Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Melinda Luper
Dr. Melinda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Dr. Luper’s journey into veterinary medicine began with her upbringing on a farm, where she developed a deep connection with animals. From a young age, she worked alongside her grandfather raising and training horses, while learning animal care from her father, who raised peafowl and other exotic birds. She also gained valuable experience rehabilitating injured wildlife, such as deer and skunks, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. This early exposure to animals and her desire to help them solidified her decision to become a veterinarian.
Dr. Luper earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Oklahoma State University in 2001. She began her career in Tulsa, OK, where she spent seven years honing her skills, including performing surgeries on various animals. Her role at an exotic animal sanctuary allowed her to treat a wide range of species, including kangaroos, monkeys, and even lions and tigers. One of her proudest moments was performing a blood transfusion on a sanctuary lemur.
In 2008, Dr. Luper moved to Houston, where she became the senior veterinarian at a large hospital. During this time, she expanded her expertise to include holistic therapies, with a focus on nutrition, which she continues to emphasize in her practice. She is passionate about educating pet owners on the benefits of high-quality food for their animals.
Beyond her veterinary career, Dr. Luper is an avid competitor in Protection Sports Association events with her dogs and remains active in wildlife rehabilitation. She even has a skunk as a non-releasable pet, living in her home. Outside of work, she is committed to fitness, bodybuilding, and serves as a certified judge for bodybuilding figure competitions. All of Dr. Luper’s pursuits, whether in her profession or personal life, reflect her commitment to health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Dr. Luper’s journey has not been entirely smooth, and like many in the veterinary field, she has faced her share of challenges. One significant struggle early in her career was navigating the complexities of working with a wide range of animals, especially exotic species. Treating animals like tigers, kangaroos, and lemurs at the sanctuary required specialized knowledge and skills, which pushed her to constantly learn and adapt. One of her most memorable challenges was performing the blood transfusion on a lemur, which was a highly technical procedure in a high-stress environment.
Additionally, transitioning into holistic veterinary care in Houston came with its own set of obstacles. Educating pet owners about the importance of high-quality nutrition and holistic therapies in a field traditionally dominated by conventional medicine required patience and persistence.
Like many veterinarians, Dr. Luper also faced the emotional difficulty of dealing with animal suffering and the tough decisions involved in end-of-life care. Despite these struggles, her passion for animals and dedication to their well-being helped her navigate the ups and downs of her career.
We’ve been impressed with Fur and Feather Veterinary Hospital, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fur and Feather Veterinary Hospital takes a holistic approach to animal health, focusing on both conventional and alternative treatments with an emphasis on proper nutrition. Dr. Luper is known for her expertise in creating high-quality, species-appropriate diet plans and works closely with pet owners to educate them on the long-term benefits of nutrition for their pets’ overall health.
What sets Dr. Luper apart is her wide experience with various species— at Fur and Feather she cares for basically anything with fur or feathers, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, skunks, and more. Her background in wildlife rehabilitation and exotic animal care gives her a unique skill set that many veterinarians don’t possess.
A key distinction of Dr. Luper’s practice is that Fur and Feather was the first Fear-Free Certified practice in Houston and continues to maintain that certification. The entire staff is also Fear-Free Certified, meaning they are specially trained to minimize stress and anxiety in pets during visits. This certification aligns with Dr. Luper’s commitment to providing compassionate, low-stress care that puts animals’ emotional well-being at the forefront.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Houston is that the weather doesn’t get so severely cold, which allows pet owners to exercise their pets year-round. This helps prevent the winter weight gain that’s common in other parts of the country, keeping pets healthier and more active.
What I like least about Houston is the challenges pets face with skin allergies due to the pollen, allergens, and air quality. It’s something many of my patients struggle with, and it can be tough for them to find relief, especially during certain seasons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://furandfeathervet.com
- Instagram: @furandfeathervet
- Facebook: @furandfeathervet
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fur-and-feather-veterinary-hospital-houston
