ASHLAND — Kristine LaFever was happy to gather with her community on Friday, Jan. 10, to celebrate the opening of her new veterinary clinic.
“The ribbon cutting and open house was amazing. The turnout we had was fantastic,” LaFever said of the Claremont Veterinary Clinic located at 2007 Claremont Ave. in Ashland.
“My staff and my family truly enjoyed visiting with everyone and showing them our new veterinary hospital.”
There were many generous donations from several of their suppliers and clients, allowing them to provide food for the open house. They also had flower and plant arrangements donated for the event.
“We enjoyed the open house with everyone and it is truly something we will never forget,” she said.
LaFever stated that they were raised avid Ohio State Buckeye supporters, so it was important that they made sure everyone was home in time to see the national semifinal game against Texas.
Her daughter even made the cupola lights on top of their new clinic red in support of the playoff game that night.
LaFever grew up around the veterinary world, and her father played a huge part in why she chose this field.
“I practice with my father, Dr. Donald Kaeser, in Ashland. He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. He came to Ashland to practice, then bought the Claremont Veterinary Clinic in 1968,” LaFever said.
She shared how, as a child, she spent a lot of time with her father at his clinic.
“I always knew I wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as I can remember,” she stated.
After graduating from Ohio State University in 1996, LaFever joined her father in practice. She bought the practice from him a few years back.
“He continues to work with me to this day and still loves his job!” she said.
LaFever shared how her dream of building a new veterinary hospital began when their family business started to outgrow its original home.
“The process started at my kitchen table where my fiancé Spencer Myers and I sat down and drew out the floor plan. We did our homework and knew what we wanted,” she said. “We took our drawing and ideas to H&H Custom Homes and they did an amazing job on it.”
LaFever is excited to grow the practice in this new building. The Claremont Clinic has always been a family business and her family has helped with the entire project along the way.
“My parents raised us with a strong faith and instilled in us the importance of family and hard work,” LaFever stated.
Dirt Dawg Excavating, owned by Lafever’s brother Kevin Kaeser, did all the dirt work and site prep for the project. Her son, Dylan, and nephew, Colton, who are employed by Kaeser, also helped.
Kate Kaeser, Lafever’s sister-in-law, spearheaded the interior design and decorating.
“I also got lots of help with design and project ideas from my son, Dawson, and my daughter, Destiny, who works for me as a veterinary assistant. My sister, Virginia, who works at the clinic as my office manager, also helped.” she stated.
LaFever’s children, fiancé, siblings, and their families pitched for a family work day the day after Christmas. They all assembled furniture and equipment at the clinic.
“It’s times like this when it pays off to come from a large family,” LaFever said.
She went on to share how appreciative she also is of her staff. She shared that they all gave valuable input and time into making sure the facility would cater to the needs of both their clients and pets.
They kept in mind how they could make the facility comfortable and welcoming to all.