Chambers the dog was a bit nervous when he walked into the Mancos Valley Veterinary Hospital Monday, but with a hug and a kiss from new veterinarian Lynda Bernsteen, he settled a bit.

Chambers, a shepherd mix, was in for a checkup, and he was lucky enough to see Mancos' newest veterinarian.

Bernsteen is an animal person, and the staff at Mancos Valley Veterinary Hospital are thrilled to have her.

"She's amazing," said Brenna Spencer.

Bernsteen graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1993. She made the trek to Mancos over a year ago when her husband wanted to retire and move west.

"He said, I want to get out of Wisconsin and go out west," Bernsteen said.

The two are building a home on 10 acres near Mancos.

Bernsteen said she specialized in small animals, has an emphasis in surgery and practiced veterinary medicine for 20 years in California.

"It's very rewarding when you can help an animal feel better," she said.

She joins Rosemary Bernholtz, DVM, and Donald Schwartz, VMD, at the practice.

Bernsteen started working in Mancos late last year. She works two days a week at the clinic.

"I love small towns. I'm from a small town. Everyone knows each other," she said. "People are really nice here and more laid back."

Bernsteen said she and her husband, Troy Bengle, enjoy the outdoors. They ride horse, hunt, hike and travel.

The Mancos Valley Veterinary Hospital is open Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. The clinic has been in Mancos since 2003. For more information, call 533-1060.