Jennifer Linn, RVT, CHT-V – Senior Technician & Owner
Jennifer began her work in the animal care field in 1996 and says that South Paws Veterinary Specialists is the realization of a dream shared with her and Dr. Bob. We pride ourselves on focusing not only on treating the patient with respect and compassion, but also on providing continuing support to the client well after their pet goes home. South Paws Veterinary Specialists fulfills that dream while also providing a warm, familial atmosphere that is welcoming to clients and a relaxed and fun work environment for its team of professionals.
Jenifer Newton, DVM, MS, DACVS
Board-Certified Small Animal Surgeon
Dr. Jenifer Newton graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at UGA, she went on to complete a residency in Small Animal Surgery at The Ohio State University, where she also received a Masters in Veterinary Science. She was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1999.
Dr. Newton has practiced as a board certified surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia both as an owner and as Chief Surgeon. She enjoys all aspects of surgery including orthopedics, neurosurgery and soft tissue surgery. Her special areas of interest include surgery of the stifle joint / TPLO surgery, minimally invasive surgery, thoracic surgery and oncologic surgery.
Dr. Newton lives with her husband, Greg, who is a professional artist. Their children, Matt and Lily are both full time college students at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Newton enjoys spending time with her family (including her 4 cats) as well as travel, gardening, and all things College Football!
Melissa Blazevich, DVM, DAVDC Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist
Dr. Blazevich worked for the late Dr. Robert “Bob” Hancock as a Registered Veterinary Technician prior to attending veterinary school and always knew she wanted to return to South Paws upon completion of her specialty training. Dr. Blazevich wishes to hold steady Dr. Bob’s legacy and continue to offer the highest quality care based on what South Paws was founded— “Healing Hands with a Passion for Paws”.
In her spare time, Dr. Blazevich loves to work out, spend time outdoors, travel, attend LSU athletic events. She enjoys farm life with her family, three dogs, and four goats.
LaRhonda Morris, Hospital Manager
Katie Rickoll, Receptionist
Ashley Jones, RVT, CHT-V
Kristen Leonard, Rehabilitation Technician
Kasey Bordelon, RVT
Katie Rickoll, Receptionist
Kristen Leonard, Rehabilitation Technician
Ashley Jones, RVT, CHT-V
Jennifer Linn, RVT, CHT-V – Senior Technician & Owner
Michelle Badeaux, RVT, CHT-V
Brett Clause, Overnight Veterinary Technician
In Memorium Robert Hancock, DVM, MS, DACVS, CHT-V
In Loving Memory of Robert Hancock, DVM, MS, DACVS, Founder, South Paws Veterinary Specialists (May 20, 1976 – June 16, 2019)
Dr. Bob, as he was known, founded South Paws with his wife Jen and a small crew of dedicated employees in 2010. Known not only for his vast surgical knowledge and expertise, he is also widely remembered for his big personality and silly antics. Dr. Bob lived, breathed, and manifested his dream of a state-of-the-art, personalized and efficient veterinary experience for pets of the Gulf Coast Region. South Paws was founded on principles of client service, surgical excellence, and exemplary patient care- a foundation that stands strong today. Once and always our leader, Dr. Bob’s legacy will live on through the eyes of his wife Jen and the staff members who continue moving forward in his honor.
Jennifer Linn, RVT, CHT-V – Senior Technician & Owner
Jennifer began her work in the animal care field in 1996 and says that South Paws Veterinary Specialists is the realization of a dream shared with her and Dr. Bob. We pride ourselves on focusing not only on treating the patient with respect and compassion, but also on providing continuing support to the client well after their pet goes home. South Paws Veterinary Specialists fulfills that dream while also providing a warm, familial atmosphere that is welcoming to clients and a relaxed and fun work environment for its team of professionals.
Jenifer Newton, DVM, MS, DACVS
Board-Certified Small Animal Surgeon
Dr. Jenifer Newton graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at UGA, she went on to complete a residency in Small Animal Surgery at The Ohio State University, where she also received a Masters in Veterinary Science. She was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1999.
Dr. Newton has practiced as a board certified surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia both as an owner and as Chief Surgeon. She enjoys all aspects of surgery including orthopedics, neurosurgery and soft tissue surgery. Her special areas of interest include surgery of the stifle joint / TPLO surgery, minimally invasive surgery, thoracic surgery and oncologic surgery.
Dr. Newton lives with her husband, Greg, who is a professional artist. Their children, Matt and Lily are both full time college students at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Newton enjoys spending time with her family (including her 4 cats) as well as travel, gardening, and all things College Football!
Melissa Blazevich, DVM, DAVDC Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist
Dr. Blazevich worked for the late Dr. Robert “Bob” Hancock as a Registered Veterinary Technician prior to attending veterinary school and always knew she wanted to return to South Paws upon completion of her specialty training. Dr. Blazevich wishes to hold steady Dr. Bob’s legacy and continue to offer the highest quality care based on what South Paws was founded— “Healing Hands with a Passion for Paws”.
In her spare time, Dr. Blazevich loves to work out, spend time outdoors, travel, attend LSU athletic events. She enjoys farm life with her family, three dogs, and four goats.
Katie Rickoll, Receptionist
Ashley Jones, RVT, CHT-V
Kristen Leonard, Rehabilitation Technician
Katie Rickoll, Receptionist
Kristen Leonard, Rehabilitation Technician
Ashley Jones, RVT, CHT-V
Jennifer Linn, RVT, CHT-V – Senior Technician & Owner
Michelle Badeaux, RVT, CHT-V
Brett Clause, Overnight Veterinary Technician
In Memorium Robert Hancock, DVM, MS, DACVS, CHT-V
In Loving Memory of Robert Hancock, DVM, MS, DACVS, Founder, South Paws Veterinary Specialists (May 20, 1976 – June 16, 2019)
Dr. Bob, as he was known, founded South Paws with his wife Jen and a small crew of dedicated employees in 2010. Known not only for his vast surgical knowledge and expertise, he is also widely remembered for his big personality and silly antics. Dr. Bob lived, breathed, and manifested his dream of a state-of-the-art, personalized and efficient veterinary experience for pets of the Gulf Coast Region. South Paws was founded on principles of client service, surgical excellence, and exemplary patient care- a foundation that stands strong today. Once and always our leader, Dr. Bob’s legacy will live on through the eyes of his wife Jen and the staff members who continue moving forward in his honor.