Dr. Art Charles and Dr. Bailey Gage took over ownership of Medomak Veterinary Services, on Route 1 in Waldoboro, in December 2017. (Alexander Violo photo)
The new owners and veterinarians at Medomak Veterinary Services in Waldoboro are continuing the 30-year-old practice’s work with local animals and residents.
Dr. Art Charles and Dr. Bailey Gage, a husband-and-wife team, took over the practice at 14 Atlantic Highway in December 2017. They work with the assistance of former owner Dr. Laurie Howarth, who practices on a part-time basis.
“By having three different veterinarians, it gives us the ability to handle a lot of different things,” Charles said.
“We are each a little different and I think that gives us a good balance,” Gage said.
Charles and Gage first came to the Route 1 practice in November 2017, working briefly for Howarth before becoming the new owners.
Gage said the practice offers a range of services, including wellness visits, emergency services, skin treatments, and a full pharmacy.
Medomak Veterinary Services also offers laser therapy, surgical services, dental services, and therapeutic opportunities for animals, according to Charles.
“We have full diagnostic capabilities, state-of-the-art ultrasound, and digital X-rays,” Charles said.
A board-certified surgeon comes in to perform procedures, according to Charles.
The couple met at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. They worked at Hothams Veterinary Services Inc. in Presque Isle before moving to Rockland and starting work at Medomak Veterinary Services.
Gage said the new location is much closer to specialty veterinary services than Presque Isle.
“We are not too far away from Portland, where there is specialty care and more advanced services. We are much closer to Portland here than we were to a city in Presque Isle and that allows us to practice better medicine,” Gage said.
Charles, who is originally from Belgrade, said they were drawn to the Midcoast, an area he frequented as a youth, by the veterinary practice.
“The Midcoast has been a second home for me all my life. I have a boat in Port Clyde and our first date was in Rockland,” Charles said.
Charles enjoys the opportunity to meet members of the community at the new business.
“The community has been very welcoming. We have met a lot of great people,” he said.
Gage said the work Howarth put into the practice, which she founded in 1988, and the great staff have eased the transition and allowed the new owners to hit the ground running.
“The staff has been tremendous. We haven’t had to make any changes. We have great employees. The business basically runs itself,” Gage said.
Charles and Gage credited Howarth with creating a positive environment and a successful business.
Gage said during the winter months, business was slower, but starting in April, the numbers of people and animals in the office started to pick up.
“When the weather is nicer, there tends to be more injuries with dogs and cats getting into some trouble,” Gage said.
Gage is the daughter of a veterinarian.
“My dad is a veterinarian. I grew up around it, but I didn’t know until college I wanted to do this. I like science. I like figuring out puzzles and I like interacting with people,” Gage said.
The couple is expecting twins, and Gage’s father will fill in as a relief veterinarian during Gage’s maternity leave, according to Charles.
Charles said he wanted to be a veterinarian from a very young age.
“I don’t remember not wanting to become a veterinarian,” he said.
The Waldoboro facility focuses on small domestic animals, such as cats and dogs.
The practice has six staff members, including a receptionist and veterinary technicians and assistants, according to Gage.
New clients are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 563-7786.
“We’ll make it a priority to get them in,” Charles said.
Medomak Veterinary Services is open six days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.
For after-hours or weekend pet care, Medomak Veterinary Services refers clients to the Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic on Route 90 in Warren.
Charles said his favorite part of working as a veterinarian is building relationships with pets and their owners.
“You build great relationships, seeing animals multiple times. You see them grow and get to know their owners, building trust with both,” Charles said.
