By Liv Stecker
Kira McKinnon calls it serendipity - the fortunate accident that led her husband, a border patrol agent in Arizona, to transfer to the Border Patrol based in Colville. Little did she know, leaving a veterinary practice in Arizona, that she would be landing a few miles from the perfect set-up. “Every day I tell myself I am so blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country!” Dr. MacKinnon says. The veterinary hospital at Echo Ridge closed the doors of the practice 2012. The clinic, located on Williams Lake Road about 10 miles from Colville, sat empty for for 4 years before the real estate agent helping the McKinnon’s find a house mentioned the location to Kira, or Dr. Mack, as her clients and their ‘parents’ lovingly call her. It was love at first sight for the new resident of Stevens County, and she couldn’t be happier.
After a series of minor obstacles to overcome, the logistics worked out and Dr. Mack and company began the long process of repairing and remodeling the site. With the help of friends and neighbors, the office was finally ready to open on Valentine’s Day Weekend and business started to trickle in. Local residents stop by the building when they see the open sign flashing, many of them thrilled to see it occupied and excited to bring their furry friends for a visit. “While I was renovating, people would constantly stop to say hello, and want to meet the new vet.” MacKinnon says that the reception has been overwhelming.
Dr. MacKinnon attended school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on St Kitts (Saint Christopher Island) in the West Indies “Yes, I went to vet school in the Caribbean, but it wasn't all fun!” She laughs, “I took school very seriously!” After graduation, Kira worked all over the state of Arizona, spending six years in Yuma and two years doing relief work which took her to a variety of cities to cover for other doctors. Her vet school track was mixed animal with a focus on large animals. When school was over, she had trouble finding a job focused on large animals. “I took a small animal job, where I learned most everything I know” she says. “Then the recession hit and I was just lucky to have a job.” During her relief work time in Arizona she fielded some work with horses and other livestock, but she was largely treating small animals. Her penchant for treating large animals stood out to professors at her school, who were surprised to see her working primarily with small animals. MacKinnon is excited to be in a rural area again where livestock will be a big part of her practice once again.
Dr. MacKinnon has no plans to slow down and relax now that Echo Ridge is fully operational again. As she looks ahead, Kira’s excitement is contagious: “My mind is so full of plans its crazy! I have already been looking for another vet to join us. I would love to be able to do more livestock and house calls but when it’s just me it's practically impossible.” Juggling the roles of vet, business owner and employer has been a workout for the busy Doc. Eventually she would like to build a boarding facility next to the clinic, which will have kennels of various sizes. In addition to expanding the office building itself, Dr. MacKinnon says she would also like to put a Tiny house on the property to serve as little escape spot for the staff to have lunch, or sleep if they have a long night of emergency calls. The house could also serve as lodging for veterinary interns from WSU down the road.
Dr. Mack definitely feels like she has found home, and calls Steven’s County the “best kept secret ever”, and one she had no idea existed until her first visit in 2014. Living with her husband in the Kettle Falls area, she says the location is ideal for her. The doctor is looking forward to growing her practice into a long-term, reliable resource in the area, fulfilling needs in the community. More information about Dr. MacKinnon and Echo Ridge Veterinary Hospital is available on their Facebook page email echoridgevets@gmail.com or by calling 509-684-6062.The clinic is located at 1072 C Williams Lake Road.
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