Orrville veterinarian brings a caring heart to the job
Judy Jackwood, a veterinarian with Orrville Veterinary Clinic, and a four-legged friend.
Judy Jackwood, a veterinarian with Orrville Veterinary Clinic for more than two decades, always knew she wanted a career involving animals. Growing up in Maryland, she loved her dog and had a special fondness for horses.
“Growing up I begged my parents for horseback riding lessons, which I ended up getting,” Jackwood said.
Her passion for horses led her to major in animal science when she entered college, though she was still uncertain about her future career path.
Her college advisor, a veterinarian, suggested she gain some hands-on experience. Working at a veterinary clinic during this time helped solidify her decision. Jackwood decided to pursue veterinary school at The Ohio State University. Though she wasn’t originally from Ohio and had other options, OSU felt like the right fit.
“Ohio State had a good reputation, and it was the first school to accept me into the program,” she said. “I liked Ohio so much I ended up staying after I finished veterinary school.”
Jackwood moved around Ohio before eventually settling in Wayne County. She began her career at the Cleveland Road Animal Hospital in Wooster but soon learned of an opportunity at Orrville Veterinary Clinic. She joined the practice in 2003 and never looked back. Initially, she considered working with large animals, but an incident involving a colleague who was kicked in the head by a horse led her to focus on small animal practice instead.
During the early days of her career, Jackwood balanced her work with the challenges of raising two children.
“The fact that we handled emergencies in our practice meant that we often had late hours,” she said. “It was difficult to find a healthy work-life balance.”
The landscape has shifted since then, especially after the pandemic. Most small veterinary practices now refer emergency cases to specialized emergency veterinary hospitals. Jackwood noted that this change offers younger veterinarians a better shot at maintaining a balanced life.
Over the years, Jackwood has seen the field of veterinary medicine change significantly.
“It’s become increasingly difficult to get staff: both veterinarians and vet technicians,” she said.
She also mentioned the rise of new technology and the trend toward corporate ownership of veterinary practices.
“Our Orrville practice is fortunate to still be veterinarian-owned and managed,” she said.
For Jackwood, the bond she forms with both pets and their owners is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
“My favorite part of the job is getting a diagnosis and getting a pet stabilized and treated,” she said. “I love the people I meet, and I become very attached to both them and to their pets.”
However, the emotional aspects of the job can also be difficult.
“While it’s often hard to euthanize the animals, as I have gotten older, I believe that it is a special calling to be able to be there with both the owner and their pet,” she said. “Probably the hardest part is watching someone struggle with letting go of a pet when it is time for the animal to be euthanized.”
Despite the challenges, Jackwood’s dedication to her career remains steadfast. Reflecting on her journey, she said she wouldn’t change a thing.
“I enjoy being a veterinarian, and if I had it to do over, I would choose the same career path and become a veterinarian all over again,” she said.
Her love for animals and commitment to providing compassionate care continue to guide her work at Orrville Veterinary Clinic.