New vet in Plains

After 33 years the Lynch Creek Veterinary Clinic is going through a changing of the guard.

Longtime veterinarian Dr. Bob Gregg has sold his house and practice to Dr. Alan Marley, Plains newest resident from Greybull, Wyo. Marley is accompanied by his wife Janelle and their seven horses, one cat and two dogs, Kia and Gus.

“I was looking for a place for a little more business and I came up here and liked what I saw,” Marley said. He explained that he and his family are very active and love to spend their time in the outdoors doing everything from hunting, fishing and camping. Marley said that Plains was ideal for them because of its easy outdoor access.

“When I looked at Plains it had everything we wanted as a place to live,” he said.

Though new to Plains, Marley is bringing with him 40 years of experience working in the veterinary field. He said that he decided to start working with animals when a friend of his who worked as a horseshoer gave him the suggestion. He studied animals at the University of Pennsylvania.

Despite his recent move into the area, Marley's expertise is already being put to use. Since Gregg finished working on Aug. 29 Marley said that he helps about 10 to 15 people each day.

“I knew Dr. Gregg was busy but it's a little busier than I expected,” Marley said. “There have been quite a variety of things, including bite wounds to urinary problems.”

To cope with the daily work, Marley said it was helpful that the clinic was well stocked with supplies when he arrived and everything was well organized. In the transition Marley decided to keep all of the current staff, who he said have been working well at the clinic.

“They seem to be doing all right,” Marley said.

He also said it helped that the community has been so receptive and welcoming to him as he's getting to know the area. An equestrian, he's looking forward to familiarizing himself with the many trails around Plains and Sanders County. He said that his wife had told him about the Plains Back Country Horsemen, and that he might be talking with them in the near future to discuss possible trail options.

One new service that Marley will be offering at the Lynch Creek Veterinary Clinic is the addition of large animal care that would most commonly deal with horses and other large livestock. “I've done a lot of small and large animal practice,” Marley said about his veterinary experience.

Optimistic about his Big Sky move, Marley hopes to continue serving Sanders County pet owners with the same quality care his clinic has been known for. “The best part about my job is helping somebody with their animals,” he said.