A new clinic for animals

MILLBROOK — “Becoming a veterinarian was the best decision I ever made in my life,” said Louise-Anne Morin. “From the time I was a child, my first hospital was a grasshopper hospital. It was pretty obvious from then on, after I started bringing every animal home that crawled outside, that veterinary medicine was in my blood.”Morin recently opened Country Comfort Animal Hospital, a clinic for small animals, at 2614 Route 44 in Millbrook.“I am French-Canadian, and opening the practice was like living the American dream,” said Morin. “When I first came to the States I didn’t speak a word of English.”Morin had been working at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City when surgeons she worked with suggested she enroll in veterinary school. She enrolled in the Ross School of Veterinary Medicine, an American accredited school located on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean.“It was the very first time I went to a school taught in English,” said Morin. “It was a bit of a challenge learning the language and learning the science of veterinary medicine.”Morin said despite being lost in translation at times it was a fantastic experience being in a new culture.“St. Kitts is practically a third world country,” she said. “But the simplicity of life was awesome, so it helped us all focus on veterinary medicine. There is such a need over there because there are so many stray animals. It makes you realize you can make a difference as a veterinarian.”After earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1995, she started working in Long Island and then found her way in the Hudson Valley area. On her days off Morin does shelter work and is affiliated with the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DCSPCA), where she helps out and performs surgeries. Morin is also the director of surgery for the Port Jervis Humane Society; she has been affiliated with them for 14 years. She is a strong believer in shelter work.“I have always done shelter work on my days off, just because it keeps me grounded,” said Morin. “It keeps reminding you why you become a veterinarian.”Morin said she is now thrilled to be opening her own practice in Millbrook. She is known in the area for her surgical skills. Country Comfort Animal Hospital offers hospitalization, dental work, vaccinations and anything from wellness exams to full surgical services. Morin said she is willing to take an animal at any time if people walk in with an emergency, but the hospital is not open 24 hours. “Right now, since we are getting off the ground, I only have one licensed technician with me,” said Morin. “My husband, who I just married a week ago, helps us out as well at the front desk. There will be job opportunities eventually, but it probably won’t come for a few months.”Morin said that at this time, as the clinic is getting started, she will spay and neuter animals for reduced prices. Morin will also be working with rescue animals. “Having so much experience with shelters, if an animal comes to our shelter as a rescue animal, we are very open-minded about taking care of them,” she said. “The staff and I have open hearts for these animals that have special needs.”Morin said she is incredibly passionate about her line of work.“It’s a noble profession, well respected and just a great line of work,” said Morin. “Because at the end of the day, whenever you are having a good day or a bad day, there is always a little kitty running around to make you feel better. It’s a nice field to work in. I have no regrets making the decision to be in this field. And opening my own practice is a big accomplishment.”Country Comfort Animal Hospital accepts any type of veterinarian insurance. It can be reached at 845-677-1600; its website is countrycomfortanimalhospital.com.