My Pet's Records

Mary E. Kraus-Leppanen, DVM graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. She worked for one year at Miller Animal Clinic providing veterinary care to both small and large animals. She started working at Abbott Road Animal Clinic in 1988. Dr. Mary was Dr. Kenneth Achterberg’s first associate in 23 years. In 1992 Dr. Mary purchased Abbott Road Animal Clinic and is the current Medical Director.

Dr. Mary’s life has definitely been busy. She married her husband, Joe, also a veterinarian, in May of 1986. He is still her best friend and biggest supporter. Together they enjoy training and showing dogs in obedience and conformation. In their spare time they also travel, garden,  can food and cook nutritious meals. 

Drs. Mary & Joe’s first child, Ethan, came into their family in March of 1996. He was followed by sons, Quinn (1998), Abrahm (1999), and Ezra in 2001. The only girl, Amara joined the family in 2003. Then to complete their family, they welcomed George, their Egyptian-born son into the family in March of 2013. Raising 6 kids that were very involved in sports and other activities lead to a hectic and challenging day. However, Drs. Mary & Joe loved every minute of it. They are very proud of the good people their children are becoming. 

When Dr. Mary was not busy with the children she was happily involved in the Music Ministry at their church, St. Johns Student Parish/St. Thomas Aquinas. Dr. Mary started singing & cantoring in 1983 and presently continues this calling.  All their children have graduated from St. Thomas & Lansing Catholic High School. This was no easy feat but something she felt strongly about.  

Drs. Mary & Joe became involved in the high school spring break mission trips to Alabama. Dr. Mary provided medical care and cooked for the entire crew. Dr. Mary started during Ethan’s freshman year and Dr. Joe joined the following year. The other children started joining once they entered the 7th grade and continued through their senior year. The experience they shared as a family, helping others in need was invaluable and cherished by the entire family. Dr. Mary’s 10th year on the mission trip would have been 2020 but it was canceled due to the pandemic. At one point, the entire Leppanen family was in Alabama on a mission trip. That was something worth celebrating!

Dr. Mary is also very involved in breeding Pomeranians, which started in 2012. She enjoys the challenges of having and raising puppies. Her puppies are many fun colors and well socialized which makes for fantastic family pets. 

Dr. Mary’s next life step is preparing for retirement. She thoroughly enjoys spending time at their future home on Saginaw Bay in Bay City, Michigan. She is excited to see what the next chapter in her life may hold.

Dr. Vander Yacht graduated from Ross University in 2016 with her veterinary degree and practiced in Tennessee before returning to her home state of Michigan. She and her husband and their twin daughters enjoy spending time outdoors with their chickens, honeybees and 2 dogs. When she isn't working, or chasing kids and chickens, Dr. Vander Yacht enjoys baking, sewing, and camping.