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Animal Health Center has new veterinarian

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Rebecca Erwin is the new veterinarian at Animal Health Center of Marion County in Marion.

She grew up at Gardner, a small town near Kansas City.

"I was one of those who wished they lived on a farm but didn't," she said.

However, being on the outskirts of town, she had all kinds of animals, including horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats.

"I was always rescuing every varmint I could find," she said smiling.

With her love for animals, it was only natural that Erwin decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

After graduating from high school, she attended Allen County Community College in Iola for two years. She went there on a women's soccer scholarship and an academic scholarship.

She enjoyed being a member of the livestock judging team.

After two years, she transferred to the Veterinary School of Medicine at Kansas State University, where she completed her undergraduate work and then earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine, graduating in May 2005.

Throughout her high school and college career, she spent time working at various animal health facilities. This past summer, she did a three-month internship at the KSU equine hospital.

Erwin's job at Animal Health Center in Marion is her first full-time position. She and her husband, Cory, live on Middle Creek Ranch. He has a degree in animal science and works for Tim Donahue.

"This is my first time living on a farm, and I'm really excited about it," Erwin said. "I'll have lots of room to ride my horses."

Erwin is enjoying her work at Animal Health Center.

"I like the small-town atmosphere," she said. "I'm still learning people's names, and I like seeing animals regularly."

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