I live in Alna with my husband George and children Cameron and Clara as well as the usual veterinary menagerie (2 horses, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 turtles, 1 guinea pig and 1 bird)
At this point it seems our biggest challenge this year may be in the area of Animal Welfare. The seizure of 250 dogs in Buxton in August taxed the Animal Welfare system and without all the volunteers who helped out it would have been impossible to care for all the animals that desperately needed it. This week (Jan. 19), 67 dogs were seized in Somerville, also in very rough shape. Hopefully, as veterinarians, we can help combat this type of neglect through education and community involvement.
We’re looking forward to a great year. Thank you for supporting your VMA by being members and it was great to see so many people at the Annual meeting in Portland.
Kristen Mugnai, DVM
President, MVMA
About the President:
Originally from Southport Maine, Dr. Kristen Mugnai graduated from Middlebury College in 1987 with a double major in Biology and European History. After teaching grades 7-12 at the former Oak Grove-Coburn School in Vassalboro for 2 years, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her DVM at Oregon State University. Following graduation in 1996, she returned to Wiscasset and joined Boothbay Animal Hospital and Coastal Veterinary Care. Dr. Mugnai became a partner at the practice in 2005.
Kristen lives in Alna with her husband George, son Cameron and daughter Clara. The family includes Sadie, a former feral dog, Athena, a rescue greyhound, P.J., Lucky and Avery, the three orange tiger cats, Missy, a former auction yard mustang, Romeo, an aged Arab, 2 turtles, a guinea pig, and a finch (in a pear tree.) She enjoys riding and spending time helping her 8 year old daughter show her horse. She finds balancing practice ownership and family challenging but rewarding.
"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."
~Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'