Meet Our Veterinary Team

Tana

Receptionist

Hello!. I have been an animal lover all my life. I used to show my horses professionally as a Junior in High School. 4-H was part of my life during my middle school and high school years. I continued on as a volunteer in 4-H, helping younger participants, and loved it even more.

I grew passionate about the Welsh Corgi breed and now my husband and I have 3! I wouldn’t trade them for the world. My goal is to become certified in canine and feline nutrition in the near future.

Sheridan 

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bio coming soon!

Malibu

Rodent Pontrol

Hi! My name is Malibu; I hang out with my big brother, captain, in the large animal building. We love to hunt rodents together and cuddle up when it’s cold. You will see me running around and talking your ear off when you venture down below.

Captain

Rodent Patrol Captain

I am an abnormal cat living in a large animal building. I handle most rodents; I am very strong in that area because I am polydactyl. Extra toes up front give me the advantage.

Angelina Toth

Veterinary Technician

I grew up here in Havre, Montana. I spend a lot of time on my family’s ranch caring for our cattle, sheep, and llama. I was an active 4-H member for 12 years and enjoyed working with animals. I have always loved being around animals and caring for them, so I decided to become a Veterinary Technician. I went to Pima Medical Institute in Dillon, Montana, to obtain my Associate of Applied Science Degree-Veterinary Technician. I am excited to be working at Bear Paw Veterinary Services.

Olivia Fletes

Cleaner/Assistant

I grew up in Circle, Montana, and was a member of 4-H for ten years. I love animals, and I have four dogs – two beagles and two Siberian huskies. I do agility, obedience, rally competitions with my beagle, Bear and skijoring, and sledding with my two huskies. Last year I graduated from Dawson Community College with an associate’s degree in animal science. I am attending MSU-Northern to earn my bachelor’s degree in biology. I am very excited to be working at Bear Paw Veterinary Service!

Courtney Klumpp

Veterinary Assistant

I grew up in Western Washington and moved to Montana in the Summer of 2022 with my other half Casey! We both have always wanted to move to Montana. The stars finally aligned just right, and we made the move! I am currently going to school for my Veterinary Technician degree through Penn Foster. Growing up, I was actively involved in 4-H with horses and FFA with showing, marketing, and breeding sheep and pigs. I‘ve owned almost any farm animal, but coming to Montana, we just have our 2 Labrador Retrievers: Bailey and Riffe, and my Quarter Horse, Bess! Bess and I hope to spend more time running barrels and poles while enjoying Montana! In my spare time, I enjoy riding horses, taking our dogs to the river or lake, hunting, and fishing! I am so excited about this opportunity to work at Bear Paw Vet, along with meeting everyone and their pets!

Abby Metker

Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Abby, and I work here at Bear Paw Vet as a Cleaner and Veterinary Assistant. I help with checking in and performing treatments on the animals. I also keep the clinic looking neat. I moved to Havre, MT, from Brunswick, GA, with my family. I love drawing, painting, and walking with my dog Cooper. I hope to one day make money by selling my artwork and becoming a full-time artist.

Mary Beth Blankeship

Receptionist

I am your outflow receptionist! I grew up in Chinook, Montana, just a hop and skip down the road. I dabbled in Theatre and English at the University of Montana and then Education later at Montana State University, Northern. I’m an animal lover with three dogs and one kitty cat at home. I would gladly adopt many more if my household allowed it! Every day I look forward to seeing all our patients and their humans too!

Jewelia Hicks

Veterinary Assistant

Hello, my name is Jewelia! I am a veterinary assistant for the outpatient doctor. I received a veterinary assistant degree from Picken Technical College in Colorado. I am currently pursuing my love for animals by going to school for my veterinary technician degree through Penn Foster. I love my job, getting to know everyone and their animals. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my son. My husband Mathew and I spend much time encouraging him to learn new things! I also have a dog, two cats, a turtle, and two chinchillas that are tons of fun to be around.

Jim Gabriel

Early Bird

I take care of all the hospitalized animals first thing in the morning by taking them for walks, cleaning up, and feeding them. I am at the clinic from 7-4 daily and assist in many ways! I have one dog – a Boston Terrier named “River.”

Lita Thisselle

Ambulatory Vet Technician, Inventory Manager

I handle all inventory details! I have worked at Bear Paw Veterinary Service since August 2003. I am married to Wayne, and we have two children, Allen & Jessica. Jessica is married to our wonderful son-in-law, Ryan, and they have blessed our lives with two grandsons, Christian and Isaac. Christian is engaged to Ary, so I finally have a granddaughter. I also have three furry children: Cara Louise, a cocker spaniel, a muted calico named Mississippi, and a calico named Reina Jo. My leisure activities include adventures with Cara, spending time with my grandsons, and photography.

Dixie Mack

Office Manager

I started working for BPVS as a part-time receptionist in 1995. After working in that position for a while, which then of course, turned into full-time, I became an assistant for many years and then had an opportunity to become a licensed Veterinary Technician. I did enjoy the technical work involved in the clinic and to this day I still greatly appreciate this aspect of the clinic. In 2006, I took on the role as Office Manager, this position has been challenging but nonetheless enjoyable. Having the opportunity to work in all areas of the clinic before this has allowed me to have an excellent understanding of what successes, challenges, and rewards come with each area. Working at Bear Paw Vet, is very stimulating, as each new day brings a new case- there is never a dull moment! Outside of work, my Husband, Doug and I have been married since 1986 and have lived here in Havre since 1993, with our one of a kind dog, Gus! We have two adult children; Andrea- a Statistician in Idaho Falls, ID, along with our granddaughter, Lacey. Christina- a Nurse & her husband, Nate, reside in Choteau, MT, along with our grandson, Jordan.

Mike Whitmore

Veterinarian

Dr. Whitmore was born and raised in the Farfield MT area. He attended Montana State University-Northern and MSU-Bozeman for his undergraduate studies and graduated with a Bachelors in Animal Science. He then attended Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM). Dr. Whitmore joined Bear Paw Veterinary Service upon graduation in June 2019. He and his wife, Michaela, purchased BPVS from Dr. Paul and MaryAnn McCann in April 2024. Dr. Mike and Michaela are happy to be the owners  of such a fine veterinary establishment and look forward to continuing the legacy of exceptional veterinary medicine to all species across the Hi-Line region. Dr. Mike, Michaela, and their son Mason want to thank Havre and the surrounding communities for their continued support.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Mike enjoys anything involving the mountains and the great outdoors, He enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and running. Dr. Mike spends his free time on any and all adventures he can with his family.

Paul and Mary Ann McCann

Veterinarian, Owners

Paul was born and raised on a ranch near Harlem (50 miles east of Havre). He attended Montana State University-Bozeman and graduated from Colorado State University Veterinary School in 1992. We moved back to the Hi-Line in 1994; in 1995, we bought Bear Paw Veterinary Service. Mary Ann does the bookkeeping for the practice and fills in as necessary within the clinic. We have four children; Jenna, Morgan Marie, Simon, and Ben. We enjoy the Havre community, and it is a pleasure raising our family here. In 2014 Paul became certified in Equine and Canine Chiropractic Medicine. He enjoyed this certification to help animals in need of some “adjusting.” The community has been good to Bear Paw Veterinary Service, and it has grown from a staff of 3 ½ employees in 1994 to a staff of 15 in 2018 to provide the services that you request. We have a great team and truly appreciate being your Bear Paw Veterinary Team.