Gretchen Saam Anders, D.V.M. had always loved and was around animals and wanted to become a veterinarian, now she is. Dr. Anders attended Northwest College in Powell for two years, the next two years she attended the University of Wyoming, then spent 27 months studying to become a veterinarian at Ross University in St. Kitts in the West Indies in a year around program and graduated from there. She is also required to do continuing education. After one year of working for a veterinarian in Riverton she was able to purchase her own business with the help of Security State Bank with a LowDoc loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). A previous veterinarian had built the clinic 30 years ago and was ready to retire. He worked along with Gretchen for a month after she purchased the business, helping her find her way around and introducing her to the community. One of the hardest things for her to overcome was gaining the confidence of the community and the obstacle of being young and a woman.

Gretchen met her husband, Dan, and they have been married two years. If she has an emergency call after hours, Dan goes with her to help. He is a critical part of the process of improving and expanding the clinic. Her staff is very important to her; they talk to the pet owners, comfort the pets, answer the phone and give meds to the pets when Gretchen is gone. She couldn’t do it without them. Gretchen’s commitment is to grow a bigger practice. To do this, she purchased land next to her clinic to expand the facilities.

In support of her local community she donates awards for 4-H and FFA projects, works for fund raisers, attends school career days, belongs to Felines & Friends and is a member of the chamber of commerce.

Should you ever have occasion to visit the Saam Veterinary Clinic at 314 West E St. in Basin, you will no doubt meet Tatar-Tot, who is the fluffy orange office kitty. Gretchen says he has to know everything that is going on and will even try to get in your purse when it is on the floor. If you ever want to see her mustang, which was adopted as a baby, you will find Popcorn with her wherever she goes around town. Popcorn is known as the clinic mascot.