THOMASVILLE — Jan Wilford is hanging up the phone and dog leash. 

After almost 30 years, Wilford retired Wednesday as Thomasville Animal Hospital’s long-time receptionist. 

“It’s going to be hard to leave, but it’s time to move on with my life,” Wilford said, adding that her last day went well, with many clients coming to visit her. 

Wilford’s career path into the world of animal care began in the late 1980s. 

Needing a receptionist, long-time veterinarian and friend Danny Culbreth hired Wilford after bringing in her dog to the vet. 

Always wanting to be a veterinarian and in between jobs at time, Wilford said accepting the job was one of the best things she did. 

“It’s been the funnest ride I’ve ever been on,” she said. “It’s been great. I’ve meet some people I probably would have never come in contact with that have become great friends and fun people.”   

Part of the fun came from the joking nature Wilford shared with her co-workers. One of many pranks was hiding Dr. Culbreth’s truck, after he was continuously told about leaving his keys in his truck.  

Wilford added, “I have been fortunate to work with great doctors. They’ve all been very good at their job, but not so stiff that they couldn’t have a good time too.”  

Her other co-workers are the four-legged kind. 

Co-workers’ dogs often help out at Thomasville Animal Hospital by greeting the clients upon entering. Dewey, Wilford’s dog, also contributes. 

“I think the clients really like that,” Wilford said. “They get a kick out of seeing all the dogs run around and playing.” 

Despite pranks and furry co-workers, hardship is inevitable in the pet business. 

“I’ve seen them (clients) get new puppies and I’ve been here when they have had to put them to sleep because they lived their full life,” Wilford said. “That’s a tough thing because it’s like my animal too.”  

Wilford attributed being able to show compassion toward heartache was a highlight in her almost three-decade tenure. 

Other memorable events — good and bad— Wilford described included numerous other pranks, cats getting loose, and an incident of getting covered in pus from an abscess during surgery. 

Post retirement, Wilford plans to spend time exploring nature by camping, fishing, and spending time at St. Marks with her husband. 

Even after retiring, Wilford plans to visit Thomasville Animal Hospital, and even work occasionally. 

“It’s a good bunch here,” Wilford said. “They’re all like family.”  

Associate editor Tammi Mott contributed to this story. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.