Arrin Colgan, DVM

Owner, Veterinarian

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something with animals. When people started asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was easy…”a vet”. I was stubborn enough to go through with it too. Nothing could deter me, not even being bit by a dog when I was about five (it was totally my fault, as I really, really wanted to pet the blind and deaf dog). I was determined that all animals would love me. I have fond memories of playing fetch with my grandpa’s Chihuahua, Edna….who hated children (aka me). She would get the ball and go to my grandpa’s lap. I would then bug him to get the ball and give it to me so that I could throw it. Edna would race to get the ball and then go back to his lap. I couldn’t touch her but we played fetch this way for what seemed like forever.

 

As I got older, I learned that I also really liked helping people. Becoming a veterinarian was the perfect fit for me: I could work with animals and help people. With hard work and dedication, I was able to get into vet school here at the U of I after graduating from the U of I with a bachelor’s degree.

 

While in vet school, I knew I wanted to get hands-on experience so I volunteered at the Wildlife Clinic. This was an amazing experience teaching me many invaluable lessons in life and medicine. One of my favorite cases was a 35 lb. snapping turtle that had its shell damaged from a boat and later found to have swallowed a fishing hook!

 

I graduated in 2011 and worked as a doctor at the same clinic that I had started out in (volunteer and then as an assistant). When that clinic changed ownership, I made a comment to Dr. K that she should open a clinic and I could run it for her. The rest is history.”

 

Dr. Colgan took over ownership of Loving Paws in November 2021. She lives in Le Roy with her husband (Chuck), her son (Dominic), and pet family consisting of one dog (Zuko), one cat (Motzu), and two goldfish. In her spare time, she likes to paint and draw. Keep an eye out for her artwork throughout the clinic.