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Animal Hospital of Ludington

Privately and Woman-owned Practice

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231-845-7719

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Paxton and 4 furry friends

Dr. Stephen Paxton

Founder of Animal Hospital of Ludington

Dr. Paxton is the founder of the Animal Hospital of Ludington, where he built a legacy of compassionate, high-quality veterinary care rooted in community trust. After years of dedicated service, he transitioned ownership of the practice to his daughter, Dr. Leslie Deines, ensuring his commitment to excellence and patient care continues through the next generation.

Dr. Leslie Deines

Dr. Leslie Deines

Associate Veterinarian

In many ways, veterinary medicine is in Dr. Leslie Deines’ blood. That’s because she’s the daughter of Dr. Steve Paxton, proud owner and operator of the Animal Hospital of Ludington! Dr. Deines was born during her father’s last year of veterinary school, so she’s been around the field for her entire life. Her own lifelong passion for animal care made one thing very clear: she was destined to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a veterinarian herself.

Dr. Deines is a Ludington native and was only four or five years old when she started helping her dad around the clinic and going on farm calls to assist with horses and cattle. She gained even more real-world experience by volunteering at the local animal hospital during her high school and community college careers. Dr. Deines attended West Shore Community College and Michigan State University for her undergraduate degree in animal science, studying abroad in Northern Ireland for a semester, before heading to veterinary school at Michigan State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Deines graduated in 2013 and joined the Animal Hospital of Ludington team as an Associate Veterinarian a few weeks later. She has a special interest in anesthesia, and she’s also fond of mentoring and teaching new employees and interns about the field of veterinary medicine.

In her time away from the office, Dr. Deines enjoys watching movies with her husband, J.P., practicing yoga, bicycling, reading, drawing and painting, and doting on her own pets at home. The couple shares their lives with a loveable Beagle/Pit Bull mix named Otis; a black housecat named Stretch; Merida the Calico barn cat; and a retired show horse named Tazz-Tazz who has been Dr. Deines’ partner since she was 14 years old.

Dr. Jessica Reum

Dr. Jessica Reum

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Jessica Reum knew she had an interest in veterinary medicine at the age of 13 when her horse Piper needed medical attention. Growing up as the daughter of two physicians, medicine was always on her radar as a potential career. However, Dr. Reum forged her own path by immersing herself in the field at an early age, volunteering with local veterinarians and nurturing her passion for animal care.

Driven by her passion, Dr. Reum enthusiastically pursued the pre-veterinary program at Michigan State University immediately after graduating from Ludington High School. Her dedication and academic excellence earned her early admission to the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. She later obtained her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine from MSU in December 2008. In May 2011, she proudly earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with Honors.

Following her graduation from MSU CVM, Dr. Reum pursued further training and expertise by completing a small animal rotating internship with Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida. This experience helped her gain comprehensive knowledge and vast experience with various aspects of veterinary medicine, surgery, imaging, and emergency care. Armed with her newfound knowledge and skills, she secured an associate position at Boca Veterinary Clinic in Boca Raton, Florida. Over the course of 11 years, Dr. Reum flourished as a veterinarian and leader within the clinic, working with a diverse range of patients and honing her expertise in ultrasound imaging, veterinary dentistry, and other facets of veterinary medicine. Her tenure at Boca Veterinary Clinic provided her with a solid foundation in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to pets and their families.

After a 12-year hiatus away from Michigan, Dr. Reum is excited to return home. Having recently married and welcomed her first child, she and her family made the decision to come back to the shores of Lake Michigan. The allure of the area’s outdoor lifestyle, encompassing biking, hiking, and enjoying time by the lake resonates strongly with them. Even their diabetic dog, LG, is thriving and looking forward to partaking in the fun!

Dr. Reum is thrilled about the opportunity to create a nurturing environment for her family and extend her passion for pet care to the community that holds a special place in her heart. She eagerly awaits the chance to provide exceptional veterinary care and forge lasting relationships with both her furry patients and their loving families.