About Us
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About Us
Founded more than 30 years ago, the Highland Animal Hospital’s goal is to provide quality compassionate care. Our philosophy has always been to treat our clients and patients as family members. We pledge to nurture and support the bond between you and your pet by providing quality health care services, pet care education, and to always do our best to keep your companion healthy and happy.
The Highland Animal Hospital was founded by Dr. Michael Diesen and his wife Dolores Diesen. Dr. Diesen was a native of Highland who began practicing medicine in Greenville in 1979. At the start he split his time between Greenville and Highland. In 1981, Dr. Diesen and his wife decided that Highland needed a full time veterinarian and were very excited to be able to fill that role.
On August 1, 1981 the Highland Veterinary Clinic opened its doors in the former clinic of Dr. Rogers. The practice started and continues as a family affair. You could often find their son, Jeff, taking out trash or playing baseball behind the office. The Diesen’s daughter Michelle, was often found greeting all the animals that came to be cared for.
Located in Highland, we provide service to the surrounding area.
Dolores Diesen ran the office. She was integral to reaching their dreams of a quality, caring veterinary office. Dr. Diesen was the sole veterinarian at this time. They were also pleased to have Mary Korte, Dolores’s sister-in-law join the practice as a valued employee. At this time the practice was mixed animal. The clinic grew quickly and soon outgrew the previous building, a new building was built in the empty lot next door. The doors opened in October of 1989. The practice continued to grow and change and as of Jan 1st 2000, became strictly a small animal hospital. Dr. Diesen and his wife were proud to welcome their daughter, Michelle to the practice as a veterinarian in 2003. Tragically Dr. Diesen passed away too soon in 2008.
However, Dr. Diesen and his wife’s dream continues on with the help of their children and families. Dolores Diesen retired in 2013 and enjoys time with her grandkids, and spending time with family and friends.
With continued success of the practice, the original building was demolished in 2017 and a new hospital was built by Plocher Construction. The new building, which opened in 2018, was a major expansion allowing for a larger lobby, additional exam rooms and treatment areas as well as a larger hospitalization area. Dr. Michelle Leckrone serves as Hosptial Manager. Associate veterinarians include, Dr. Heather Tegeler and Dr. Carrie Nieto. Kathy Diesen, practice manager and Sara Riggs team leader, along with customer service representatives and veterinary technicians make up the hospital team. We continue to hold to the ideals started by Dr. Mike Diesen and his wife. We are so lucky to be a part of the Highland community and to provide service to our wonderful clients. We hope to continue to provide exceptional compassionate care for many years to come.
