Meet Our Veterinarians
Michael Gentry, DVM – Founder
Our Founder, Michael Gentry, DVM was born and raised in Western Kentucky. He received a B.S. degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University and graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He married his wife, Carolyn Sparks, of Lexington and practiced in Marion, Kentucky before moving to Lexington. Dr. Gentry has two children, and four awesome grandchildren. Michael is in the construction business, is married to Allison and has two sons, Trey and Grady. Kathryn works at Sheabel and has a son, Cy and a daughter Rachael.
Dr. Gentry purchased Town and Country Pet Hospital on New Circle Road and in 1980 was one of the veterinarians who started the AA Small Animal Emergency Service. He then built Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic before locating here at Sheabel in 1989. He has been known for his compassionate care for pets and creating a happy, caring workplace for his team members. This is evidenced today by the many long term clients and team members who are still a part of the Sheabel family today!!
While Dr. Gentry still remains involved in the business aspects of Sheabel, he is happy to ride horses, travel and spend time on his farms. He is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after many years of hard work and dedication to his profession.

Michelle Jude, DVM

Mary Mattingly, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Kimmerer

Dr. Mekus
Originally from Chicago, Dr. Mekus first moved to Kentucky to attend college at Murray State University, where she competed on the college’s Hunt Seat Equestrian Team. She received her DVM in 2016 from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and while at Auburn she was very involved with the local Pony Club. Dr. Mekus is passionate about working with children and teaching them about animals, so when she returned to western Kentucky to practice veterinary medicine, she started volunteering with the local 4H club. She joined the Sheabel Team in 2017 and has a strong interest in client relations, dermatology, soft tissue surgery, and ultrasonography.
When she’s not at the hospital seeing patients, Dr. Mekus still enjoys horseback riding, as well as working out, hiking, baking treats to share with staff, and hanging in the hammock with her Rhodesian Ridgeback Gracie Mae. She also has a tuxedo cat named Guinness and a special place in her heart for chocolate Labs—so if you’re in need of a Lab-loving veterinarian, she’ll be happy to help!