Veterinarian returns to set up practice in her hometown

When Lisa Mikol-Doering was about 8 years old, she remembers clearing out a spot in the garage to build a dog house for her pet collie. She pampered her puppy and bought all the accessories for her.

Mikol-Doering, a native of Bartlett, is still caring for pets.

She recently launched Westgate Veterinary Center at 770 W. Bartlett Road in Bartlett. She operates the practice where she sees dogs and cats and has a special interest in exotic animals and birds. "I have a special room and equipment for exotic and avian animals," she said.

Another aspect that differentiates Mikol-Doering's practice is that she does laparoscopic surgeries that are often less evasive. "There are not many clinics that do this type of surgery," she said. She also does preventive and wellness care for dogs and cats as well as dental surgery.

Mikol-Doering's husband, Matt, assists in the marketing aspect of the business. The couple grew up in Bartlett and became high school sweethearts at Elgin High.

After veterinary school, the two relocated to Tampa, Fla., where Mikol-Doering practiced for eight years. It was her interest in exotic and aquatic animals that took her south.

The couple now has two daughters, Caroleena, 4, and Mia, 22 months, and wanted to raise their family in Bartlett. "It's nice to be back. There has been so much growth here since we left," Mikol-Doering said. The family also has four cats, a dog and a bird.

The veterinarian said she's enjoying getting to know her clients and reconnecting with people she hasn't seen in years.

She added that the clinic is family oriented. "We have a kid-friendly waiting room. I know from experience how important that is," she said.

The clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

For more information, call (630) 289-2288 or check out www.westgateveterinary.com.

Yogurt craze coming: Red Mango, a company that makes healthy frozen yogurt, is set to open next week at 111 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville.

Founded in 2002, Red Mango is South Korea's largest purveyor of authentic natural frozen yogurt. The company operates more than 100 stores in major cities throughout South Korea.

Unlike traditional frozen yogurts that often contain artificial flavors, sweeteners or excessive calories, Red Mango uses natural ingredients and contains nutrients and probiotics that are good for your health. For more, check out, www.RedMangoUSA.com.

Boosting confidence: The Professional Business Women of Illinois will host "Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It," a motivational workshop designed to explore how to achieve what you want in life, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 19 at Home State Bank in Crystal Lake. National trainer, local business owner and published author Judy Pelinski is the speaker.