NORTH ALABAMA ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Dr. Thompson grew up in Lawrenceburg, TN. He attended UT Martin for his undergraduate studies. He graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science. Dr. Thompson attended the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2013. He has been with North Alabama Animal Hospital since June of 2014. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially soft tissue surgery, dentistry, nutrition, and ultrasonography. Dr. Thompson is married to his wife Jennifer, and they have two children. They also have a Boston Terrier mix named Newman.
Dr. Emily Beason is a veterinarian who is certified and specializes in animal acupuncture & chiropractics. Her love of animals runs deep from her roots of growing up on a beef cattle farm in Middle Tennessee. She is a ranch wife, mother of two, and business owner running a beef cattle operation with her husband.
Dr. Beason is a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her certification in acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and completed her certification in chiropractics through the Parker Animal Chiropractic Program. She is board certified through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association for animal chiropractics.
For part of the year, she is a laboratory instructor and teacher in Dallas, Texas at the Parker Animal Chiropractic program. She also works in multiple clinic locations while traveling between two states doing acupuncture/chiropractic adjustments on animals full time with her own business New Horizons Integrative Veterinary Services.
Dr. Harlie Arndt grew up in Florence, AL where she attended the University of North Alabama. During her undergraduate years, she joined the NAAH team as a kennel technician. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Summa Cum Laude honors in 2016. She was also a four year starter on the UNA softball team and was the third baseman on the 2016 National Championship team. Dr. Arndt started veterinary school in the summer of 2016 at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in May 2020. Dr. Arndt is married to Nick and they have 2 dogs and cats. Away from work, she enjoys outdoor activities and slow pitch softball. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and is excited to be a part of North Alabama Animal Hospital.
Dr. Hilard Whitlock established what is now known as North Alabama Animal Hospital in 1959 and practiced large and small animal medicine for 43 years until his retirement in 2002. Dr. Troy Youngblood purchased the practice in 2002 making the name change from Whitlock Animal Hospital to North Alabama Animal Hospital after several months of practice. The practice remained in the Whitlock Animal Hospital location from 2002-2008. The growth of the practice spurred a need for a larger facility and a new state of the art hospital was constructed at 406 Cox Boulevard in Sheffield. North Alabama Animal Hospital began occupancy of its new facility in April of 2008. The new hospital is spacious, client-friendly, and reflects the quality of medicine practiced at North Alabama Animal Hospital. Our commitment to patient care and customer service remains the cornerstone of our practice philosophy. Our goal is to build on past success and provide our community with the best veterinary care possible!
Dr. Thornton was born and raised in The Shoals, Tuscumbia specifically. She graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2015, with magna cum laude honors. Later she attended veterinary school at Auburn University, where she graduated in 2019 with summa cum laude honors. After graduation, she and her husband Andrew moved to Hahira, Georgia where she practiced at a small animal veterinary clinic for a little over a year and a half. When she gave birth to her first child, Benjamin, Dr. Thornton and her husband knew it was time to come home and be around their families. Along with her sons, she has 4 fur babies: a beagle named Beau, a pit bull named Reese, a Maine coon named Bellatrix, and a domestic shorthair cat named Batman. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, and snuggling with her precious baby.
Dr. Bonner was born in Albany, GA. He attended Auburn University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 2004. He began veterinary school in 2004 at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated in 2007 with Summa Cum Laude honors. Dr. Bonner began his veterinary career in June 2007 at North Alabama Animal Hospital. He has an interest in cardiology, ultrasonography, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Bonner is married to Lindsey, and they have three daughters. They also have two dogs and a cat. Away from work, he enjoys CrossFit, Auburn football, and his family life.
Dr. Youngblood grew up in Tallahassee, FL and attended Auburn University majoring in Animal and Dairy Sciences. He earned a Master's of Agriculture in 1996 and began veterinary school in 1997. Upon graduation from Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine with honors in 2001, Dr. Youngblood began his career practicing in Chattanooga, TN. In 2002 he purchased what is now North Alabama Animal Hospital from Dr. Whitlock. His professional interests include orthopedic diseases and surgery, ophthalmology, and dentistry. He and his wife Mary Cecelia have 2 daughters and a son. They share their home with two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.