From Stray Dogs to Stethoscopes: How This Small-Town Vet Student Is Revolutionizing Rural Animal Care – You Won’t Believe Her Mission!
Madie Petree is on the brink of a dream she’s held since childhood. A fourth-year veterinary student at Oklahoma State University, Madie is set to graduate in May and embark on a career in rural mixed animal practice in Wyoming. But her journey to this moment is more than just a professional milestone—it’s a testament to her deep-rooted passion for animals, her commitment to serving underserved communities, and her belief in the power of kindness and perseverance.
A Childhood Shaped by Compassion
Growing up in a small town of fewer than 5,000 people near the Arkansas/Oklahoma border, Madie was surrounded by rescued stray dogs and a tight-knit community. Living within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation, she witnessed firsthand the challenges rural areas face in accessing affordable veterinary care. These experiences ignited a fire in her to become a veterinarian who could make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their families.
"These experiences and strong mentorship my hometown veterinary clinic ignited a fire in me to become a veterinarian who could make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their families."
A Mission to Help People and Animals
Madie’s mission in life is simple yet profound: to help as many people and animals as possible. “As cheesy as it sounds, I genuinely want to make a tangible difference in the world,” she shares. “I want to positively affect the lives of individual families and their animals with every client and animal interaction.”
This mission drives her as she prepares to enter rural mixed animal practice, where she’ll care for everything from cows and horses to dogs and cats. For Madie, it’s not just about treating animals—it’s about supporting the families who rely on them for companionship, livelihood, and love.
Advice to Her Younger Self: Believe in Your Potential
If Madie could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to believe in herself more. “I didn’t have a lot of confidence growing up,” she admits. “I didn’t recognize any leadership potential in myself until college, when others pointed it out and pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Those experiences transformed her. Madie stepped into leadership roles she never imagined for herself, discovering strengths she didn’t know she had. “I’d encourage everyone to not be afraid to try new things,” she says. “You’re likely capable of far more than you ever imagined. Don’t let others define your limitations.”
Best Career Advice: Enjoy the Journey
One piece of career advice that has stuck with Madie is to enjoy each phase of life instead of constantly waiting for the next milestone. “It’s so easy to think, ‘Oh, I just have to get through graduation, and then life will be better,’” she says. “But there’s always going to be another ‘next thing.’ Instead of waiting to jump each hurdle, enjoy the journey.”
This mindset has helped her stay grounded and present, even during the demanding years of veterinary school. It’s a reminder to find joy in the process, not just the destination.
A Vision for a Kinder World
Madie’s hope for the world is simple yet powerful: more support for one another. “I’d love to see people lift each other up instead of tearing each other down,” she says. “It’s easy to get caught up in survival mode and only focus on ourselves, but small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
Whether it’s offering a hug to a friend or buying a coffee for a stranger, Madie believes these little gestures add “extra magic” to life. It’s a philosophy she carries into her work, striving to create positive interactions with every client and patient.
Clearing Her Head: Nature, Poetry, and Song
After a stressful day, Madie finds solace in the great outdoors. “I love sitting in my hammock, reading a book, writing a poem, or singing a worship song,” she says. “Spending time outside, especially when the sun is shining, is my favorite way to recharge.”
Her love for nature and creativity reflects her Cherokee heritage, a part of her identity she holds dear. “I’m proud to be a Cherokee citizen,” Madie says. “I plan to take Cherokee language classes this summer to deepen my connection to my culture.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Madie prepares to graduate and begin her career in Wyoming, she’s filled with gratitude and excitement. “I’m so proud and blessed to soon join this great profession,” she says. “I can’t wait to live out my dream of serving rural communities and making a difference, one animal and one family at a time.”
Madie Petree is more than a future veterinarian—she’s a beacon of compassion, resilience, and hope. Her journey is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of kindness, we can all make the world a better place. And for Madie, that world starts in the rolling hills of Wyoming, where she’ll soon be making her mark, one paw print at a time.
