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New vet brings fresh face to Valrico practice

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By DEREK MAUL

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 17, 2009

VALRICO - On May 17, Ashley Victoria Lab walked across the stage at the University of Illinois and collected her doctor's degree in veterinary medicine. Three hours later she was on the road to Florida, her first job as a vet and a new life in Valrico.

"I've lived in Illinois my whole life," she said, "But in eighth grade I went to Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom. I saw the animal hospital at Conservation Station. I said, 'I want to be behind that window someday.'"

During her senior year as an undergraduate, the dream came true. She spent eight months in Animal Kingdom as a wildlife intern.

"They do it right at Disney," Lab said. "The animals receive the best possible care. Many zoos are more limited in funds and there's a lack of connection between animals and people. I saw that connection at Disney. I was able to work with lions, tigers, a cheetah, gorillas, dolphins and lots of birds; I really like birds."

Lab was born and grew up near Joliet, Ill., and knew she wanted to be a vet since before she can remember.

"My parents say as early as 2," she said. "I do remember drawing a picture of myself as a vet when I was in kindergarten."

Lab started volunteering in a veterinary office when she was 12.

After four years as a "vet-track" undergraduate at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., followed by four more at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, Lab is more than ready to practice.

The Disney experience convinced Lab she wanted to live in Central Florida. She interviewed with seven practices in a whirlwind 48 hours, from Cocoa Beach to St. Petersburg.

"When I interviewed at the Valrico Animal Clinic I got that same sense of teamwork and community," she said. "Everyone made me feel welcome when I walked in the door. When I left this interview I called my mom.

"I said, 'Wow, this was amazing - are they all going to go this well?'

"Dr. David Thomassy is going to be a great teacher. I feel good about this place. People here want to please each other and have worked here for a long time. It's a good atmosphere and they have plans for expanding; it will be great to be a part of that."

After eight years of unremitting school, Lab said she's looking forward to getting settled, getting to know the community and enjoying the region.

Most of all, she is motivated and excited to move forward in her chosen career.

"I don't think it's hit me yet that I'm staying here," she said. "I've been here transiently several times, but now I'm here to stay."

MEET ASHLEY LAB

BORN: 1982, Joliet, Ill.

RAISED: Minooka, Ill.

EDUCATION: Minooka Community High School, 2001; Augustana College, Illinois, 2005; University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Champaign, 2009

MOVED TO FLORIDA: May; first day on the job: June 8

PRACTICE: Valrico Animal Clinic, 1997 State Road 60 E.; telephone (813) 681-6389

Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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