MEET OUR DOCTORS

Darlene M. Finley, DVM 
Dr. Finley is a native of the Calumet Region.  She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, in 1998.  She is a current member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).  Since graduation, she has practiced in a variety of small animal hospitals.  These experiences have made her a well-rounded veterinarian through the exposure to many different practice styles. 

Dr Finley has two young children, a daughter, Kendall, and a son, Ryan.  The family wouldn't be complete with out "Aiden" a recently rescued male Belgian Malanois and "Colby"  a stray kitty rescued from the streets of Hammond.  In her rare spare time, Dr. Finley has a passion for playing Hockey!

Fiia A. Jokela, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Canine/Feline Practice) 
Dr. Jokela is a 1990 graduate of Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine.  In 1998 she achieved Board Certification in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP).   In 2008 she renewed board certification by passing the ABVP recertification exam.  Why Choose An ABVP Diplomate?    What ABVP Certification Represents.

Dr. Jokela has a family of 5 pets.  Each has been given a Finnish name in honor of Dr. Jokela's Finnish heritage.  "Saima "is a female black Lab mix who loves to swim.  Saima unfortuanately suffers from advanced arthritis and recently underwent a new therapy for arthritis using adult stem cells.  "Tuovi" is a female terrier mix that came to Deer Run as a homeless puppy with severe low blood sugar.  After a few days of intensive care, the bond between dog and DVM was permanent and "Tuovi" joined the family.  "Raimo" is a male Whippet adopted from a rescue that saved him from a shelter because he had separation anxiety.  "Liisa" is a sweet and mellow black Lab that was also adopted from a rescue.  Dr. Jokela recently lost "Tikko", her beloved diabetic kitty.  But has recently found joy in rescuing a baby kitten, "Teppo", born of feral mother in her neighborhood.  

Although it is difficult for Dr Jokela to find time to get away from the animal hospital, she enjoys visiting the beautiful northwoods of Northern Minnesota where her grandparents settled after immigrating to America from Finland.  She enjoys spending time at her family's rustic cabin on an island near Ely, Minnesota and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.