Veterinarian
Hello! I'm Dr. Gabelt from Aspen Veterinary Clinic, and I am thrilled to be part of this incredible community. I grew up in a small town in central Montana, graduating from a high school class of just 20 students. My journey in veterinary medicine began at Montana State University in Bozeman, where I graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a concentration in equine science. I was fortunate to be selected as one of eleven Montana students for the WIMU Regional Veterinary Program, completing my first year at Montana State and the final three years at Washington State University in Pullman, WA.
My Path to Veterinary Medicine
My passion for veterinary medicine is rooted in my background in animal husbandry. Growing up, I was always surrounded by dogs, cats, and horses, which I loved caring for. My experiences working on several cattle ranches solidified my dedication to animal health and well-being. The satisfaction of seeing sick and injured animals recover, often with the assistance of a veterinarian, inspired me to pursue this career. Being a veterinarian means being part of a team that strives to make a difference one animal and one owner at a time.
What I Love About My Job
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is client communication. I believe it is essential for owners to understand the value of every service we offer and to feel empowered to make informed decisions about their pets' care. Our wide range of services for numerous species ensures that no two days are ever the same. As a general practitioner, I might be vaccinating healthy animals one minute, taking radiographs of a lame horse the next, and jumping into emergency surgery right after. This dynamic environment keeps my work exciting and fulfilling.
My professional interests are diverse, but surgery holds a special place in my heart. I am constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and experience in both soft tissue and orthopedic procedures. My background in physically demanding blue-collar work has made me appreciate the significant impact skilled hands can have. Equine podiatry is another passion of mine, having worked as a farrier in Montana for several years. Collaboration between farriers and veterinarians can lead to better outcomes for various equine maladies.
I also have a keen interest in cardiology, ophthalmology, and internal medicine, and I enjoy working with both small and large animals. Each species presents unique challenges, and solving these puzzles in collaboration with the Aspen Veterinary team and our clients is incredibly rewarding. As part of my commitment to providing the best care, I regularly attend continuing education events, focusing on both surgery and medicine.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Work
Outside of work, I enjoy farrier science and metalwork. It's common to find me outside with the forge fired up, trying new shoe modifications or welding up a Damascus billet. Riding my Mustang, Twitch, who I adopted from the BLM as an unhandled 2.5-year-old in 2022, is another passion of mine. My Border Collie mix, Spook, has been by my side since 2016, and we love exploring the outdoors together.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important to me. I enjoy hiking and have been fortunate to explore some amazing places since becoming a veterinarian. Hunting and fishing, which I grew up doing, have also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the creatures around us. This respect for life is a core value I bring to my work at Aspen Veterinary Clinic.
I look forward to continuing my journey in veterinary medicine, making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners, and growing with the wonderful community at Aspen Veterinary Clinic.