Dr. Ronald Smith DVM
I grew up in Canon City and graduated in 1973 from Canon City High School. I attended
Colorado State University where I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1981.
After spending 4 ½ years in the Army stationed mainly in Italy, I returned to Canon City
in 1985 and purchased
Fremont Veterinary Hospital from Dr. Gerald Shiner. In 1993 I purchased Canon City
Small Animal Hospital from Dr. Paul Hildebrand and combined the practices. In 2000 I
built a new facility where the practice is now. My favorite areas of practice are surgery
and dentistry and I truly enjoy working with both small and large animals. My wife
Sandy and I have a family of 7 children and 11 grandchildren. We have two dogs, Sierra
and Maddie.
Special Interests:
My favorite areas of practice are surgery and dentistry and I truly enjoy working with
both small and large animals. Sandy and I enjoy travel, golf and are very involved with
our church and Lions Club.
Sandy Smith (Office Manager)
Governor Sandy Smith, of Canon City, CO is a member of the Canon City Noon Lions
Club. She and her husband PCC Lion Dr. Ron Smith own and operate Fremont
Veterinary Hospital in Canon City where she manages the business end of the practice.
She has been a Lion since 1995 and a member of the Noon Club since joining Lions.
Since becoming a Lion, Sandy has served every office in that club except Secretary or
Treasurer. In 2012-2013 she served as that clubs President. She has also served as
Cabinet Secretary for District 6 SE. and member of the board for Colorado Lions
Foundation.
Lion Sandy has been named Lion of the Year and holds a Progressive Melvin Jones
Award and a Presidential Award. In addition to her Lion activities, DG Sandy has been
busy in her family life as well as other passions. She enjoys gardening, golf , travel and
most importantly her love for God and her family. Sandy and her husband, PCC Ron,
also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have a combined family of 7 children and 11
grandchildren
Pets: We have two dogs, Sierra and Maddie.
Dr. Chris Korte DVM
Chris was raised on a family farm in Eastern Missouri. His family raised beef cow/calf
pairs, hogs, and had family pets of dogs, cats, and horses.
He received his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Northwest Missouri State
University before continuing his education at the University of Missouri. From there, he
received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Dr. Korte began his career at a
mixed animal practice in the Kansas City, MO area.
Through the years, Dr. Korte has followed his passion in equine medicine and has
worked at several equine race tracks including Keenland and Church Hill Downs in KY.
The race track helped Dr. Korte enhance his skills in equine lameness and surgery. He
enjoys the challenge of working up a lameness and determining the best treatment
protocol for the equine athlete. Although his passion is in equine medicine, his skills in
both small and large animal are accomplished. Dr. Korte is licensed to practice in 8
states and has had the opportunity to work on many accomplished horses including
Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.
Fremont Veterinary Hospital in Canon City is proud to have Dr. Korte join their team
and looks forward to the opportunities that this relationship will extend to the horseman
and their equine companions. He lives in Pueblo West with his wife Jeanna Blasingame
and their two children. During his time off, Dr. Korte and his family enjoy sports as well
as riding and showing their horses.
Technicians & Assistants
Elaine Carlson-Putzer, CVT
I am a certified veterinary technician, and have been with the hospital since
1993. I graduated from Colorado Mountain College. I am married to Brad Putzer and
together we have a son, Blaine. As a family we enjoy camping, fishing, hunting and
visiting with family. We own a big hearted dog named “Dakota."
Alicia Tomsick, Veterinary Technician
I was born and raised in Canon City. I graduated from Colorado Academy of Veterinary
Technology in 2010 and have been with the hospital for 12 years. I enjoy working on
dentistry and phlebotomy. I am married to my wonderful husband, Jeremy
Tomsick. We have two 4-legged kids, "Bugz" and "Tink-R-Bell." Our hobbies include;
motorcycle rides and being with family and friends.
Crystal Mazel, Veterinary Assistant
I was born and raised in Fremont County. I have been working at the hospital for 9
years. I am married to Kris Mazel. Together we have two children, Alex and Keira. We
also have two cats, "Corporal" and "Samhain" , and a bloodhound "Annabelle." I
enjoy knitting, and taking our family to the ranch. We are very much an outdoor family.
Kayte Miles, Veterinary Technician
I am a Wisconsin native. I recently married my best friend Jake! Together we have two
dogs "Molly" and "Lilly" and our kitty, "Buddy." We love the state of Colorado because
there is so much to do with our fur babies. We enjoy any and all outdoor activties even
"yard work". I graduated from Bel-Rea Instititue of Animal Technology in 2011. I look
forward to meeting all your fur babies when you bring them in.
Lacey Turner, Veterinary Assistant
Client Care Specialists
Patty Czarnota- Client Care Specialist
I am a Michigan Native. I am married to my wonderful husband, Ray. Together we have
three beautiful grown children. I love spending time with my family. "Kodi," my best
bud, is our handsome black laborador. He and I enjoy our daily walks and playing ball
together.
Jaime Smith-Chalepah- Client Care Specialist
I am a Colorado Native with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Fort Lewis College in
Durango, CO. I have been working at Fremont Veterinary Hospital for 2 years. I recently
rescued our newest member to our family "Bowdy" a golden from our clinic. I enjoy
spending my down time going hiking and rafting with my little girl Averie, Mark and
"The Bowdster."
Jennifer Flynn- Client Care Specialist
I am a Colorado Native. I graduated from PIMA medical Institute in 2006. I enjoy
spending time with my family which includes my three children, Jasmine, Cian, and
Violet. We have three cats named "Keykey", "R", and "Cocktail" (whom I rescued from
the clinic).
Boarding
Donna Widick
I am Colorado Native. I have been heading our Boarding department for 9 years.
I welcome all our clients and the furry friends that come stay in boarding. I enjoy
spending time with my family and my five children; two of which are involved in 4-H.
Our family owns two dogs; Soda Pop, and Sweetheart, whom we love dearly. Our family
also, enjoys going camping and fishing.