Veterinarian Kris Muscari started off the year with a new challenge: her very own veterinary hospital.
Muscari started Monday as the new veterinarian at the Dolores Animal Hospital after purchasing the clinic from veterinarian Kevin Toman.
And she was still beaming last Wednesday about the prospects.
I love it here, Muscari said. We love the small town feel and being able to be part of the community.
Toman sold the practice to Muscari and has moved to the central coast of California, along with wife Diane, to take care of his ailing parents.
I have big shoes to fill, Muscari said of Toman.
In a letter to clients Toman thanked them, I want each of you to know that we have considered it a privilege and honor to be entrusted with the health care of your pets. Weve laughed together and cried together, and I will miss you.
With 21 years of practice under her belt, Im sure (Muscari) will take great care of you and your pets, Toman wrote.
Muscari and her family have been in the area for about seven years and Muscari has worked as a relief vet at local clinics over that time. Muscaris husband is Tim Hassinger, a retired veterinarian, and their children are Mikayla, a freshman at Dolores High School, and Nic, a senior at Dolores High School.
Tim Hassinger said their family came through town and loved the small-town feel. They moved to Dolores from Salt Lake City, where both husband and wife worked for a small animal practice with 13 vets.
The family likes to do outdoor activities such as fish, ride horses, mountain bike and hike. They live on Hay Camp Mesa and are currently building a log home by hand.
Muscari said they are cutting the logs by hand for the project and that they live on a piece of land surrounded by National Forest.
The kids have to ride snowmobiles in the morning to catch the bus, Hassinger said.
Hassinger said he will help out with the practice and is a partner in the business, but his main focus will be finishing their house.
Muscari said she is looking forward to serving clients at the Dolores Animal Hospital and to getting new patients.
Muscari has been practicing veterinary medicine for 21 years. She graduated from Colorado State University in 1990. She says the clinic is for small animals and specializes in internal medicine, although the Dolores Animal Hospital is a full service clinic.
Currently, Muscari is offering free spay and neuter surgeries for small dogs thanks to coupons offered by the animal shelter in Aspen.
Its a great deal, Muscari said.
Muscari said she is pleased with the clinic and was able to move right in. On Wednesday, she was busy checking up on a cat named Corn, who was recovering from a spay surgery.
We are very happy to be here, she said. We are very happy to be part of the school system.