Veterinarian Overview
Nicole Laviolettes country childhood made her realize that pet ownership doesnt only involve dogs and cats. Besides her canine and feline pets, young Nicole owned birds, hamsters, turtles, rabbits, a ferret, and a sugar glider. Nicole also took small farm animals, such as chickens and ducks, under her tender wing. On several occasions, Nicole was able to witness puppy and kitten births, and she even had the opportunity to bottle feed a baby calf. While Nicole didnt realize it then, she was building an ideal foundation for her future veterinary career!Growing up with her parents and sister just outside of Erath, Louisiana, Nicoles community consisted of her fathers grandmother and many extended family members. Nicole loved life in the country, playing with her cousins and spending many fun hours in her tree house during the summers.When Nicole graduated from Erath High School, she attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After she graduated with a veterinary technology degree in 2004, Nicole moved back to Lafayette and gained experience working as a veterinary technician.In 2006, Nicole moved closer to realizing her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, as she began her studies at Louisiana State Universitys School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge. Graduating in 2010, Nicole felt called back to Erath to reconnect with her family. Arriving back in her home town, she welcomed the chance to work at the nearby Acadiana Veterinary Clinic.Each time Dr. Nicole sees a furry patient and their pet parent, she enjoys getting to know them a little better. Dr. Nicole also likes to delve deeply into cytology, studying the cellular structures of microscopic creatures that can cause medical problems for her patients. Dermatology also intrigues her, as she receives great satisfaction from helping a constantly itching, scratching pet to feel much better.Living close to the water, Dr. Nicole enjoys a number of water sports. She loves fishing, crabbing, swimming, and sunning on the boat on a lazy afternoon. Dr. Nicole truly finds relaxation at the beach, as she sits for hours under her umbrella, reading and listening to the hypnotic waves. At home, Dr. Nicole works on cross stitch projects, often planned as special gifts for family and friends.Finally, Dr. Nicoles dog Stratus takes top billing in her life. Stratus is a good-sized standard poodle who plays fetch until hes too exhausted to move another step. Spoiled poodle Stratus thrives on riding in Dr. Nicoles convertible. Of course, Dr. Nicole puts the top down so Stratus can soak up the maximum number of interesting smells.
