Dr. Susan Bartz, or "Dr. Sue" as she is more affectionately known by friends and clients alike, knew by the third grade that all she wanted to be when she grew up was a veterinarian.. Now, some 35+ years later, she admits she still loves what she does for a living and cannot imagine doing anything else!
Born and raised in the heart of America's Dairyland in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dr. Sue had her first experiences with animals on the dairy farm where her father lived as a child. Her interest in veterinary medicine ultimately led her to Purdue University, where she received an athletic scholarship, excelling in both the classroom and on the basketball court. An NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship allowed her to further her animal experience while she pursued a master's degree in animal science at Montana State University. Her academic "career" finally came to a close at Iowa State University, where she obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1988.
After moving to Indianapolis in 1990 and working as an associate veterinarian for 12 years, Dr. Sue finally gave in to an "inner voice" that moved her to pursue the establishment of her own animal hospital. With the help and support of friends and clients alike, The Neighborhood Veterinarian Animal Hospital became a reality. The hospital's name not only reflected its location, but also its goal to be an integral part of the local community.
Although owning and operating an animal hospital keeps her extremely busy, Dr. Sue also manages to save some of her "free" time to enjoy a variety of other hobbies and volunteer opportunities. She sings with the Indianapolis Arts Chorale, and has even been featured as a soloist on several of their CD's. She's even performed the National Anthem at a number of amateur and professional sporting events! Dr. Sue volunteers with the Indiana Sports Corporation, currently sitting on committees for the Big Ten Women's Basketball Championships (where she also is the public address announcer for all the games in Conseco Fieldhouse), the 2005 Women's Final Four, and the 2005 Solheim Cup. Her ties to Purdue University are still strong, where she sits on the Athletic Advisory Council and is a member of the John Purdue Club and the President's Council. And, if there's any time left (!) she loves trying to escape back to the mountains of Montana where she enjoys hiking in Glacier National Park.
Dr. Sue shares her home with her four "kids" - Charmin, Digger, Clyde, and Lacy - all special kitties she's rescued through the years. She gladly welcomes the opportunity to help you with your "special kids" as the Neighborhood Veterinarian is totally committed to providing all of its clients and their pets with the best of "Professional service and personal care".
Annie graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. After graduation, Annie worked as a technician in Purdue's Animal Disease and Diagnostic Lab but ultimately wanted to work with the general public. An animal hospital was just the place! Annie has been a part of the Neighborhood Veterinarian since it's doors opened in 2001, yet she and Dr. Sue have been co-workers and friends since 1999.
Annie lives in Carmel with her husband, five whippets and one cat. Annie spends much of her free time racing, showing and lure coursing her whippets. She is also involved in whippet foster care. Her favorite nights are spent enjoying a good glass of wine and her husbands wonderful cooking!
Cindy is a graduate of Indiana State University. As a native Hoosier, she has worked at The Neighborhood Veterinarian since 2002. Educating clients and working with people to help them understand their pets better are what she most enjoys about her job.
Cindy currently lives in Anderson with husband, Rick and step-daughter, Ella. Together they have four Humane Society pets. Three mutts: Maggie, Trixie and Princess and one cat, Buzz. There is no doubt that Buzz rules the household!
AnnieG graduated from Indiana University with a bachelors degree in Environmental Management and a business certificate from the Kelley School of Business. After graduation, Annie worked as a legal secretary for a small, private firm in Indianapolis while she figured out whether or not she wanted to pursue a career in environmental law. After deciding against law school, she gave in to her longing to work with animals. She got her foot in the door as a veterinary assistant at Shadeland Animal Hospital in 2004. While she learned a great deal there, she didn't feel quite at home. After a few years of searching, in June 2007 she finally found a clinic where she feels at home at The Neighborhood Veterinarian.
Annie lives on the northeast side of Indianapolis and has been happily married for four years. She and her husband, Tyler, also work part-time with the up-and-coming jam/rock band Umphrey's McGee. Annie and Tyler help out their Midwest promotions and live recordings whenever possible. Music is by far their number one love. Annie and Tyler go to as many concerts and festivals as possible, whether for work or play. They also designed a line of t-shirts that have become very popular with the Indiana summer concert crowd.
Annie and Tyler have two dogs, Nico and Forbin. They were adopted at the Bloomington, IN Humane Society while Annie and Tyler were in college. Forbin's mother was actually hit by a car and held on long enough to give birth to him and four siblings. Forbin recently underwent ACL surgery and is recovering nicely.
Ellen is the latest addition to The Neighborhood Veterinarian. She works part time as a veterinary assistant, mostly caring for animals in the evening and on weekends.
Ellen graduated from Bishop Chatard High School and completed a Veterinary Assistant program at J. Everett Light Career Center. She is currently a part-time student studying art, american sign language and psychology at Ivy Tech. Her hobbies include painting, drawing and playing the piano and guitar. Ellen's pets include four cats, one dog and a bird.
Sir Render is one of our resident hospital cats. He was abandoned by his previous owners because he was sick and needed surgery. Without a second thought, the surgery was performed and Render made a full recovery. He spends most of his days sleeping on the counter tops and looking pretty!
Jack is our resident clown! He was found as a kitten in the heart of Broad Ripple and has since never left the hospital. His silly antics and bold personality make him a favorite among clients. Trouble is certainly his middle name!
Hambone is the latest addition to The Neighborhood Veterinarian. He is certainly a people pleaser and often acts more like a dog than a cat. How could anyone resist that face?
