South County Profile: Chase Ratliff

CHASE RATLIFF

Chase Ratliff moved from Colorado City, Texas, to Shasta County two months ago to work at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic. He attended college at Angelo State University in Texas earning his bachelor's degree in animal science. Ratliff then enrolled at Texas A&M University, graduating in May 2009 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

While working on his bachelor's degree, Ratliff realized that he wanted to get back into agriculture. Ratliff also decided that he wanted to work with animals. He began working with a few veterinarians while going to school. That was when Ratliff knew for sure that he wanted to become a veterinarian.

Ratliff has set many goals for himself and his future. One goal is that within five years, he would like to own his own practice working with large and small animals. Ratliff would like to be able to focus more on large animals, equine lameness and beef cattle production.

In the time that Ratliff has spent at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, he has met many people. He enjoys working with clients and taking care of their animals. People in the area have ideals and principles of community, he said. Strangely enough, Ratliff also enjoys the climate in Shasta County because the weather here is cooler than it is in Texas.

Ratliff works approximately 45 to 50 hours a week including emergency time.

His favorite procedure is working on wound management care because each situation is different. No two wounds are exactly the same.

When a day at the clinic has gone bad, Ratliff still wants to come back the next day and start all over.

"Working with animals and people is something that I really enjoy," stated Ratliff.

"Someday I would like to write a book about the events that have happened or things that I have seen in my career."

In his spare time, Ratliff enjoys reading, hunting and team roping. He is a 2001 graduate of Colorado City High School in Colorado City, Texas.

Name: Chase Ratliff.

Born where and when: San Angelo, Texas, 1983.

Occupation: Veterinarian.

Marital Status: Single.

Family: One brother, mother and father.

Pets: One dog and a horse.

My worst job: Pulling files at an insurance agency.

My first job: Working as a farm hand.

In my spare time I: Read, hunt and team rope.

My favorite book: All The Pretty Horses.

My favorite movie: Lonesome Dove.

My favorite recording artist: Adam Carroll.

My friends like me because: I am quiet and easy going.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: A swim up bar.

The one thing I've learned in life is: To slow down and do things right the first time.

The best advice my parents gave me: Never quit what you start.

My most embarrassing moment and my most irrational act: I really don't have an appropriate story for either to broadcast in the newspaper.

My most valued material possession: My first deer rifle.

What I like best about the North State: The countryside.

My hero is: There have been many people in my life that have been great influences. It would be unfair to pick just one of them.

My pet peeve is: To be interrupted while I am talking.

My fantasy is: To be right about everything for just one day. I know it won't happen for any period of time, but I can still dream.

If I could change one thing about myself, I would: Not second guess myself as much.

The one thing Shasta County needs most: A What-a-Burger.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Learning something new each day.