DR. BRUCE WITHERS
Dr. Withers graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. He has worked in Kalamazoo in both small animal clinical practice and emergency medicine for the past 13 years. He purchased Eighth Street Veterinary Care in 2007. He especially enjoys the daily interaction with clients and their pets, as well as a special interest in dentistry and surgery. He is married with 3 children, and has a house full of pets! Hobbies include golf, bicycling, and home remodeling.

DR. GAYLE PENNING
Dr. Penning graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. She first practiced on both livestock and small animals for about 10 years, but has worked exclusively in small animal medicine at Eighth Street for the last 8 years. She has worked in laboratory medicine as well. Dr. Penning splits her time to work on her family landscape business, which is also a personal hobby. She enjoys being outside, primarily hiking, bicycling, running, and gardening. She has a dog and 5 cats. She is married and has 2 children.

DR. ROBERT HASSING
Dr. Hassing formed Eighth Street Animal Clinic in 1973 and has been a steady fixture as an area veterinarian ever since. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1968. Over the years, he has cared for most animal species, taking special interest in small animals, and goats. Though he is considering retirement at some point, Doc Hassing as he is called affectionately, finds it hard to stay away from a career and clientele that he loves. He has a rather large dog named Maggie, and a goat. He enjoys woodworking, reading, and working on his Northern Michigan cottage.

PEGGY SIMONDS
Peggy has worked part time at Eighth Street Veterinary Care as a receptionist and accountant for many years, dividing her time with her local family business. She is married and has 2 children. She enjoys her lake cottage in Northern Michigan when she can get away. She has 3 Labrador Retrievers, and 2 mini-donkeys named Chester and Amos.

MARY DEVRIES
Mary can be recognized by clients even before the doctors at Eighth Street Veterinary Care! She has worked at our hospital since 1973 when it opened, acting as receptionist and veterinary assistant. She has enjoyed the many relationships formed with clients and their pets over the years. She has a dog named Harry who often accompanies her to work, spending the day lounging on the office floor. Mary also has a cat named KatyAnne. Her special interests include flower gardening, aerobic exercise, and walking Harry.

MOLLY ALPHENAAR
Molly has worked at Eighth Street Veterinary Care for 20 years as a hospital assistant and technician. She has enjoyed the many relationships she has formed in her time working with clients and their pets. Molly has taken additional training in veterinary dentistry and especially enjoys assisting in surgery. She has a cat named Oh-Sweetie-Honey (OSHY). Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, refinishing furniture, and spending time with her family and friends.

TALISA VANDENBERG
Talisa has worked as a veterinary assistant and technician for the past 13 years at various local hospitals. She has extensive experience as a surgical assistant, and emergency medicine technician. She has also taken additional training in veterinary dentistry. She has special interest in dog and cat rescue, often fostering rescue pets for future adoption. She has 4 dogs and 2 cats, and a variety of small “pocket pets.” Her hobbies outside of work include rollerblading and volleyball, as well as spending time with her nephews.