Dedicated to the Profession
It was only a part-time gig, but Dr. Denise Larochelle must have liked what she saw in the Westfield Animal Clinic.
After graduating from Iowa State, Larochelle completed a one-year rotating internship at New England Animal Medical Center before accepting a full-time associate position in Connecticut.
Even though she had a full-time job, Larochelle was working a day or two a week at Westfield Animal Clinic in Westfield, Massachusetts. The timing was right and in 2013 she purchased the clinic and has been the owner and sole practitioner there ever since.
“As an associate you can punch in and punch out and concentrate on practicing medicine,” Larochelle said. “As a vet and business owner, I also have to work on the finances, the staffing and look at the image of my clinic. I put in more hours than I thought I would.”
Larochelle has put her heart and soul into her practice. As the sole practitioner, she rarely takes a day off as she puts in extra hours to accommodate her clinic’s clients.
“I take everything to heart more as this is my practice and what goes on there is a direct reflection of me,” she said.
Her dedication has been recognized. In 2018, Larochelle was selected for inclusion in the Trademark Women of Distinction Honors for “demonstrating dedication, leadership and professional excellence.”
The honor cited Larochelle’s “compassion and expertise that sets the standard in the industry. She has truly dedicated herself to her profession, representing humility and personal touch with everyone she does business with. Her kindness and willingness to always help others and find solutions to most questions is both exemplary and honorable.”
In addition serving the Westfield community, Larochelle also provides veterinary care for the Westfield K9 police dog, the Westfield Animal Shelter and Animal Control, and the Southwick Animal Shelter and Animal Control.
“Giving back to the community and being part of helping animals who need to find forever homes and may not have had the best care or were strays is rewarding,” she said.
Larochelle does take time away from her professional responsibilities. Married with two children, she plays on an adult co-ed soccer team. But even at home, she is around animals.
The family has four dogs, three cats, two ferrets, two rabbits and an Arabian Mixed horse named Elvis. The photo on her web bio gives a little hint of who is top dog within the family’s pets.
“Dogs will always be my favorite,” Larochelle said. “They are loyal and great companions. They give you love no matter what.”