Veterinarians:
Biography for: Katherine S. Settle, DVM
I have worked with animals since I was five-years-old, helping my dad, Dr. William K. Settle, who opened Sanford Animal Hospital in 1960. I would wash surgical instruments and get them ready for autoclave sterilization. I hand raised a calf who lived outside my bedroom window until he was well enough to walk and go home. I can also remember delivering piglets since my small hands could get into the sow to grab them and aid in the delivery. I worked for dad at the clinic until I attended The University of North Carolina where I received my B.S. in Zoology. Since there was no veterinary school in North Carolina at the time, I attended The Ohio State University on the reciprocal program with North Carolina and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. This is where I met my wonderful husband, John Shontz, DVM.
John and I practiced our first years in Florida. While there, I became involved with a wonderful breed, the Greyhound-in particular the track Greyhound. I have been active in Greyhound rescue and adoption ever since. Sanford Animal Hospital was the first track Greyhound adoption facility in North Carolina. Now, fortunately, there are many. These wonderful dogs make GREAT pets!
In addition, I have also owned both track and show Greyhounds and dual UKC/AKC registered Black and Tan Coonhounds. I enjoy participating in conformation, obedience and performance events. I have trained Utility, CDX and CD dogs – both Coonhounds and Greyhounds, and boast the #1 Greyhound in obedience for five years. Under my kennel name, Designer, my breeding program has produced two Black and Tan Coonhound #1 breed-point dogs, National and Regional Specialty winners, a Best in Show and the sire of the top coonhound in the history of the breed. That sire, CH. Designer Southern Enterprise more affectionately called “Riker” was inducted into the American Black and Tan Coonhound Hall of Fame.
In addition to general medicine, I have a special passion for canine reproduction. I love the enthusiasm and dedication to the breed that I get from my reproductive clients, and I love the babies!! My interest in canine reproduction began somewhere around 1982. Since then I have been a member of The Society of Theriogenology (animal reproduction) and attend their annual meetings and workshops.
While I do love the babies, I have to say that my senior patients have my heart. Our “older” family members are a part of us. We have learned to think the same way and we know each others’ moves, sometimes before we even make them. The graying around the eyes and muzzle brings an air of respect and wisdom. We need to take special care of our old friends, since they have given us nothing but unconditional love.

Biography for Sarah Hartge, DVM

John F. Shontz, DVM - pic coming soon!
I was raised in a suburb on the east side of Cleveland Ohio known as Mayfield. That’s right, the same as Beaver Cleaver!! My college education started in electrical engineering at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. What a mistake!! I hated it – electrical engineering, that is, not Northwestern. After seeing the light (and not knowing how it worked!) I transferred to The Ohio State University into the College of Agriculture where I studied Animal Science/Nutrition. I was then fortunate enough to gain entrance into their College of Veterinary Medicine receiving my degree in 1978. The best thing to come out of my years in Columbus was meeting Katherine Settle, my classmate then, my wife now. We married shortly after graduation, spent a year working in private practice in St. Petersburg/Tampa area of Florida. We then came to Sanford to enter into business with her father, Dr. William K. Settle at Sanford Animal Hospital. Our practice grew to the point that we decided to open another hospital in 1991 on the west side of town that could also service large animals – was born!!

I have had a lot of experience with just about every facet of being a veterinarian in private practice and never shy away from a new challenge. Currently, my main interests and expertise is in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. I’m also a die-hard Cleveland Browns and Indians fan as well as a season ticket holder of the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes!!!

Customer Relations:
Judy Hinzman - Office Manager
Elisha Ashworth
April Parker

Nursing Staff:
Stacey Hathaway,RVT - Personnel Manager
Karen Hall, RVT
Heather Windham, RVT
Nancy Humphrey, RVT
Jennie Matthews, RVT
Michelle Farmer, RVT

Nursing assistants:
Rebecca Spencer – Inventory Manager
Paige Robertson
Marshall Wade

Animal care specialists:
Kathy Powers – Kennel Manager
Susan Violon – Assistant Kennel Manager
Marvin Urias
Marie Dandron
James Dandron
Kayla Lane

Grooming services and coiffures by Amanda King