Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Oakley will provide regular, basic veterinary service in Haines for the school year. Oakley travelled the Yukon and other parts of Alaska and North America doing wildlife work this summer but is back in Haines now and taking appointments.
Oakley is offering new services this year including X-ray, ultrasound and laser therapy, which is a form of pain control and can help dogs with relief from arthritis.
Oakley works out of the American Bald Eagle Foundation and will hold office hours three or four evenings per week, she said.
While “making the rounds” throughout Alaska and Canada, Oakley worked at Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, The Kroschel Wildlife Center outside of Haines, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Anchorage. Some days, she travelled via helicopter and performed radio-collaring work. In Saskatchewan, she and daughter Sierra, a 20-year-old biology major, worked with the local black bear population. The mother and daughter would “sit super still” in a tree stand. “We wouldn’t move a muscle,” Oakley said. “Then we’d dart them.” They radio collared the bears and took blood samples.
But as for being back in Haines: “I’m so happy. I love being here,” she said.
To book an appointment, e-mail Oakley at [email protected]. In an “absolute emergency,” you can text her personal cell phone at 907-314-2270.