Dr. Howard's love for science, medicine and animals brought him to the field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Howard graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973. Before Animal Clinic At The Crossings opened in 1997, he worked with his partners Dr. Owens and Dr. Balliett at West Loop Animal Hospital, which opened in 1981. Animal Clinic At The Crossings was sold in 2008 and Dr. Howard returned to practice at West Loop Animal Hospital. Dr. Howard is an active member in many associations including: American Veterinary Medical Association, and he was President in 1979 of the East Texas Veterinary Medical Association, which he is still an active member. During the year, Dr. Howard attends veterinary conferences and seminars continuing his education in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Howard is an outdoorsman. He enjoys fishing, hunting and maybe cutting down a few dead trees. His wife, Jan, is an incredible baker and brings us her famous chocolate cake! He has five grandchildren, Ethan, Isaac, Khloe, Evan and LeLe. It is always a pleasure to see them because they are quite entertaining. Dr. Howard has two daughters, Laura and Wendy. They are a close Christian family. Dr. Howard also has a Boykin Spaniel officially named Dixieland's Rebel Yell, but he is known to us as "Rebel".  He is also a board member of the Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association and is serving as head of the Health and Genetic Committee.

We know Dr. Howard to be a teacher. He is always willing to speak at any event about veterinary medicine. Our team and our clients love and trust Dr. Howard. This proficient veterinarian has a great sense of humor and bedside manner. When our team members need to ask him a question, he answers promptly. He asks probing questions and will provide more information than we had anticipated, so we are sure to always have a pen and pad ready! The best qualities we find in Dr. Howard are his abilities to continue to learn, practice excellent up-to-date veterinary care, leading his team, and teaching others. He does this with grace and has a true caring nature for people and animals.

Who would have thought that this highly-respected and competent veterinarian once wanted to be a dentist? Dr. Owens started out at Baylor University in the field of pre-dentistry, but later transferred to Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science, Magna Cum Laude, in 1978 and subsequently received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cum Laude, in 1979. Biology and Life Sciences captured Dr. Owens interest at a young age. He spent summers on the farm instead of the little league fields like many young men his age. After watching his brother-in-law, also a vet, he finally felt the calling to become a veterinarian himself.

Dr. Owens and Dr. Howard purchased West Loop Animal Hospital in 1981 and were joined by Dr. Balliett in 1986. Dr. Owens is an active member in the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and Gregg County Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Owens is Penn Hipp certified through the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine. This certification allows Dr. Owens to take and submit radiographs for evaluation to detect hip dysplasia at an early age, allowing the reduction of incidence of this crippling disease.

Dr. Owens enjoys traveling and many types of outdoor activities. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley. Dr. Owens also believes that a healthy mind needs a healthy body, so he tries to stay active, exercising, walking and running on the elliptical. Dr. Owens and wife, Judy, have two children, a daughter, Ashley, and son, Ben. Dr. Owens also claims his pets, two Brittany Spaniel’s, Piper & Stella, as part of his family.

We know Dr. Owens as a sweet and caring individual. Not only is he a highly skilled veterinarian, he is extremely giving of his time. He is patient with his staff as well as his clients. We are blessed to have Dr. Owens.

Personal quote: "If your animals are truly considered part of your family, then we are like your other family physician."

Most people don't know what they want to do with their lives. However, Dr. Balliett always knew two things: he always wanted to be a veterinarian, and he always wanted to go to Texas A&M University. He never had any doubt in his mind about his future. This strength and show of fortitude and drive is what makes him the valued professional that he is today.

When Dr. Balliett isn't working, he likes to spend time at his deer lease and travel with his family. He likes all sports, mostly watching though, because he claims he is too old to participate. He also enjoys spending time with his family and working around his house. Dr. Balliett, Clair, and Blaine share their home with Duddley ,a beautiful golden retriever and Goose, an adorable Shelti.  After joining the practice in 1986, Dr. Balliett says, "We have been in partnership a long time and we're still talking!" Dr. Owens and Dr. Howard share the privilege with Dr. Balliett of being able to call West Loop Animal Hospital not only a business, but a family.

In addition to the continuing education opportunities that Dr. Balliett attends, he is also an active member in the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, Gregg County Veterinary Medical Association, and East Texas Veterinary Association.

Dr. Balliett, the one who towers over the rest of us in more ways than just physically, is professional and proficient. His knowledge of veterinary medicine is most impressive, which is a comfort to his clients as well as his staff. Dr. Balliett not only has a sense of humor, but he manages to keep his staff motivated and inspired.

Dr. Flanagan knew she wanted to be a veterinarian when she was 5 years old and that desire never changed. Her love of science, math, and animals served her well and she graduated from Texas A&M Veterinary School in 2009 after completing her BS in Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. After graduating, she joined a mixed animal clinic where she practiced small animal medicine and expanded the practice to include exotic animal medicine. Over the past nine years she has nurtured a love of advanced imaging such as ultrasound and cytology and enjoys focusing her continuing education to become even more proficient in these aspects.

Dr. Flanagan and her husband, Josh, a Longview firefighter, live on their family farm in Marshall with a small cattle herd and several horses. They have 3 young children, Grayson, Dylan, and Kaelyn. You’ll often hear talk of the kids having fun around the farm with their cows and horses. They also have an Irish Wolfhound named Doug, a goofy gentle giant. In their free time, the family loves to spend time outdoors. They often ride 4-wheelers around the farm, and enjoy hiking, fishing, and hunting. They also enjoy going to the lake to go out on their wakeboard boat when they can get away. Dr. Flanagan enjoys wake surfing and Josh wakeboards.

The kids love anything water related and have been wake surfing with mom several times. They also enjoy beach vacations in the summer just to get away. In the winter, they try to go snow skiing once a year and the kids are really developing a love for the snow as well. When not out and about, Dr. Flanagan enjoys reading, baking and cooking, or craft and art projects. She is very excited to be part of the West Loop family and continue practicing quality small animal and exotic animal medicine closer to home. We are so lucky to have her!

Dr. Rachel Lagutchik grew up on a ranch in Hallsville, Texas, where she learned to love animals and the great outdoors at an early age. She earned her B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, with an emphasis in Vertebrate Zoology, from Texas A&M University, and graduated first in her class and Summa Cum Laude from Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. After veterinary school, Dr. Lagutchik spent several years working at a large general practice and ER hospital in Houston before returning to East Texas with her husband Stephen (who is also an Aggie).

Dr. Lagutchik is a proud member of the AVMA, TVMA, and AAHA. Outside of work, she loves photography and videography, reading, traveling, and enjoying outdoor pursuits with her family. We are blessed Dr. Lagutchik found her home with us at West Loop Animal Hospital!