Getting to know Dr. Randlett

Graduating from Texas A & M University in 1976 and starting Kingsland Blvd. Animal Clinic in 1981, Dr. Susan Randlett, along with one of her classmates, Dr. Rebecca Nichols, helped build one of the most successful veterinary clinics in the Houston area. “I remember that in order to save money we did as much as possible ourselves.  Dr. Nichols assured me that we were skilled enough to hang wallpaper throughout the clinic, because this would be a huge savings.  So we purchased the cheapest wallpaper, which unbeknown to us was the consistency of toilet paper and had a pattern that was unmatchable.  This proved to be a real challenge- greater than any I had faced in veterinary school!”

Luckily, KBAC has continued to grow and a year ago moved into a brand new facility across from Taylor High School.  Dr. Randlett treats dogs and cats, and her special interest is feline medicine.  “For 26 years I bred and exhibited Persian cats which afforded me many opportunities into the world of feline husbandry and medicine.  I loved every minute of it.”  Fortunately, Persians and all types of felines are still a large part of her days at KBAC.  Although she has retired from breeding and showing, she still has one adorable, orange and white Persian cat, Red Beans and Rice(aka Reddy).

But do not think for a moment that Dr. Randlett has only one pet.  Reddy shares her attention with four horses, three Schnauzers (her babies), three very talented barn cats and six miniature donkies.  Because she lives in the county, she is able to enjoy and care for all these animals.  A portion of her property is used to grow and harvest hay which she enjoys shredding in her John Deere Tractor.  Dr. Randlett shares all this with her husband of 33 years, Dwight. She and husband have one married daughter, Kristy, and three grandchildren.

Although life on the farm keeps her busy, she finds time to enjoy a number of hobbies.  She loves to water and snow ski, to hike and to ride horses. Along with her husband, they love to travel, especially to areas where hiking is available.  When Dr. Randlett turned 50 years of age, she decided to take up a sport that involved animals for which she had a life long passion: horses. In order to become a recreational rider, she took lessons.  Because the sport of dressage looked easy and she was at a disadvantage because she was getting such a late start in life, she decided to find a dressage instructor.  All that is to say that she now has four horses and participates in a sport that “is the most difficult thing that I have ever done—more challenging than hanging cheap wallpaper!”

Just when you think that you know Dr. Randlett , she recalls “Oh yeah, I got my private pilot’s license years ago.  We had several small planes, and I learned to fly in a Piper Cherokee Warrior.  This was not one of my passions, but I am glad of the opportunity.  Due to the expense and time I no longer fly.  I have had some truly marvelous experiences and am forever grateful to all those people (relatives, friends and clients) and animals that have made them possible.”

Professionally, she has had a number of experiences.  She is a member of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association (HCVMA) and was on the executive board for approximately eight years.  Also, she is a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Association.  She was one of the original members of a veterinary emergency clinic board and continues, at times, to serve on the board of directors.  “My 33 years in practice have seen a lot of changes in veterinary medicine.  I am still very proud to be part of a profession and clinic where we can practice OUTSTANDING medicine, demonstrate compassion and engender trust.  I always wanted to become a veterinarian (even though it was not fashionable for women 30 years ago!) and I have never regretted my choice.”

Regarding her goals for KBAC, she always wants to provide quality medicine for a reasonable fee, make clients feel comfortable and special during each visit, and demonstrate compassion.   The KBAC slogan “Caring For the Ones We Love” is more than a slogan- it is a way of life.  “It has been wonderful and exciting to see our clinic grow.  This is a testimony to the quality of service that we have provided to the community through the years.”  On any given day you walk into a busy practice, with clients and their pets in exam rooms, on treatment tables, in the surgery suite, in the hospital ward, in the bath tub, or in a boarding kennel. “We have fabulous clients, many of whom have been with us since the beginning” she says. “Thank you for your time and dedication to our family while we become part of your family!”