South Paws, in conjunction with Sophisticated Woman Magazine, is happy to announce this month’s enterprising woman- our very own Jennifer Linn!! August is Veterinary month, so what better time to celebrate the accomplishments of our leader and owner. We are so proud of you! Jen!

“Meet our August 2021 Enterprising Woman, JENNIFER LINN of South Paws Veterinary Specialists. Read her cover feature story on page 22 to learn more about Jennifer and her powerful story of perseverance, survival and most of all – love.”

The Power To Heal

WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST PHOTOS BY STEVE RANDON

Jennifer Linn had not been outside of Raymond, Mississippi until she ventured to Starkville to begin the Veterinary Technician Program at Mississippi State University. Raised on her grandparents’ farm, Jen’s grandfather steered her to animal care and the experiences that would define her life. “I loved the farm and the animals, but I wanted to do hair and makeup. Sick from lung cancer and barely able to talk, Pawpaw sat me down right before I started college. He said, ‘You can go to cosmetology school any time. You love animals and should be working with them.’ All I could hear was his voice in my head when declaring my major, and I checked off the Applied Science box.” As her grandfather predicted, Jen’s grades came easier when her classes related specifically to animals. “It just resonated with me, and my love for every aspect of veterinary care grew.”

From there, Jen’s path unfolded before her. In 1999 while in Starkville, she met a charming veterinary medicine student named Bob. Marriage followed graduation, and the couple moved to Missouri and then Virginia as Bob pursued veterinary surgery. “We were lucky that I found positions in radiology at the same vet schools where he performed his internship and residency.”

After Bob’s graduation, the couple would once again work together. “Bob was from Algiers and wanted to come back home. “Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville offered us positions, and the Northshore location was close to our families.” Envisioning their bright future, The Hancocks purchased a home in August of 2005. Seven days later, Hurricane Katrina hit compromising the LVRC facility and giving the new employees a trying start. “It was crazy. So many animals needed rescuing and the building was damaged, but we persevered. I was the ICU Supervisor and was later made the Internal Medicine Department Supervisor. We joked that we were fortunate to work together and still enjoy each other’s company at home.”

Now settled in, Jen and Bob felt it was time to expand their family. In 2006, they welcomed Madison to the world. “Bob always wanted a daughter. Years earlier, he even told his mom she’d be named Madison. He was a planner and knew what he wanted.”
In early 2010, when LVRC changed ownership, the pair discussed opening a practice. By April 1 of that year, their vision had produced another, albeit very different, wonderful creation. South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists was born. “Healing Hands with a Passion for Paws” was their motto. “Bob had high goals for clients, and we both wanted something special for our community. It had to feel comforting for the pets and communication was key to making owners feel at ease.”

South Paws began with just four employees – the Hancocks, an additional vet tech and a hospital manager. They comprised the 24-hour-a-day staff, rotating so that patients were never left alone. “That was difficult with a four-year-old, so we expanded quicker than anticipated. By July we hired a surgery resident and night staff.” As a referral practice, South Paws only sees patients with advanced care or surgical needs referred by their general veterinarians. With that specialized care came specialized technology. “We started with one 2,500 square foot bay. Now, we have four bays, a CT scanner, MRI machine and hyperbaric chamber along with a full rehabilitation department. It’s rare to have that collection of equipment outside of a university setting. Between that and Bob’s enthusiasm and accomplishments, we’ve been featured on some episodes of Pitbulls and Parolees and WGNO news stories.”

As the business grew to 34 employees, including two additional surgeons, there was more family time including vacations to Mexico – their favorite destination. “It was total downtime for Bob. We even added a dream pool area to our house with a Mexican theme. Bob would go out there early mornings in his sanctuary preparing for the day.” For their 15th anniversary, Jen wanted only one thing. “Our wedding in Raymond was small, so I wanted to renew our vows. It was a beautiful celebration, and I couldn’t have been happier.”

Just as the Hancocks’ careful planning delivered success, life delivered a surprise. Although not expecting to be a mom again at 40, Jen says that Annabelle was a blessing in disguise. She would stay home to raise her girls and leave the business to Bob.

After Annabelle’s second birthday party, celebration quickly turned to concern when Bob’s difficulty breathing led Jen to call an ambulance. Concern became shock and grief when Jen lost her 43-year-old husband just a week later on Father’s Day morning. “The first year was the most difficult. I could barely get out of bed, but I had two children to care for and wanted to honor his life by keeping his dream alive.” Uncertainty regarding South Paws’ future led to staff seeking other jobs. Jen’s next blow came with COVID. “I would put on scrubs but just couldn’t bring myself to go in. It made me literally sick thinking how it would affect their families, but I eventually had to let 13 people go. Each time I got the willpower to return, I faced another setback. Was God telling me to quit?” But something inside her wouldn’t allow that.

The first hopeful sign of recovery was the addition of Dr. Melissa Blakevich. This allowed the practice to now offer dental care and oral surgery. Melissa had worked at South Paws before vet school and knew she wanted to return to honor Bob’s legacy. But, as before, a step forward was met with another setback. With the sudden departure of the hospital’s only remaining general surgeon, Jen was left with few options. However, South Paws’ reputation and philosophy would prove stronger than the overwhelming challenges.

With an outstanding reputation of her own and the ability to dictate her future, Dr. Rose Lemarie’ came to the rescue. In 2000, Dr. Rose co-founded Southeast Veterinary Specialists in Metairie where she was Head of Surgery. That practice was eventually bought by a corporate operation. Familiar with South Paws, Dr. Rose told Jen she could have continued working under the new ownership but she was eager to work in a more personal atmosphere giving individualized attention ­— and Jen was thrilled to have her.

“The team of 12 we have now is so positive and inviting. I just want to let everyone know we’re here continuing the important work that Bob started. I’ve fought to improve myself since I was back on the farm, and I’ll continue to do so. I see the purpose in many things now – this team is excellent and enthusiastic. Annabelle is a joy that keeps me going, and Madison is so like her father. I still have yet to find purpose in Bob’s passing…” And as if on cue, Annabelle charges in showering Jen with energy, questions and toys, immediately lightening the mood. As for Madison, who with maturity beyond her years, has listened to Jen recount the family’s joys and losses, she enthusiastically declares her intent to follow in her father’s footsteps. “I have to keep the business going until she takes it over,” smiles Jen. “And the family needs to remain strong and happy too. I’m taking the girls to Mexico for the first time without Bob. I’m nervous, but I’m doing it. My biggest lesson in all of this is never give up.”

Rose Lemarié, DVM, MS, DACVS

Dr. Rose Lemarié brings decades of surgical experience to the South Paws team which she joined in January of this year. The multi-talented surgeon grew up in Arkansas and attended college on a music scholarship, but her love of science and animals ultimately led her to veterinary school.

She received her DVM from Louisiana State University in 1991 followed by an internship in Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lemarie´ completed her Master’s Degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences (LSU 1997) and Residency training in Veterinary Surgery (LSU 1998) to became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

As a specialty practice, patients are referred to South Paws by general veterinarians when they need advanced care. Dr. Rose explains, “I’m here for when there’s a specific problem a regular vet isn’t trained to do. We maintain a close relationship with our referring vets and keep them informed regarding treatment and any ongoing needs.” While certified to perform any veterinary surgery, Dr. Rose is known for her expertise in orthopedic and neurological surgeries.

In 2000, Dr. Rose co-founded Southeast Veterinary Specialists in Metairie where she served as head of the Surgery Department. That practice grew in popularity and size and was eventually bought out by an even larger operation. “I could’ve stayed after the practice was bought, but it wasn’t my style. I couldn’t wait to come back to work in an atmosphere that feels more personal. After her husband Bob’s passing, Jennifer Linn decided to continue running South Paws, which they had built together. She’s assembled a small but very talented and loyal core team. They are dedicated to her and to giving excellent veterinary care. I feel appreciated here and my feeling for them is mutual.”

Along with the camaraderie among staff, Dr. Rose says the smaller organization offers other benefits including having more time to care for patients and to focus on the relationship with the client. “I didn’t want to work in a corporate-type atmosphere. This is the way I love to practice. South Paws is family oriented, and I can give individualized care and personal attention.” Although smaller in staff, there is no compromise in technology or talent. “Bob had set up the practice so well in terms of specialty equipment to achieve his vision and philosophy – it’s the perfect situation for me to give the best care possible.”