The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Dr. Jennifer Wierschin recently joined the Country Pet Veterinary Clinic in Naselle.

The San Diego native received her degree from the veterinary program at Purdue in 2003. In 2012, she moved to Seaside to be near her mother.

After doing relief work in Nehalem and Beaverton, she's pleased to have found a home at the clinic in Naselle.

"This is a really great practice," Wierschin said. "There is a really homey feel to it. Most of the clients really like it and the pets seem less stressed."

The staff is happy to have her too.

"Our practice was growing," Dr. Lisa Bartel said. "Too much for me to handle. It's nice to have somebody here that people know and like."

Wierschin has always loved animals. About the time she was in kindergarten or first grade, she rescued a baby sparrow that had fallen from a nest. Her course was set from that moment on.

"I've always been scientifically oriented," she said. "I like cardiology. I like the interesting cases. The longer you are a vet, you really get the human bond with the animals and appreciate how much people love their pets. You learn how to put yourself in their shoes in a different way."

She doesn't have the warm San Diego weather anymore, but it hasn't stopped her from participating in her favorite sport almost every day.

Wierschin is a surfer.

"I remember dad taking us out," she said. "It was a really positive experience. I always felt like the ocean had a cleansing and renewing effect on my body. When you're stressed, and there are a lot of stresses in this work, it's almost magical. You can go into the ocean and two hours later feel completely renewed. You don't even feel those stressful feelings anymore."

When the waves are bad, she likes to skateboard, mountain bike, and snowboard. She also enjoys drawing. She doesn't do it as much as she used to, but apparently at one point she was good enough to have had her work exhibited.

"I'm really happy to be here and I feel really lucky," Wierschin said. "I'm grateful to be close to my mom, have a great job, and I can surf. Everything is really good."