Couple to begin vet practice in May at Lampasas clinic
By DAVID LOWE Staff Writer

Rocky and Beth White will offer mixed animal medical care at Lampasas Veterinary Clinic beginning in May. Mrs. White is the daughter of longtime Lampasas veterinarian Dr. Curtis Kidd.

Lampasas Veterinary Clinic will keep its family ties, as Rocky and Beth White plan to come to Mrs. White's hometown next month to take over for her father, longtime veterinarian Dr. Curtis Kidd. Kidd practiced veterinary medicine in Lampasas for 30 years before retiring in March 2007.

After graduating from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, the Whites will begin their mixed animal practice in mid-May at Lampasas Veterinary Clinic, 702 East Avenue J.

Not many young veterinarians choose to operate mixed animal clinics, said White, but the Baytown native and his wife want to treat both small and large animals. The couple will offer boarding for their clients' animals, as well.

Although the clinic will not be open 24 hours a day, the Whites will offer emergency care.

"If people do have some emergency needs we want them to be able to call and get care without having to go to an emergency facility," Mrs. White said.

Her husband, a 1998 graduate of Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, became interested in veterinary medicine at a young age, as he grew up working cattle with his father. White earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical science at Texas A & M, but he did not decide to become a veterinarian until his first visit to Kidd's clinic.

While finishing veterinary school, Mr. and Mrs. White completed a one-month "externship" at a mixed animal clinic in Dayton. An externship allows students to receive training while they finish their academic courses, whereas an internship typically requires one year of additional work after graduation.

Mrs. White's interest in animals developed during childhood, when she helped her father by cleaning cages, feeding animals and walking dogs. She comes from a family of veterinarians, as her uncle, George Kidd, practices in San Saba.

"I'm hoping with the name recognition will also come experience and trust as people get to know us," Mrs. White said.

The couple chose to move to Lampasas largely out of a desire to know their clients personally. Kidd enjoyed working with his customers, Mrs. White said, and many clients helped the family immensely during difficult times.

"The Lampasas clientele has just been wonderful," said Kidd's daughter. "They've been loyal to us, and they care about us like a family. That's a big pull for why we're coming here."

With a two-year-old son, Asa, and another child on the way, the couple look forward to moving to Lampasas and spending more time with Mrs. White's family.

"I enjoyed growing up there," she said. "We both think it's just a wonderful place to raise a family."