Dr. Jack Jones knew it would be difficult to find someone to take over his veterinary practice in Brundidge. There just aren’t many veterinarians who are looking to locate in a small town in the rural South.

Jones also knew that he couldn’t turn his practice over to just any veterinarian. It had to be someone who would be as compassionate about people as their pets.

Jones found the perfect person in Dr. Christine Simmer.

On Sept. 17, Simmer assumed ownership of Jones Animal Clinic along with Howard Dickey and Jones eased comfortably into the role of part-time veterinarian.

“I had been thinking about making this decision for a while but I knew, for it to happen, things had to fall into place,’” Jones said. “When they did, Brenda (Jones’ wife) and I decided it was time. We were fortunate that we found the perfect person to take over.”

Jones said Simmer is caring and compassionate and very easy to work with and is experience in caring for animals.

For Simmer, owning an animal clinic is a longtime dream, almost a lifetime dream.

“To own a practice and to have Dr. Jones working here with me and to have this outstanding staff is more than I could have imagined,” Simmer said.

“I love animals. I always have. When I was very young, I showed horses and cows in 4-H and FFA. And, I have been working in a veterinary clinic since I was 14 years old. I always knew that I want to work with animals. This is a dream come true.”

Simmer received her undergraduate degree from the University of Montevallo, which is her hometown university. She earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine at Auburn University and was employed at a veterinary clinic in Ozark for five years before taking advantage of the opportunity to have her own practice.

The transition in ownership began in July and Simmer took every opportunity to work at Jones Animal Clinic in an effort to get to know the people and their pets. She wanted to become a familiar face at the clinic.

Simmer said it is important to her to have familiar faces at Jones Animal Clinic.

“Dr. Jones will work with us part-time for five years,” Simmer said. “His wife, Brenda, will also continue to work here. Our staff will include Dakota Anderson and Wendy Mobley, who are veterinary assistants and Angelina Turnbull, who is our fulltime groomer.”

Although the owners are new, the name of the clinic will remain the same.

“Dr. Jones is a well respected and highly regarded veterinarian and I’ll be working closely with him to provide the same quality of care that people have come to know and appreciate here at Jones Animal Clinic.” Simmer said.

The office hours for Jones Animal Clinic will be from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

“The change in hours includes being open on Thursday afternoons and during lunch,” Simmer said. “We will also take emergency calls at 334-237-1027.

Jones Animal Clinic is located at the railroad crossing at 242 Lee Street in Brundidge.