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Best Friends Pet Clinic

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Our Team

Dr. Diane

Founder, Owner, Veterinarian

Dr. Diane’s path to veterinarian medicine began with a single moment that stayed with her for life. At just eight years old, she watched the famous racehorse Ruffian suffer a devastating injury. While others saw tragedy, Diane saw a question that would shape her future: why couldn’t someone fix it? From that point on, she set her sights on becoming a veterinarian—not just to care for animals, but to solve problems that felt impossible.

Her journey was anything but simple. Growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, Diane learned independence early after losing her mother at a young age. She worked hard for every opportunity, even earning the chance to have her first dog by maintaining straight A’s and taking full responsibility for its care. That sense of discipline carried into her education, where she pursued her passion relentlessly.

Dr. Diane attended Iowa State University, where she immersed herself fully in veterinary medicine. With hands-on experience working in the university’s horse barn and contributing to research at the veterinary school, she built a strong foundation rooted in both science and real-world application. Her original goal was to become an equine surgeon, and she excelled in her training, gaining the skills and knowledge to pursue that dream at the highest level.

Life, however, had other plans. Though she was offered a position in the competitive world of racehorse medicine, circumstances—and perhaps something deeper—guided her in a different direction. Through years of mixed practice, emergency medicine, and hands-on clinical work, Dr. Diane discovered something that would ultimately define her career: the profound connection between people and their pets. That bond became the heart of her work.

In 2007, after moving to the Galesville area and realizing she wanted something more meaningful than the path she was on, Dr. Diane built Best Friends Pet Clinic from the ground up. It wasn’t just about opening a practice—it was about creating a space centered on education, prevention, and long-term wellness. She is deeply committed to helping pets live full, healthy lives and guiding their owners with knowledge and honesty, especially when it comes to senior care.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Diane is married and shares her home with two dogs and a horse. She stays active and energized through personal hobbies that include ultrarunning, travel, and hiking with her dogs.

For Dr. Diane, veterinary medicine is both a science and a relationship. Every patient, every client, and every stage of life matters—and that belief continues to guide the practice she built and the care she provides every day.

Crystal

Veterinary Technician & Clinic Manager

Crystal Neitzel’s journey in veterinary medicine began with a question she never got answered.

As a child, she had a dog who became very sick, and no one could determine why. That uncertainty stayed with her. It wasn’t just about losing a pet—it was about not understanding what went wrong or how to help. That experience planted a quiet but powerful drive in her: to be part of the solution for other animals and families facing the same unknown.

While attending school in Rochester to become a veterinary technician, Crystal came across a small clinic opening in Galesville. Something about it felt right. She pursued an internship there in December 2007, determined to get her foot in the door. Just a few months later, on April 1, 2008, she officially joined the team as a veterinary technician—and never looked back.

Nearly two decades later, Crystal has grown alongside the practice, now serving not only as a skilled technician but also as Clinic Manager. Her role has evolved, but her purpose has remained the same: helping animals live healthier lives while guiding the people who care for them.

What makes Crystal’s work especially meaningful is the connection she builds with clients. In a smaller practice setting, those relationships run deep. She values the trust that develops over time and takes pride in educating pet owners so they feel confident and informed in their decisions. For her, knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in veterinary care.

Inside the clinic, Crystal is driven by both teamwork and progress. She enjoys collaborating with her coworkers to create a supportive, efficient environment and is always looking for ways to improve workflows and elevate the level of care the clinic provides. That balance of compassion and leadership defines her presence within the team.

Originally from Arcadia, Wisconsin, Crystal grew up surrounded by animals and a love for the outdoors. Today, that connection continues at home with her partner, Jason, and their pets—Piper and River, two energetic terriers; Ally and Zeppelin, their cats; and even koi. Each brings its own personality into her life, reinforcing the same passion that started it all.

For Crystal, this isn’t just a career—it’s a commitment she made long ago, one she continues to honor every single day.

Emily

Certified Veterinary Technician

Emily’s path in veterinary medicine is shaped by a steady curiosity and a deep respect for the problem-solving side of animal care. Working with patients who cannot explain what they are feeling requires attention to detail, strong intuition, and a genuine commitment to improving their quality of life. That challenge is exactly what drew Emily into this field and continues to motivate her every day.

Emily joined Best Friends Pet Clinic in June 2022 after completing an extensive educational journey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from University of Wisconsin–River Falls, followed by two additional years at Rochester Community and Technical College to complete her veterinary technician training. Today, as a Certified Vet Tech, she brings her training and experience into a clinical setting where she continues to learn and grow each day.

In practice, Emily enjoys the variety each day brings. She finds fulfillment in watching animals recover and return to their normal routines, knowing she played a role in their progress. Puppy visits are another highlight, bringing energy and excitement into the clinic while helping set the foundation for lifelong care. Emily also values the investigative side of her work, using her knowledge and observation skills to help determine what may be wrong when patients cannot communicate it themselves.

Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking with her dogs and being on the river. At home, she shares life with Hudson, a young black lab full of energy, Aspen, a calm and loyal yellow lab, and Willow, a cat who keeps things interesting. Time with friends and family rounds out the balance that supports her work and passion.

Her steady approach, combined with her dedication to learning, helps create a calm and supportive environment for both pets and their owners.

Aletheia

Receptionist

For Aletheia, veterinary medicine has never felt like a distant goal—it has always felt familiar. The sounds, conversations, and movement inside a vet appointment were things she paid attention to early on, even before fully understanding them. While others focused on the visit itself, Aletheia paid attention to the process, asking questions and wanting to understand what was happening and why. 

Aletheia grew up in Colorado before moving to Wisconsin at age 13, an experience that helped shape her adaptability and strong connection to family. She comes from a close-knit household where support and encouragement have always played a big role in her life. She also spent much of her time outdoors and stayed active through softball, which helped build her teamwork skills and discipline.

Now at Best Friends Pet Clinic, Aletheia continues her journey as our Receptionist. She enjoys being surrounded by animals and contributing to a positive, welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. Each interaction and each day in the clinic gives her more insight into the field she plans to grow in, while allowing her to be part of a team focused on care and connection.

One moment brought that curiosity into focus. During a visit with one of her grandparents’ horses, Aletheia was able to watch a detailed treatment for a serious leg sore. Instead of standing back, she engaged in conversation with the veterinarian, learning about each step and what it meant for the horse’s recovery. Hearing about the day-to-day work of a large animal veterinarian gave her a clearer picture of the career she had been imagining and made it feel real.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. At home, her cats bring constant entertainment—Booge with his unexpected tricks and Biscuit with her bold personality—adding even more energy to a life already centered around animals.

Hilary

Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

Growing up in Whitehall, Wisconsin, Hilary spent much of her time around animals of all kinds. Visits to her grandfather’s farm meant being surrounded by horses, chickens, cats, dogs, and even a macaw. Those experiences created a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine interest in animal well-being that continued into adulthood.

One moment from Hilary’s childhood still stands out. During a visit to a pet store, she noticed a small bearded dragon sitting alone in the corner of a tank, something she could not ignore. While others walked past, Hilary focused on the poor living conditions it was in. With help from her mom, she brought him home and committed to his care. Over time, he recovered and went on to live a long life under her care. That experience stayed with Hilary and shaped how she sees animals, not as background, but as individuals who need attention, patience, and compassion.

That same perspective eventually influenced a bigger decision about her future. After a year in business school, Hilary realized she was being pulled in a different direction. She began searching for opportunities that aligned more closely with her interests and found her role at Best Friends Pet Clinic LLC in August 2024. As a Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant, Hilary values being part of both the client experience and the care process. She enjoys helping educate pet owners and supporting the technicians, knowing that both roles contribute to better outcomes for patients.

At home, Hilary lives on a farm where caring for animals is part of daily life. Ellie, a high-energy pitbull and lab mix, keeps things active, while Hazel, a Great Dane, prefers relaxing in the sun. Cleo, a curious cat, adds her own personality to the mix. These daily interactions continue to reinforce the same care and attention Hilary brings into the clinic each day.

Stanley

Clinic Cat & Treat Quality Assurance Manager

Stanley has spent the last nine years making himself right at home at Best Friends Pet Clinic, and in that time, he has become a beloved and familiar face to many who walk through the door. What started as a search for an outgoing clinic cat quickly turned into something more, as Stanley settled in and naturally took on the role of welcoming every patient. 

From the moment clients arrive, Stanley is often nearby, ready to greet them in his own quiet and confident way. He has a way of making the clinic feel a little less clinical and a lot more comfortable. Whether someone is visiting for the first time or returning again, Stanley adds a sense of familiarity that helps ease nerves and create a more relaxed experience.

Over the years, Stanley has built his own routines and relationships within the clinic. He knows the rhythm of the day, where to be, and when to make an appearance. Some visits are about simply being present, while others are about making sure he does not miss an opportunity for attention or a well-earned treat.

One of Stanley’s favorite moments is when Barb stops by. He has come to recognize her visits as something special, especially since they often include treats. It is a small part of his day, but one that he clearly looks forward to.

Stanley has become more than just the clinic cat—he is part of the reason clients smile when they walk through the door and what makes the clinic feel like a place people enjoy returning to. His presence brings a sense of comfort that stays with clients long after their visit. 

Stanley may not assist in procedures or appointments, but his role is just as meaningful. By being himself, he helps create a space that feels welcoming, calm, and a little more personal for everyone who comes in.

Rusty (Memorial)

Forever in our hearts. 2003 – 2023

Referral Veterinarians

Rita Miller, DVM, MS, ACVIM

Diplomate Referral Veterinarian

Dr. Rita Miller is a board-certified veterinary specialist in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Miller serves as a valued veterinary consultant providing abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms to patients.

Steven Timm, DVM

Referral Veterinarian

Dr. Steven Timm is a mobile veterinary surgeon who practices in southwestern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. Dr. Timm’s expertise in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.