[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING RUSTON ANIMAL CLINIC

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, during the month of November, our 
Nation comes together to honor and commemorate the service and 
sacrifices of our veterans. The week of October 31 through November 4, 
2016, is officially National Veterans Small Business Week. When our 
brave men and women in uniform return to civilian life, some turn to 
entrepreneurship. In fact, there are more than 2,500,000 veteran-owned 
small businesses, employing nearly 6,000,000 individuals, in the United 
States. This week, I would like to recognize the veteran-owned Ruston 
Animal Clinic as Small Business of the Week.
  The Ruston Animal Clinic first opened its doors in 1970 to provide 
preventative medicine, dental care, orthopedic surgery, bathing, and 
boarding for animals in north Louisiana and over the decades has become 
an integral part of the local community.
  Following a 4-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, Marion Sewell 
moved to Louisiana to earn an undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech 
University and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Louisiana State 
University's School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2007, Dr. Sewell moved 
to Ruston, began working at the Ruston Animal Clinic, and 2 years later 
took ownership of the small business. In the dual role of small 
business owner and veterinarian, Dr. Sewell has taken a leadership role 
in the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association and currently serves as 
president-elect.
  Worthy of recognition is Dr. Sewell's work during the deadly, 
historic August flooding disaster in south Louisiana. In the wake of 
one of the Nation's worst natural disasters over the last decade, Dr. 
Sewell traveled across the State to lend her time and talents to assist 
in animal evacuation and rescue efforts.
  Today Ruston Animal Clinic has established a strong social media 
presence in order to update north Louisiana pet owners and animal 
lovers with pet adoption notices, missing animal alerts, and helpful 
information on proper pet care.
  Congratulations to Dr. Sewell and the entire team at Ruston Animal 
Clinic for being selected as Small Business of the Week. I look forward 
to your continued success.

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