From the time she was young, Heidi Gabel, DVM, proclaimed that her future career would be as a veterinarian. That childhood dream turned into reality for the recent graduate as she has joined the staff at Western Veterinary Clinic.

Although Gabel is fresh on the job, she loves being a vet. The support staff makes it such a great place, she says.

She thought about working with zoo animals and wildlife but the only interaction Gabel would have had was if they were sedated. In the end, companion pets is where her heart is at. She's has a particular fondness for puppies and kittens.

"It's so exciting to see a family with a new pet," Gabel said.

Her patients include animals of all sizes - large, small and pocket ones. However, Gabel's veterinary interests include exotic animals, especially reptiles. Besides her two cats and a dog, she also has two Ball pythons and a Gopher snake. "I've always been fascinated by them," Gabel said, referring to reptiles.

The most difficult part of being a veterinarian are some of the challenges like not being able to communicate with the animals, unlike a normal physician would be able to with a person, Gabel said. All she can do is diagnose the pet depending on it's appearance at the clinic.

Another situation that arises is when a pet hides their sickness because of fear. Gabel added that often times, a pet may act differently in the company of their owner and not want to show weakness in front of the veterinarian.

"When I get a patient that has a really non-specific illness and have to send them home not knowing - that's hard," she said.

Gabel graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May before taking a position in Williston. Colorado State University is where she received her undergraduate degree. The new mother took six weeks off after graduating from veterinary school to spend time with her husband and son, Vincent Gabel, IV. She is originally from New Town. Her hobbies include hunting, fishing and herpetology.

"Everybody's very thrilled we're as close as we are," she said, noting the couple has a lot of family in the area.

Western Veterinary Clinic is located off Highway 2 and 85 West. For more information, contact (701) 572-7878.