Doctors
Dr. Vicki Petsche
Owner···Veterinarian
The idea for Loyal Companions was born out of the combination of my dedication to learn and improve,and my desire
to strengthen the bond people share with their pets. I have aligned myself with the recently developed Fear-Free concepts. I have paid special attention to the smallest details of my new hospital’s design. I want to ensure your pet’s experience at Loyal Companions is calming and pleasant. I am passionate about elevating the care your beloved pet receives to a new level.
I aspire to be continuously learning and improving. I attend conferences and seminars across the United States to learn from experts in diverse areas of veterinary medicine. Additionally, I personally understand the bond you share with your pet. Your pet is an important family member to you.
My love for animals began at a very young age. I started riding horses when I was five years old and would spend my time caring for our family’s pets - dogs, cats, hamsters, horses and a goat. It was here, as a little girl in rural Michigan, that I decided to become a veterinarian.
My passion for learning was ignited at the University of Michigan where I received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology graduating with high honors in 1990. I graduated as class valedictorian in 1994 from Michigan State University with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
After school, I began my career working at veterinary hospitals in the Chicago suburbs and in Miami, Florida. I then settled in the Fox Valley area, and I have been practicing in this wonderful community for the last 15 years.
Outside of Loyal Companions, I spend my time with my husband Tim (an orthopedic surgeon) and our four beautiful children – Julia, Em, Kyra and Jack. We share our house with Blaze (a sweet mix breed dog), Bear (a large but gentle mix breed dog) and Holly (a cuddly black cat). I also have a small barn with 2 ponies, 2 goats and 2 cats.
I aspire to be continuously learning and improving. I attend conferences and seminars across the United States to learn from experts in diverse areas of veterinary medicine. Additionally, I personally understand the bond you share with your pet. Your pet is an important family member to you.
My love for animals began at a very young age. I started riding horses when I was five years old and would spend my time caring for our family’s pets - dogs, cats, hamsters, horses and a goat. It was here, as a little girl in rural Michigan, that I decided to become a veterinarian.
My passion for learning was ignited at the University of Michigan where I received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology graduating with high honors in 1990. I graduated as class valedictorian in 1994 from Michigan State University with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
After school, I began my career working at veterinary hospitals in the Chicago suburbs and in Miami, Florida. I then settled in the Fox Valley area, and I have been practicing in this wonderful community for the last 15 years.
Outside of Loyal Companions, I spend my time with my husband Tim (an orthopedic surgeon) and our four beautiful children – Julia, Em, Kyra and Jack. We share our house with Blaze (a sweet mix breed dog), Bear (a large but gentle mix breed dog) and Holly (a cuddly black cat). I also have a small barn with 2 ponies, 2 goats and 2 cats.
Dr. Sheila Newenham
Veterinarian
I have wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary
Medicine in 1995 and have been practicing in the Chicago suburbs ever since. In addition to private practice, I perform spay/neuter surgeries at a local shelter. Sharing in people's relationships with their pets and helping to enrich those relationships is the most rewarding part of my job.
I share my home with my husband, two dogs, two cats and a yard full of wildlife. In my free time I enjoy wildlife and nature photography, travel and gardening.
I share my home with my husband, two dogs, two cats and a yard full of wildlife. In my free time I enjoy wildlife and nature photography, travel and gardening.
Dr. Jennifer Wahlund
Veterinarian
Coming Soon
Managers
Amanda Werley
Hospital Manager
My passion for the veterinary field started when I was very young, and only grew as I went through school. I graduated from Northern Illinois
University with my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, with minors in Biology and Chemistry. My goal was to become a certified veterinary technician, but it seems like a daunting task to complete while needing to work full time at another veterinary hospital.
And then I found a job at Loyal Companions in August of 2017. The Fear Free atmosphere that Dr. Petsche has created spawned a whole new love for this field. It included both of my favorite things - behavioral psychology and veterinary medicine.
I then decided to pursue a career to become a certified veterinary technician online so I am able to continue to work while also expanding my knowledge of the field. I am currently enrolled in Purdue University’s veterinary technician program online.
My career goals have changed again since I would like to become a veterinary technologist specializing in behavior once I have completed Purdue’s online program and received my certification.
My goal is for you and your pet to feel as though you are treated like family when you’re here. Our staff is truly committed to Fear Free and incredible passion towards helping and caring for your furry family members.
Pet profile:
My husband Trevor and I have two cats - Taco and Luna. Taco is a rambunctious orange tabby who is addicted to catnip and loves everyone he meets. Luna is a petite princess who loves nothing more in this world than a heated blanket or a spot of sunshine. Both of our cats were rescued - Taco through Tails Humane Society and Luna from Anderson Animal Shelter. They live exuberant lives in what we call their ‘cat haven’.
We also have a bearded dragon named Blue. Blue is incredibly sassy and loves blueberries. She spends her time basking under her heat lamp and having staring contests with Taco.
And then I found a job at Loyal Companions in August of 2017. The Fear Free atmosphere that Dr. Petsche has created spawned a whole new love for this field. It included both of my favorite things - behavioral psychology and veterinary medicine.
I then decided to pursue a career to become a certified veterinary technician online so I am able to continue to work while also expanding my knowledge of the field. I am currently enrolled in Purdue University’s veterinary technician program online.
My career goals have changed again since I would like to become a veterinary technologist specializing in behavior once I have completed Purdue’s online program and received my certification.
My goal is for you and your pet to feel as though you are treated like family when you’re here. Our staff is truly committed to Fear Free and incredible passion towards helping and caring for your furry family members.
Pet profile:
My husband Trevor and I have two cats - Taco and Luna. Taco is a rambunctious orange tabby who is addicted to catnip and loves everyone he meets. Luna is a petite princess who loves nothing more in this world than a heated blanket or a spot of sunshine. Both of our cats were rescued - Taco through Tails Humane Society and Luna from Anderson Animal Shelter. They live exuberant lives in what we call their ‘cat haven’.
We also have a bearded dragon named Blue. Blue is incredibly sassy and loves blueberries. She spends her time basking under her heat lamp and having staring contests with Taco.
Missy Mendel
Pet Resort Manager
Hi I’m Missy. Dogs have always been a big part of my life. From walking to fostering to having my very own. I love working at a Loyal Companions
because I get to see all the positive impacts it has on all these animals lives. From the hospital side to the daycare and boarding side. It’s amazing to be part of a staff that is all about what’s best for the animals! I have two dogs Nyx a husky mix and Koda Bear a German shepherd mix. Both enjoy going to daycare to play with friends. If they aren’t with me at work they can be found cuddling together on the couch at home, probably watching animal planet.
When not helping client animals, she enjoys time with her own, especially competing with two of her rescue pitties in dock diving competitions. Ali has also begun working with one of her dogs on scent detection. She grew up riding horses and working with the family dogs when her parents would let her. Growing up she also had cats, rabbits, bearded dragons, mice, hamsters, and a ferret -- whatever her parents told her she couldn’t bring into the house, she did. Now her menagerie is a bit smaller with 3 dogs, 2 ferrets and a horse.
I am so grateful to be a part of Loyal Companions. When I first heard about the Fear Free approach, I knew this was the direction I wanted to take in helping pets. By keeping our patients as calm and happy as possible, we do the same for pet parents. It is an overall better experience for everyone. My favorite part of coming in to work is having people tell me how much his or her pet loves coming to our practice.
I live in St. Charles with my husband and 2 children. We have a pit bull named Phoenix who keeps us busy.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My hobbies include reading, watching movies and dancing.
I began working as a C.V.T. in ER medicine and quickly loved using the skill sets that I learned to help very sick patients. Since then I've worked with exotic animals (reptiles, birds, rabbits, ferrets) and in day practices that take care of cats and dogs. I've currently been working here at Loyal Companions Fear Free practice since May 2017 which I feel is where the veterinary field should be moving towards to provide the best care for their patients. I am so proud to say that I'm a part of this movement everyday.
In my free time I love to spend it with my husband of 4 years auto racing or watching my 2 year old dance around in ballet class.
Pet Profiles - Axel is a M/N 7.5 year old brindle boxer mix who loves being a couch potato, eating, and chasing squirrels. Brook is a F/S 5 year old blue pit bull terrier who loves walks, tanning in the sun, squeaky toys, and chasing/barking at lights.
I have been working as a Veterinary Technician in the Chicagoland area (Bloomingdale, Saint Charles and Plano) since 1995. I joined the Loyal Companions team in September of 2016 and obtained the Fear Free certification. After having worked all of this years in a system where the emotional well-being of the patient was not the first priority, I am very pleased to be part of a practice where Fear Free medicine is the principle. Loyal Companions combines the highest standards of veterinary medicine with an emphasis on the patient’s comfort, implementing a variety of tools and methods to decrease their fear, anxiety and stress at the hospital. This makes the visit or stay much less traumatic for the pet, owner and veterinary professionals.
My family consists of my husband, daughter and son, and also our four legged family members: two dogs that we adopted from shelters and two cats that were abandoned as kittens at different hospitals. Lily is a golden retriever and true to her breed, she carries things in her mouth from one place to another while happily grunting. Cookie is a shepherd mix and she is the household sentinel, loudly informing us of any possible threat including planes flying by. Laila is a domestic short hair: she is very shy and nimble but when she wants to be petted she is very assertive in the way she nudges us. And finally, Wilson is a Maine coon: he was less than a pound when he came to us but he has made up for lost time. He rams into closed doors to try to open them, which produces a frightening sound in the middle of the night.
My parents were also animal lovers and did their best to encourage my passion of caring for animals within reason. However, growing up in a secluded rural neighborhood that was surrounded by cornfields, woods, and a large river let’s just say I didn’t always bring home your typical stray cat or dog. Of course there were those as well but much to my parents’ disapproval there were also countless snakes, turtles, birds, bunnies, front, raccoons, and opossums just to name a few.
I moved to the St. Charles area in 2011 where I began working as a dog bather. Eventually I went through grooming academy training to become a certified professional groomer and have been working in various fields of the animal industry ever since I began working for Loyal Companions in November of 2017. I sought out this practice because of the Fear Free concept and regulations that accompany those ideals. It is truly amazing to see the positive impact we have on not only the pets themselves but to see owners become enlightening and astounded with the optimal care and results we provide. There’s nothing better than seeing a dog who was previously terrified of vet visits now racing and pulling to get through the doors and into our exam rooms.
Pet Profile: In my household I have two dogs, one cat, one Beta fish, and a Chinchilla. My pups are Sookie Sue (Catahoula Leopard Dog) and Myrtle Louise (6 month old Deer Head Chihuahua). Sookie enjoys spending her time loving everyone and everything (sometimes a little too hard) and Myrtle enjoys learning all kinds of tricks and cuddling with her big sis!
My cat’s name is Pheeny. She is a Turkish Angora and her favorite pastime is rolling in/eating catnip and people watching.
Then there’s Nuggie Boo (Nug). She is an incredibly sweet Chinchilla and loves being carried around the house in a pet sling and jumping on the dogs while they’re laying down. She can usually be found lounging on her tiny stuffed couch and eating freeze dried strawberries which is her favorite snack.
My cat’s name is Pheeny. She is a Turkish Angora and her favorite pastime is rolling in/eating catnip and people watching.
Then there’s Nuggie Boo (Nug). She is an incredibly sweet Chinchilla and loves being carried around the house in a pet sling and jumping on the dogs while they’re laying down. She can usually be found lounging on her tiny stuffed couch and eating freeze dried strawberries which is her favorite snack.
I have two dogs, “The Boys” My Australian Shepherd Smoke and my Rescue Chocolate Lab Mix Rodeo. They fill my heart more than words can say.
“Dogs do speak, but to only those who know how to listen.”
Pet profile: I live in Batavia with my husband and a Kooikerhondje, Scout. Scout is an adorable fluffy dog who loves long hikes in the woods, playing frisbee, and barking at delivery men (we are working on "quiet"). I have had a labrador in my life 32 of the last 34 years and am hoping to add a black lab to our family in the spring.
Around this time, I found my passion for horses. I had always been fascinated with these large docile creatures. I insisted every fair or festival that I could ride one of the ponies! I attended a summer camp and from then on I was hooked. My parents allowed me to take part in lessons at Dunham Woods. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to get the barn every week!
From Dunham Wood we were able to change barns and disciplines. I found the world of Dressage and fell in love. I rode and competed in Dressage for most of my adolescent life. It taught me strength and patience. I learned how to effectively communicate with an animal that was 3x times my size and strength. I owned 2 horses, Charmer and Merlin. Both taught me so much about life and the world of Dressage. I feel very thankful to have been able to have this opportunity to learn at such a young age what a great bond humans and animals can have.
Loyal Companions passion for animals mimics my own. I fell right at home when I first walked through the doors. The attention to detail and care each animal receives here is beyond anywhere else I have been. Each client and patient is treated like family. It does not ever feel like a job when you get to do something you love everyday.
My family has always been about what’s best for our companions. We have always been strong believers that any life, no matter how small deserves equal care. I often see so many people view anything smaller than a cat as replaceable and it’s sad how often times price tags on animals set a bad expectation. If our fish even got sick my parents would spend a fortune to treat a $1 fish. That has always stuck with me throughout my life.
When my family and siblings started branching off and building their own lives our animals got divided amongst us as it typically goes. I ended up going a totally different route. When I was in my late teens a parrotlet came into my life and became my world. Next thing I knew I was being contacted by multiple people dumping their pet birds, and at that moment I knew I had a purpose in life. I now have a bird room devoted to what I refer to as my chicken nuggets that make up my 10 piece happy meal.
Aside from my life as a crazy bird lady I am an artist, multi-instrumentalist, costume designer, and enjoy working on cars. I am currently a resident of Geneva and am blessed to live with my incredible boyfriend, Tayler who is also an animal lover to the extreme.
Though birds have taken the spotlight in my life, I have always been a strong believer that the mental health of any animal is just as important as physical health. Animals tell us so much through their behavior. I feel It is so crucial for an animal to have positive reinforcement to know that they are in a safe environment and that is why I really appreciate what we do at Loyal Companions. We listen to animals here and are provided the tools and knowledge to help convey an animals needs to their owner. There are few things more rewarding than to be able to be that bridge of communication and see the incredible change when that owner learns to pick up on those stress signals. Sometimes a whole new animal emerges and it’s just the coolest experience.
Working in the fear free environment that has been so thoughtfully crafted here has really inspired this value of mine and brought it to life.
I aspire to be a Veterinary Technician and am eager to learn and master the skills that will guide me through the rest of my life in this wonderful field. As of now, supervising day care and being able to observe, care for and interact with so many different breeds and personalities is literally a dream and a classroom in itself. I can confidently say that I love what I do and have never felt so fulfilled in a career.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children - we share our home with a cat, Moose and a Labrador, George.
In addition to my hands on experience, I am also a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in sociology. This has helped me to gain a deeper understanding behind the science of animal behavior and how to best assist their owners.
Finally, my personal life has been filled with animals as well, from cats, to hamsters, to tadpoles, I’ve cared for them all. I even competed in hunter jumper horse shows for much of my childhood. Right now though, I only have 1 dog, the adorable Layla Rose.
Moving to Illinois in 2017 I was concerned I was going to disconnect from animals, I was fortunate enough to be employed by an animal hospital and learned more of the medical side. Here, I fell in love with helping and caring for small animals. I started at Loyal Companions in September 2020, being in a fear free environment the possibilities of building a trusting relationship and the willingness of animals understanding is endless. I love the amount of respect we have towards small animals here and being mindful of what they’re comfortable with. I am very fortunate to have learned a new and more effective way of veterinary medicine.
Pet profile: I currently have two dogs, a pit bull and an unknown mix or as I refer to their breeds as good dogs. My old girl Lola was recused from a bad environment when she was 1. When I brought her home, she unfortunately became pregnant before we had a chance to spay her. She ended up having a litter of 12 puppies! As tiring and expensive as they were, they were the best experience! They all went to knowing and trusting homes, which I still keep in contact with a few. Our newer addition, Opie, we rescued from Anderson animal shelter, and he is just the goofiest/funniest brother for his big sister. The two combined is a match made in heaven and we couldn’t ask for a better pair!
