Meet your Cook County Neighbor: Kathleen Neshek
Dec 27, 2025 05:01AM ● By Editor
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A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - December 27, 2025
A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - December 27, 2025
How did you land in Cook County? What journey brought you here?
What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not busy working?
Do you own any of your own pets?
My husband and I are both from the midwest and grew up in Minnesota. We have always had an affinity for the North Shore and had the opportunity to purchase property in Cook County landing us here full time!
You are proving such wonderful blessings to pet owners in Cook County with the Cook County Pet Food Pantry. What inspired you to start this service? How can people donate?
The cost of everything is rising and that includes caring for our companions. I believe very strongly in the human animal bond as a fundamental part of life and not a privilege held only by those who can afford it. We could all use a little help now and then and I am happy to be able to provide support for anyone in a position to need it. Anyone wishing to support the pantry can donate via Venmo (@CC-PetFoodPantry) or check/cash. They can donate food product directly to me or purchase off of our Amazon wish list!
Did you always know at a young age that you wanted to become a veterinarian?
I was that cliché - young child who wants to grow up and be a vet and I pursued it with blinders on! I went to vet school at the University of Minnesota and have been practicing for about 10 years now. I am also a sled dog veterinarian and have been volunteering with The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon since I was in vet school. I have been the head vet for the last 5 years. I also have a strong interest in the intersection of pain and behavior and provide virtual "Evaluation of Pain" consultation for clients concerned their pet may be experiencing pain but who don't know where to start investigating.


Where do you currently practice? Will you eventually be offering your vet services in Cook County?
Historically I have worked solely in Emergency practice and most recently was at the Blue Pearl in Duluth. I am in the process of starting a mobile veterinary practice to provide wellness services and at-home euthanasia to the county - Sawtooth Mountain Mobile Vet. We are currently in the stage of acquiring funding and not yet at the stage of accepting appointments yet but hopefully will be soon!
What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not busy working?
I am an amateur recreational musher and enjoy spending time on the trails with our dogs. I also like to hike, trail run, mountain bike and camp. I dabble in photography as well. Anything that gets me outside in nature!
Do you own any of your own pets?
We have 8 dogs (5 Alaskan Huskies/Sled dogs, 2 pittie mixes and a cattle dog) and 2 cats!


Boreal Community Media has been featuring the"Meet your Cook County Neighbor" series for several years now. If you enjoy reading these and would like to nominate someone to be featured, please send us an email to [email protected]!


