Clair Hammond

     My name is Clair Hammond but most of my friends just call me “Missy” a nickname given to me by my grandfather.  I am seeking a Master's Degree in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.  I live in Halls, Tennessee with my husband of 34 years Tom – a devoted UT Vols fan.  I had to promise even though a University of Florida Graduate student, I would not, under any circumstances cheer for the Gator football team.  We have two children Charlie and Rachel and five grandchildren and one on the way.    

     I am so excited about the shelter medicine program at the University of Florida. I read this quote recently and it describes where I am today starting this graduate program, “If it excites you and scares you at the same time, it might be a good thing to try.” So I’m going to give it a try!     

      My education background consist of a BS Degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee in 1998.  My first love was beef cattle and worked in an embryo transfer until I met my husband and moved back to Tennessee. I then started working as a Vet Tech at our local animal hospital, which is where my love for Veterinary and Shelter Medicine began to grow.  While working at the animal hospital, I was asked to help write the high school agriculture curriculum for the small animal and veterinary science courses for the state of Tennessee.  Little did I know that in a few years I would take a job teaching those very courses at my home town high school in Halls, Tennessee.  I completed my Degree in Agriculture Education and was able to pilot the courses and continued to teach there for 20 years.      

     I always knew I wanted to add more hands-on and laboratory skills to my courses that would mimic the actual veterinary clinic setting but met much resistance with the leadership in the school system.  That lead me to my current positions teaching Agriculture/Veterinary Science courses at Munford High School.  We are located 20 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee.  I have been at Munford High School for 8 years.  I realized my dream of a veterinary science program offering hands-on training when I started a feline spay neuter clinic at our high school in conjunction with the Tipton County Animal Shelter, My students serve as assistants and care for the animals.  We host 3 clinic per week at the school and partner with 3 different local veterinarians to do surgeries.  We now have one veterinarian working with us three days per week and also doing wellness and seeing minor medical cases.

     When we first started the cat spay neuter clinic the shelter was taking in over 1000 cats per year and euthanizing 46% of the cats.  We have worked with the shelter to improve management practices and starting a second clinic for dogs at the neighboring high school.       

     Over the years, I have rescued and loved many animals.  Several miniature poodles, great Pyrenees and my favorite blue heelers.  I currently have only one cat “Gus”.  He was an owner surrender at our shelter for being aggressive and was scheduled for euthanasia.  He captured my heart and is our school clinic cat and serves as a therapy cat for students.  This program has changed my life and my career.  I thank you all for having a part of my journey.