Dr. Tracy Thorpe

I became a veterinarian to improve the quality of life for pets and their human families. I love this career and cannot imagine doing anything else. Veterinary medicine is the perfect way for me to combine my love of animals with my love of science and medicine. I believe the animals need us to be their voice and caregiver to assure them a long, happy, healthy life free from pain, disease, fear and stress. I treat each of them as if they are my own. I assisted in founding Paradise Animal Rescue in 2001. My family consists of two-legged children and four-legged children including dogs, cats, ducks and chickens.

Dr. Jeff Pinkston

With a veterinarian for a father, and being raised on a horse farm, my love for animals started at a young age. My dad loved all types of animals, much to my mom’s frustration, as he brought home any domestic or wild animal needing care, many of which ended up on our farm. There were many interesting animals that came along, such as a monkey, a bear, a lion, a bobcat, and numerous cougars. 

I started cleaning kennels in the family veterinary hospital in Swartz Creek at the age of eleven and continued to grow my life’s passion from that point on.  I graduated from vet school in 1994 and began practicing in the family business. Eventually, I moved on to a larger practice in Linden to expand my veterinary expertise. 

In 2008, I purchased Swartz Creek Veterinary Hospital. Through the next ten years, the practice grew from a one-doctor hospital to six doctors. The hospital was then purchased in 2018 by VCA, and I continued to work there until 2023, when VCA and I parted ways. 

I feel very fortunate to now work with my colleague and friend Dr. Tracy Thorpe at her newly expanded Thorpe Animal Hospital here in Lapeer.  I have enjoyed meeting and caring for the clients and patients here at her hospital. My family and I currently care for three dogs, two cats and about thirty koi in our pond. 

Dr. Shaina Damm

Dr. Shaina Damm’s passion for veterinary medicine started at a very young age while growing up in the “Thumb” of Michigan on her grandparent’s farm surrounded by a multitude of different animals. She started working at her first veterinary clinic at 16 years old and has since worked through all the positions in the veterinary field.  

She has developed a deep passion for soft tissue surgery and emergency and critical care. She holds her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Oregon State University, where she developed a solid foundation in both clinical care and surgical techniques.

With years of experience working in high-pressure environments, Dr. Damm has honed her ability to handle complex, time-sensitive cases with compassion and a calm demeanor with a commitment to improving the quality of life for her patients.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Damm enjoys spending time with her husband, swimming with her 3 very spoiled dogs and trail riding around Michigan with her 3 horses.