Meet the Team

Paul and Mary Ann McCann
Veterinarian, Owners

Paul was born and raised on a ranch near Harlem (50 miles east of Havre). He attended Montana State University-Bozeman and graduated from Colorado State University Veterinary School in 1992. We moved back to the Hi-Line in 1994 and in 1995 we bought Bear Paw Veterinary Service. Mary Ann does the bookkeeping for the practice and fills in as necessary within the clinic. We have 4 children; Jenna, Morgan Marie, Simon, and Ben. We enjoy the Havre community and it is a pleasure raising our family here. In 2014 Paul became certified in Equine and Canine Chiropractic Medicine. He enjoyed this certification to help animals in need for some "adjusting". The community has been good to Bear Paw Veterinary Service and it has grown from a staff of 3 ½ employees in 1994 to a staff of 15 in 2018, to provide the services that you request. We have a great team and we truly appreciate being your Bear Paw Veterinary Team.

Mike Whitmore
Veterinarian

My name is Dr. Mike Whitmore. I am excited to be the associate veterinarian at Bear Paw Vet. I graduated with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Washington State University. My main areas of interest and background are beef cattle and horses. I particularly enjoy reproductive aspects of both species and look forward to working with the areas many producers. I also have an interest in small animal medicine and particularly in developing my small animal orthopedic surgery skills.

I was raised in the Fairfield and Augusta areas of Montana. I graduated from Fairfield High School and enjoyed playing multiple sports while in high school. I then went on to Montana State University in Bozeman and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. I have a beautiful wife, Michaela Whitmore, and she is a practicing Physician’s Assistant in Havre. We have three awesome cattle dogs, Hank, Duke and Opal. In Augusta, we are involved in my wife’s family’s purebred Charolais operation. Outside of being a veterinarian and ranching I enjoy riding horses, playing golf, hunting, and fishing. I look forward to meeting and serving everyone in Havre and the surrounding area. If you see me running around the clinic, feel free to introduce yourself and say hello!

Dixie Mack
Office Manager

I started working for BPVS as a part time receptionist in 1995. After working in that position for a while. Which of course led to full time!!! I was an assistant for many years and then had the opportunity to become certified as a Veterinary Technician. I really enjoyed the technical work that was involved in the clinic. To this day, I greatly enjoy this aspect of the clinic. About 12 years ago a new opportunity came my way; that was to become the Office Manager. This has been a challenging position, but enjoyable. Having the opportunity to work in all areas of the clinic prior to this has allowed me to have a very good understanding of what successes, challenges, and rewards come with each area. Working here is very stimulating, as each new day brings a new case - there is never a dull moment. My husband Doug and I have been married for 35 years and have lived in Havre for 29 years. We have 2 adult children; Andrea- a statistician in Idaho Falls, ID. Christina- a nurse & her husband Nate reside in Choteau, MT. Along with our granddaughter, Lacey. Gus, our dog is one of a kind!

Lita Thisselle
Ambulatory Vet Technician, Inventory Manager

I handle all inventory details! I have worked at Bear Paw Veterinary Service since August of 2003. I am married to Wayne and we have two children, Allen & Jessica. Jessica is married to our wonderful son-in-law, Ryan and they have blessed our lives with two grandsons, Christian and Isaac. Christian is engaged to Ary, so I finally have a granddaughter.  I also have 3 furry children: Cara Louise, a cocker spaniel, a muted calico named Mississippi and a calico named Reina Jo. My leisure activities include adventures with Cara, spending time with my grandsons and photography.

Jim Gabriel
Early Bird

I take care of all the hospitalized animals first thing in the morning by taking them for walks, cleaning up, and feeding them. I am at the clinic from 7-4 everyday and assist in many ways! I have one dog - a Boston Terrier named "River".

Jewelia Hicks
Veterinary Assistant

Hello my name is Jewelia! I am a veterinary assistant for the outpatient doctor. I received a veterinary assistant degree from Picken Technical college in Colorado. I am currently pursuing my love for animals by going to school for my veterinary technician degree through Penn Foster. I love my job, getting to know everyone and their animals. In my spare time I enjoy playing with my son. My husband Mathew and I spend a lot of time encouraging him to learn new things! I also have a dog, 2 cats, turtle and 2 chinchillas that are tons of fun to be around. 

Mary Beth Blankeship
Receptionist

I am your outflow receptionist! I grew up in Chinook, Montana just a hop and skip down the road. I dabbled in Theatre and English at the University of Montana and then Education later at Montana State University, Northern. I’m an animal lover to the bone with 3 dogs and one kitty cat at home. I would gladly adopt many more if my household allowed it! Every day I look forward to seeing all of our patients and their humans too!

Kelsey Batin
InFlow Receptionist

I grew up in the Flathead Valley with my mom, brother and sister. I still go back and visit when I can! I have been in the Havre area now for a little over 2 years. I have 1 dog, 2 cats, a dwarf hamster and our newest addition a chameleon. I love animals! Getting to see our client’s animals every day is a highlight to my day, and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Sheridan O’Neil
CVT

Zeena Fox
Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Zeena, I am the newest vet assistant here at Bear Paw Vet. I graduated from Havre High in 2014 and went off to Montana State University Billings to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Liberal Studies. After that I went down to Dillon to attend PIMA Medical Institute, where I received an associate’s degree in Veterinary Assistance. My family ranches north of Malta, Montana and that is where I call home! Growing up on the ranch has made my love for all animals grow! I am excited to put my large animal skills to use as the outpatient and large animal assistant. I have two dogs, Nakita and Riley and two cats, Timon and Pumbaa. 

Angelina Toth
Veterinary Technician

I grew up here in Havre, Montana. I spend a lot of time on my family's ranch taking care of our cattle, sheep, and our llama. I was an active 4-H member for 12 years and enjoyed working with animals. I have always loved being around animals and taking care of them so i decided to become a Veterinary Technician. I went to Pima Medical Institute in Dillon, Montana to obtain my Associate of Applied Science Degree-Veterinary Technician. I am excited to be working at Bear Paw Veterinary Services. 

Greta
Greeter

Back in the day I was a "project dog"....you see, I came to clinic in a bag from the dumpster - very young, very starved, full of mange, and a strong desire to live! Dr. McCann took me on as a "project" to see if he could nurse me back to health and find me a good home. It worked !!! I found a GREAT home - living with Dr. McCann!

Captain
Rodent Patrol Captain

I am an abnormal cat living in the large animal building. I handle most of the rodents, I am very strong in that area due to the fact I am polydactyl. Extra toes up front give me the advantage.

Malibu
Rodent Pontrol

Hi! My name is Malibu, I hang out in the large animal building with my big brother captain. We love to hunt rodents together and cuddle up when its cold. You will see me running around and talking your ear off when you venture down below.