Spring Lake's Trusted Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Heckler graduated from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Happy childhood memories of Grand Haven Beach helped motivate her decision to move to Spring Lake in 1999. During the following 10 years, she practiced in clinics in Spring Lake and Grand Haven. Being exposed to so many clinics helped when designing West Shore Veterinary Clinic. She envisioned a space organized for patient comfort and staff efficiency. She shares her home with Ray, our practice manager, three dogs – Bug, Amos, and Benjamin – and four cats – Rory, Sam, Ellie, and Marcel Marceau.

Dr. Kellie Purucker graduated from the Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She joined the staff here at West Shore Veterinary Clinic in September 2024. In addition to her work, she has continued with additional coursework in soft tissue surgery and compassionate end-of-life care. Dr. Purucker also has a lovely family. She, her husband, Taylor, and toddler son, Luke, share a home in Spring Lake. They have two Labrador Retrievers (three if you count Luke who thinks he is a lab). Dr. Purucker loves all animals and is, as she says, a sucker for Labs and orange kitties. Aside from work, education, and her family, Dr. Purucker enjoys reading, camping, and crafting.

Christina was born and raised in Fruitport and currently resides in Ravenna. She graduated from Baker College's Veterinary Technician Program in 2013. She loves all animals, large and small. She has a horse, three dogs, and two cats. She has two sons and enjoys being a cheerleader at their sporting events. As a family, they all enjoy fostering animals, camping, and relaxing in their pool.

Shelby was born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan. She graduated from Sanford Brown's Veterinary Technician program in 2013. She has two dogs – Prim and Cozmo. The human-animal bond, as well animal behavior are some of her professional passions. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jessica has worked in the veterinary filed since 2008, bringing years of compassionate care to her patients. She especially enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and watching their puppies and kittens grow up into adults. Outside of work, Jessica loves spending time with her family, caring for her pets and plants, enjoying the outdoors, and sharing treats with the neighborhood crows.

Makyla is a Grand Haven, MI native. She has a strong love for animals, which drove her to pursue a career in the veterinary world. She has two dogs, Kyzer and Zeeko. When she is not at work, she enjoys working on her home with her husband, Kevin. She also loves to fish, hunt and spend time with her family.

Tanya is from Norton Shores, currently residing in Spring Lake with her husband Matthew, daughters Myla & Madalee, their dog Evelynn, and 6 cats. Tanya has been fostering with local cat rescue, Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven, since 2018. She devotes much of her spare time to caring for her foster cats/kittens and volunteering for the rescue. She also enjoys taking her daughters on local adventures and car shenanigans with her husband.

Cara is a West Michigan native. She lives in Whitehall area with her husband, Christian, their baby, Hudson, and their zoo. Together they have three dogs, two cats, a rabbit, and several fish. Cara has worked with animals for several years now. She began working at area doggy daycares, but more recently has worked as a receptionist for an out-of-town vet clinic before coming to West Shore. In her spare time she loves to clean, explore outdoors, and spend time with friends and family. She loves all animals and enjoys seeing them everyday!

Alyssa is from Fennville, but currently lives in Muskegon with her spouse, Brent. They have one dog named Bentley and three cats. Alyssa has been an avid animal lover her entire life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and spending time with friends and family.

Anita's hometown is Sugar Land, Texas. She has over 17 years of experience in veterinary medicine and holds a B.A. in Sociology from St. Mary's College, as well as a Digital Marketing Science certificate from Grand Valley State University. Anita is dedicated to combining compassionate, hands-on care with strategic digital practices to help the clinic thrive. She has one very spoiled golden retriever named Mabel. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, gardening, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

Ray is a 1985 graduate of California State University and has spent his career in start-up business management including 20 years as the owner and publisher of a regional motorcycle magazine. He moved to West Michigan in 2012 to live with Dr. Heidi. They are the proud pet parents of three dogs – Bug, Amos, and Benjamin – and four cats – Rory, Sam, Ellie, and Marcel Marceau.