Dr. Bob Thayer
DVM, Medical Director, Owner
Dr. Bob Thayer is the Medical Director and Owner of Gage Animal Hospital. He has been working in the veterinary industry for several years, driven by his passion for improving the human-animal bond. Dr. Thayer’s journey in animal care began in a small rural community in Indiana, where his strong interests in 4-H, companion animals, and livestock nurtured his love for animals.
After completing his studies in Animal Science at Kansas State University (KSU), Dr. Thayer managed a livestock unit at KSU before pursuing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at KSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Following his graduation, he moved to Southern California in 1990 and built a state-of-the-art small animal practice. However, family commitments eventually led him to sell his practice and relocate back to Kansas, where he joined the Emergency Animal Clinic of Topeka as the Medical Director four years ago.
Dr. Thayer’s professional interests lie in small animal orthopedics and emergency internal medicine. Additionally, he has a deep fascination with wildlife and their relationship with human society, which has motivated his involvement in wildlife rescue efforts. Throughout his career, Dr. Thayer has been recognized for his dedication and expertise. In 2007 and 2008, his previous practice received the Business of the Year award for San Jacinto/Hemet, California. Currently, Gage Animal Hospital is recognized as an AHAA compliant facility and is a member of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Furthermore, Dr. Thayer has served on the interview committee for freshman acceptance at KSU College of Veterinary Medicine for the past three years.
Outside of work, Dr. Thayer maintains a strong connection with his family. He cherishes the family-oriented atmosphere at Gage Animal Hospital, where his sister, Dr. Schoemann, Dr. Cress, and Dr. Bloom are also actively involved. Dr. Thayer enjoys spending time on his small farm, where he raises 4-H sheep. He also indulges in his hobbies, such as working on his cars, cooking for family and friends, and finding solace in the rural lifestyle. Dr. Thayer’s dedication to animal care and his commitment to fostering the human-animal bond are evident in both his professional and personal life.
Dr. Joy Cress
DVM, Owner
Bio coming soon!
Dr. Kate Schoemann
DVM, Owner
Dr. Kathryn is a dedicated Veterinarian at Gage Animal Hospital, bringing a wealth of experience and a lifelong passion for animal care to her practice. Born and raised in central Indiana, Kathryn’s early involvement in 4-H and FFA, where she showed horses, sheep, and cattle, cemented her love for animals and steered her toward a career in veterinary medicine. She began her education at Purdue University in the Pre-Vet program before transferring to Kansas State University, where she completed her Animal Science Degree and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990.
A general practitioner with a special interest in surgery, Kathryn is passionate about client education, emphasizing the importance of preventative medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and previously of the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association, where she was part of a robust veterinary community. Her commitment to ensuring pet owners fully understand the treatments and care options available to their animals is a cornerstone of her practice.
After many years of practicing in Texas, family ties brought Kathryn back to Kansas, where she joined her brother, Dr. Bob Thayer, and sister-in-law, Dr. Joy Thayer, at Gage Animal Hospital. This move allowed her to reconnect with family and find a true sense of home. Kathryn finds immense joy and fulfillment in her work, which has been a constant passion since childhood.
Outside of her professional life, Kathryn enjoys a rich family life with her husband, Willie, her children, and grandchildren. She spends her leisure time horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, gardening, and enjoying the company of her three French Bulldogs. Her deep connection to family and love for animals make her an invaluable member of the Gage Animal Hospital team and the local community.
Dr. Ledbetter
DVM
Bio coming soon!
Becca Stottlemire
Receptionist
Becca is a Receptionist at Gage Animal Hospital, hailing from Topeka, Kansas. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 2017 and earned a Technical Certificate in Culinary Arts from Washburn Tech before pursuing her passion for animals. In December 2023, she graduated from Friends University with a BA in Zoo Science, marking the start of her career in the veterinary field.
Becca’s love for animals drives her dedication to the veterinary industry. Inspired by a story about saving stranded starfish, she approaches her work with the belief that every life matters. She enjoys building connections with both the animals and their owners, finding fulfillment in the relationships she forms and the positive impact she makes, one patient at a time.
Outside of work, Becca volunteers with Northeast Kansas Wildlife, focusing on rehabilitating baby bunnies. She also has a passion for dinosaurs and enjoys tracing the connections between extinct and living species. In her free time, Becca is an avid reader, particularly of fiction and fantasy, with a few horror novels mixed in.
Jenna
Jenna is a Veterinary Technician at Gage Animal Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. She was adopted by her loving family and has lived in Topeka ever since. After graduating from Seamen High School in 2022, Jenna began pursuing her degree in Veterinary Technology at Colby Community College, where she is set to graduate in 2025.
Jenna’s passion for animals began in childhood, always dreaming of working with them. Her favorite part of the job is knowing that she can provide care, comfort, and love to the animals she works with. She realized she was in the right profession when she lost her first regular client, an experience that felt like losing a member of her own family, deepening her connection to the work.
When she’s not at work, Jenna is busy studying for her classes, working hard toward becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. She also enjoys creating her own nail designs and taking care of her pets at home, which include three ducks, a cat, and a dog that just keeps growing.
Patrick
Bio coming soon!
Khai
Bio coming soon!
Reagan
Bio coming soon!
Kayla
Veterinary Technician
Kayla is a dedicated Veterinary Technician at Gage Animal Hospital, where her passion for helping animals shines through every day. From a young age, Kayla knew she was destined for a career in veterinary care, inspired by her love for animals and the desire to make a difference when they are hurting. Her favorite part of the job is providing comfort to the animals in her care, whether that’s through medical attention or simply offering a cuddle.
Outside of work, Kayla is a proud mother to her daughter and a devoted pet parent to two dogs and a cat, who mean the world to her. She is also working toward earning her degree to become a licensed veterinary technician, furthering her commitment to animal care. Kayla’s compassion and dedication make her an invaluable part of the Gage Animal Hospital team.
Lilly
Lilly is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Gage Animal Hospital. Born and raised in Topeka, KS, Lilly has always had a passion for animals. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, driven by her love for caring for all kinds of creatures. This lifelong passion led her into the veterinary industry, where she finds great fulfillment in helping animals, especially in ways they cannot help themselves.
Lilly knew she had found the right career path the moment she realized the impact she could make in an animal’s life. Her favorite part of the job is being able to provide care and comfort to animals in need, knowing she plays a vital role in their well-being.
Outside of work, Lilly enjoys an active lifestyle. She lives with her parents and two older brothers, and spends much of her free time riding horses and bonding with her two beloved dogs: a German Shepherd-Pitbull mix and a Pomsky. Her love for animals extends beyond her job, making her a valued member of the Gage Animal Hospital team.
Mr. Black Cat
Mr. Black Cat is the adorable resident feline at Gage Animal Hospital. With sleek, shiny black fur and bright, curious eyes, he adds a touch of charm and mischief to the clinic. Mr. Black Cat is a master of finding cozy spots to nap, often perched on the reception desk or curled up in a sunny corner.
As the unofficial mascot, Mr. Black Cat brings joy and comfort to both the staff and the patients. His gentle purrs and playful antics never fail to put a smile on everyone’s faces. He has a knack for brightening even the busiest of days with his playful pounces and affectionate head bumps.
Beyond his playful nature, Mr. Black Cat also has a talent for providing comfort to nervous animals during their visits. He has a calming presence that helps soothe anxious patients and makes their veterinary experience a little less daunting.
When he’s not busy charming everyone at the clinic, Mr. Black Cat enjoys chasing toy mice, exploring hidden nooks, and receiving chin scratches from anyone willing to give them. His mischievous personality and sweet demeanor have made him an indispensable part of the Gage Animal Hospital family.
Whether he’s perched on a windowsill, gracefully swatting at imaginary creatures, or snuggled up in a cozy bed, Mr. Black Cat brings warmth and happiness to all who encounter him. He truly embodies the spirit of a beloved clinic cat, capturing hearts with his charm and reminding everyone that even in the midst of medical care, there’s always room for a little feline love.