Photo by Ed Waters, Jr. Adriane Shell has joined Heritage Animal Hospital in Walkersville. Seated, from left, are Kim Palmer, Shell, Ashley Barthlow and Ray Barthlow; standing, Melanie Keary, Lori Pappas, Niki Warman, Brittany White and Katelyn Beachy.

A 1996 graduate of Linganore High School, she was active in 4-H, showing Brown Swiss dairy cattle.

She worked at a kennel at the age of 16 and earned a degree at Hood College before entering the U.S. Army Reserves.

She spent much of her four years with the Reserves as an animal care specialist in places such as Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

"We vaccinated dogs for rabies and taught local farmers how to better care for their herds," Shell said, adding that in developing countries the death rate from rabies is extremely high.

She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and attended a one-year clinical proficiency program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Shell will join Ashley Barthlow at the animal hospital at 10 W. Crum Road. Barthlow, another Linganore High School graduate, is being honored with the school's Distinguished Graduate Award in Humanities.

The veterinary hospital was opened by Max Poffenbarger in 1983, according to Ray Barthlow, vice president and hospital director.

In 2005, the Barthlows and Walter Dodson purchased the business and Dodson later retired.

The hospital has eight staff members and a high school intern, Ray Barthlow said.

Although both veterinarians have had experience with large animals during their careers, the practice is limited to companion animals such as dogs, cats and ferrets, along with rabbits and small rodents.

Heritage offers wellness programs, laboratory services, dentistry services, radiology and related services.