LOS LUNAS — Local veterinarian Dr. Randy Van Otten, owner of Animal Hospital of Los Lunas, is retiring and has sold his practice to Dr. Patrick Sanchez.
“Dear friends, clients and ‘patients,’ my time has finally come to go the way of other retired veterinarians,” Van Otten said. “For more than 26 years, it has been my absolute pleasure to serve the wonderful people of Valencia County and their furry family.”
Submitted photo
Dr. Randy Van Otten, right, shares a moment with Dr. Patrick Sanchez, left, as he turns over ownership of Animal Hospital of Los Lunas to the younger veterinarian. Van Otten is retiring after 26 years in practice.
Van Otten started the shoestring practice almost three decades ago, and said it would not have been possible without the faith and trust of the community.
“I was fortunate enough to raise a loving and supportive family, cultivate lifelong friendships, and form countless professional relationships, and for that I am eternally grateful,” he said.
Beginning in April, Van Otten turned the ownership of the practice over to Dr. Patrick Sanchez. Van Otten said some of the community might already know Sanchez, as he has served this same community during his young career.
“I am excited to be able to share what we have built over these years and watch him continue to be a staple to this community,” Van Otten said. “You will be pleased to know that he will continue to serve you with the same personal care and attention that you all are so used to, with our same caring and friendly staff.”
Van Otten said he feels lucky to have a local, youthful doctor that truly understands and appreciates the small-town atmosphere. He’s confident that this customers will grow to know and love Sanchez and his family, and will quickly realize how competent and compassionate he is about the profession.
“As for myself, I will continue to call Los Lunas home, and even be able to continue to work with some of you, as I will remain working with Dr. Sanchez from time to time,” he said. “Thank you for entrusting me with the care of your pets and allowing me to serve you at the Animal Hospital of Los Lunas.”
Dr. Patrick Sanchez was born and raised in Albuquerque. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from New Mexico State University.
In 2014, he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Sanchez has been practicing veterinary medicine in New Mexico and around the Albuquerque area since 2014.
Sanchez is happy to be back in Los Lunas and looks forward to serving his clients and patients in the growing communities of Valencia County.
Aside from veterinary medicine. Dr. Sanchez enjoys spending quality time with his two children, Jolene and Patrick James, and his wife, Jessica, along with their two dogs, Boots and Spotty.
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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September 21, 2023
