Dr. Kesting is a cheechako, i.e., a greenhorn, to P.E.T. and to Alaska. After growing up on a farm in Oakville, Illinois, where her family raised cattle and grew corn and wheat, Dr. Kesting attended undergrad and vet school in Columbia, Mo.
Upon becoming "Dr. Kesting", she moved to Farmington, Mo., for her first job in a mixed-animal practice, treating horses, sheep, goats and even a llama. During her time at the practice, she declared, "There is nothing more glamorous than sticking your entire arm up a cow's butt."
In spring 2007, she packed up her car, her dog (a 12-year-old Lab/Dalmatian mix named Dalton), and her 12-year-old cat, Izziebee Bombardier (so named because he once dive-bombed off a third-story deck), and drove 4,000 miles to Anchorage.
As the newbie at P.E.T., Dr. Kesting bubbles over with enthusiasm for her job and her colleagues, and is known for her loud and obnoxious laugh, which has been described as both a blessing and a curse. Her only experience with hoofed animals these days is watching moose graze out her kitchen window.
What drew you to Alaska?
The big, hairy, flannel wearin', toothless men ... of course! Seriously, the mountains, fishing, camping, ocean kayaking, and more!"
What is it like working and living in Alaska?
It's much more 'laid-back' here than in the lower 48. People here work to live. In the lower 48, most people live to work.
What is one of your most memorable cases?
A lady came into the office with her dog's fecal sample in a small plastic
film container. It was taken into the lab and opened. Within the film
container was film ... no dog poop! When this was explained to the lady her eyes widened and a look of horror crossed her face. Her response was an incredulous sigh while she said, "WAL-MART!" Peels of laughter followed the poor lady as she returned to Wal-mart to collect her dog's poop from the one-hour photo center.
Dr. Kesting and assistant Ryan playfully joke and we learn the intricacies of "the poop dance."
