Meet the Gentle Care Veterinary Professionals Our Veterinarians
Marguerite Ermeling, DVM
Marguerite Ermeling, DVMDr. Marguerite Ermeling, a graduate of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, opened Gentle Care Animal Hospital in 1987. Her mission was to offer the Lawrence community uniquely personalized family pet care. She was the region’s first premier veterinarian to provide advanced medical and surgical options for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotics, and wildlife patients. She continues to provide cutting-edge advances in veterinary medicine, including special certifications in acupuncture and chiropractic care, which complement her traditional medicine practice.
Dr. Ermeling promotes education for families to help form a more comprehensive team to participate in their pets’ health care.
Darren Rausch, DVM
Darren Rausch, DVMWith a degree in education from the University of Kansas, Dr. Darren Rausch taught high school science for five years prior to going to veterinary school. He graduated cum laude from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and joined Gentle Care Animal Hospital in 2001.
Dr. Rausch brings extensive experience with reptiles, birds, cats, dogs, and pocket pets to Gentle Care Animal Hospital and has acquired the unique skill set necessary for orthopedic surgery.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Dental Society, American Animal Hospital Association, and Kansas Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Rausch resides in Lawrence with his son, daughter, and several four-legged family members. He continues to occasionally substitute teach in the Lawrence School District. He uses his love of education to increase pet owners’ knowledge, encouraging them to take an active role in their pet care choices and successes.
Our Professional Staff
Julie, Receptionist
Julie, ReceptionistJulie has been part of Gentle Care since 2004. She has a warming way of welcoming clients and patients. Julie and her husband, Jimmy, have one daughter, Taylor.
Her furry farm family includes three dogs, Carli, Bruce, and Abby, and Fluffy, a domestic shorthair. Outdoors there are about 50 chickens; three barn cats, Harley, Toby, and Missy; two goats, Bill and Junior; the horse family, Sprite, Tex, Stella, Tramp, a mule, Festus, and the beloved Jethro. Julie also has a pet cow, Roxy that she has had since the day it was born. Julie enjoys riding Festus and hanging out with family and friends.
Lindsay, Registered Veterinary Technician
Lindsay, Registered Veterinary TechnicianLindsay received her veterinary technician degree from the Bel-Rea Institute in Denver in 2004 and has been a Registered Technician since 2005. She joined the team at Gentle Care in 2010 and appreciates the loyal and trusting clientele she has come to know there.
Lindsay enjoys being outdoors with her best buddy, a black Lab named Titan, and spending time with her nieces and nephew.
Jessie, Veterinary Assistant
Jessie, Veterinary AssistantJessica McCampbell first started working at Gentle Care as a kennel assistant three years ago and now she is a veterinary assistant, aiding the doctors with whatever they need. Jessica enjoys learning more about combining modern medicine with more alternative methods such as acupuncture.
She has one cat, Jack, whom she adopted when someone brought him in to the clinic after finding the 4-week-old kitten on the side of the road. When not working, Jessica spends her time reading, hanging out with friends, and cheering on the KU Jay Hawks!
Pippin, Our Hospital Cat
Pippin joined our staff in 2003. A Good Samaritan brought her to us following a mishap with a car. After many lengthy surgeries and loss of her tail, she became a vital member of our staff. She now enjoys greeting clients and pets in our waiting room. When she’s not greeting people, she can usually be found napping in the veterinarian’s office.