Submitted by Jan Crossen

After nearly ten years of service to the Lopez Island community, and almost forty years in veterinary medicine, Dr. Barbara Swahlen announces her retirement and the termination of her mobile house call practice, Community Animal Health.

“It is with mixed feelings that we announce our retirement.” Dr. Swahlen said. “We have enjoyed our relationships with our clients and their pets, and it has been our honor and pleasure to help care for these special family members. We can still accommodate medication refills for the next few months. We wish everyone all the best and look forward to hugging our friends again one day.”

Dr. Swahlen began her career in veterinary medicine at age eleven as a volunteer at a small animal hospital in Tempe, Arizona. A full-time resident since 2007 she, and her family, will remain on Lopez.