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EURE – A local business here is under new ownership.

Dr. Elizabeth “Lisa” Whalen has purchased Gates County Animal Clinic, located at 66 Tinkham Road near Eure.

Whalen, a native of southeastern North Carolina (Topsail Island), said she had been looking for a place to settle down after traveling for the past six months as a relief veterinarian throughout Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

“It is my fortune to have found Dr. Peggy Johnston and Gates County Animal Clinic,” Whalen stated. “I enjoy the rural setting of Gates County and the Chowan River.

“Gates County Animal Clinic and I share a common mission and values, making this a great fit,” Whalen continued. “It also means that you will continue to get the same exceptional care that you have come to expect and rely on. I look forward to working with you and your pet family now and in the years to come.”

Dr. Whalen is a 2014 graduate of the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. That came on the heels of receiving a Masters of Public Health in 2012 from The Ohio State University.

“My concentration was Veterinary Public Health with an interest in Emergency Response and Preparedness,” Dr. Whalen noted. “I look forward to using this knowledge not only as a veterinarian, but also to help benefit my community.”

Prior to receiving her Masters, Whalen completed her undergraduate degrees in 2009 at North Carolina State University.

After graduating from vet school, Dr. Whalen worked as a mixed animal practitioner on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

“I predominantly worked in a small animal hospital, but would also treat small ruminants, and pot belly pigs brought to the hospital,” she said. “In 2020 I moved to Minnesota for one year to help a classmate during her maternity leave from a small animal hospital. I moved back to North Carolina in 2021 to be closer to family and the ocean before taking the job as a relief veterinarian for the past six months.”

Dr. Whalen isn’t alone as she moves to Gates County. She brings her three cats – Enya, Seri, and Sassy – and a dog, Brody. Her two horses – Sally and Cirrus – will arrive this spring.

“We think this will be a great place to call home,” Dr. Whalen remarked.

Dr. Johnston, who established Gates County Animal Clinic in 1996, said she will continue to work on a part time basis for several months while Dr. Whalen transitions into the new role as the owner of the business.

“There are no words to express my gratitude to the Gates County Animal Clinic family for giving me the opportunity to work with your precious pets,” Dr. Johnston stated. “Many of us have laughed together and cried together and many have become good friends. This community welcomed me and my family and has given us so many beautiful memories to cherish.

“I have been blessed to work with incredible people,” she added. “They are caring and kind and I will always consider them family.

“It is time to start a new chapter which will involve spending more time with my children and other family members. Thank you for the wonderful memories. I wish you the best of health and happiness,” Dr. Johnston concluded.