Meet Our Veterinarians
And Caring Staff
Bay Pines Staff
Nancy, Connie and Phyllis are ready to greet your pet.
Our two Nancy's are always there to help when your pet needs assistance.
The Bay Pines nursing staff before the day's surgeries.
Lake Street Clinic Staff
Pellston Clinic Staff
Bay Pines Boarding
And Grooming Staff
With a vision of providing excellent veterinary care in the area, Dr. McDonald founded Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic 1977. He and his wife Joan planted a seed that has grown into a veterinary practice that employs 6 veterinarians and over 30 staff members. In 1998 they fulfilled a dream and built the new hospital to provide the best facility they could create to care for pets. The 10,000 square foot addition included the most comfortable boarding and grooming facility that money could buy. Dr. McDonald graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. Dr. Mac chose Emmet County because of vast outdoor recreational opportunities. He still enjoys upland bird hunting with one of his 5 English Setters. You might also find him with fly rod in hand or on his bicycle or cross-country skis. Dr. Mac and his wife Joan have 3 grown children, Michael, Libby and Stewart. In addition to the Setters they have a miniature poodle and two cats. The daily challenges of veterinary practice still excite Dr. Mac as much as they did when he was a student.
Mike McDonald DVM
Of course with a name like Zehnder, Dave is originally from Frankenmuth where he began practicing Veterinary Medicine after he graduated from Michigan State University in 1976. In 1983, Dave joined Dr. Mike McDonald at Bay Pines and not long after became a co-owner of the practice. His lucky pets include 3 dogs and aquarium fish. Under the listing of "personal interests and hobbies" Dave listed dating his wife and nurturing the growth of his 4 children. He also is involved in Questscope, an organization that provides hope and transformation for marginalized women and children in the Middle East. Dave says " My primary goal is to provide the best veterinary care available by keeping current with continuing education and being sensitive to the wants and needs of both my clients and their pets."
David Zehnder DVM
Kurt Erxleben DVM
Even as a high school student, Dr. Kurt Erxleben was hanging around Bay Pines, volunteering in the clinic. Then came college and graduation from Michigan State's Veterinary School and, as they say, the rest is history. Dr. Erxleben has been with the Bay Pines Group since 1992 and also wears the hat of owner, along with Dr. Michael McDonald, Dr. David Zehnder and Dr. Dulak. Married to Christyn, they have three children, Eden, Sara and Noah and also owns multiple pets. Most days you will find Dr. Kurt working at Lake Street Veterinary Clinic in Boyne City. When he does have a spare moment, Dr. Kurt enjoys hunting, anything related to sports and just being outdoors.
Tracy Dulak, DVM
Veterinary medicine is Tracy's second career. After initially earning her Business Administration Management degree from Lake Superior State University and working in the business world for 6 years, Tracy returned to school and earned her DVM degree from Michigan State University. Tracy shares her home with "Ink," a black lab that weighs as much as she does, and 2 cats, "Birdie" and "Olivia." When Dr. Dulak is not at the clinic, you can find her spending time hiking, camping, traveling, fly fishing or just relaxing with her friends and family. Dr. Dulak also maintains our employee pet memorial garden at Bay Pines, which utilizes her love of perennial gardening. In the summer of 2008, Tracy also became a partner with the Bay Pines Group and plans to make Bay Pines her veterinary home forever.
Deborah Andreen DVM
Dr. Andreen, or Dr. Deb as we like to call her, has worked for the Bay Pines Veterinary Group on and off since March of 1988. We say "on and off" because she's also busy being a mom to three adorable young children. You will most often see Dr. Andreen manning our Pellston Clinic. Dr. Deb earned her BS from the University of Michigan (we'll forgive her for that!) and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Besides her husband and children, one dog and two cats share her home.
Marie Skrobak LVT
Like Dr. Dulak, Marie initially earned her business degree, then later realized that her heart was telling her to work with animals. Marie is a now a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has worked for us since 1995. Marie says, "Getting my Animal Science Degree is the best thing I've ever done. My time at Bay Pines has been rewarding and fulfilling. I can't image doing anything else." Marie is "owned" by a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix and one cat. Both pets were adopted from the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. When she's not at the clinic, Marie enjoys attending local lectures, concerts, craft fairs and holiday events. She loves to read and listen to music. Last, but not least, walking and hiking with her dog.
Bay Pines newest addition is Petoskey native, Dr. Holly Howard. Dr. Howard is a 1993 graduate of Petoskey High School and a 2001 grad of Michigan State with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Holly brings 7 years of veterinary medicine experience and her commitment to strengthen the human animal bond by providing quality, compassionate care to the Bay Pines Group.
Holly is married to her husband Chad and has a 2 year old daughter Claire. Holly's home also includes her 2 dogs and a cat. Most days you'll find Dr. Howard at our Pellston Clinic.
Holly Howard DVM
Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic is proud to announce the addition of the services of Dr. Gretchen Flo. Considered one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the country, Dr. Flo graduated from Michigan State University's Veterinary School. She was a general practitioner at MSU for one year before pursuing her masters in orthopedic/spinal neurological surgery. Gretch, as she prefers to be called, has practiced at Michigan State, doing orthopedic procedures on small animals
(companion pets ) ever since. In her spare time Gretch is an avid wood turner and gardener. You can find her showing her wood products locally at Harbor Springs Fourth of July Art Fair.
A brand-new Grandma, Dr Flo has two grown children: a son who has his Fisheries and Wildlife degree and is now enrolled in Chiropractic School and her daughter is a D.O specializing in family practice.
We are excited and honored to have Dr.Gretchen Flo practicing with us seeing appointments and doing surgery each month. Referrals are necessary. Feel free to contact our office with any questions at 347-4552
Gretchen Flo DVM
Fun toys and treats for your dog or cats are available in our Boarding and Grooming store.