Meet Our Veterinary Team in Smithville, TN

Dr. Melinda Morency, DVM

Dr. Morency grew up in Lebanon, TN. When she was eight years old, she first realized she wanted to be a veterinarian when her Basset Hound, Humphrey, got sick. Dr. Mike’s veterinarian saved his life, and from that point on, Dr. Melinda knew that’s what she wanted to do too. After graduating from the University of Tennessee—Martin with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Dr. Melinda attended the University Of Tennessee College Of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2003. For the next five years, Dr. Melinda practiced in a small animal clinic and an emergency clinic in East Tennessee. In 2016, Dr. Melinda moved back to Middle Tennessee with her family. In the fall of 2017, Dr. Melinda started working a few days a month with Dr. Little at DeKalb Animal Clinic. She enjoys discussing preventative medicine services for her patients, including routine dental care. At home, Dr. Melinda has four cats: Darth Vader, Sassy Sue, Apollo Blaze, and Charlie May. In Dr. Melinda’s spare time, she loves to read, play board games with her family, and travel.

Patrick A. Kelly, DVM

Dr. Patrick A. Kelly is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico where he lived for the first 10 years of his life and where he became fluent in Spanish. Dr. Kelly knew he wanted to be a veterinarian since he could pronounce the word. He was raised on a 200 acre tropical paradise family compound. His parents were animal lovers and his family shared shared their compound with all sorts of animals, from dogs and cats, to horses and monkeys. Dr. Kelly’s parents shared with him an early memory when they walked into the kitchen and found 2 year old Patrick on his hands and knees gathered around the dog food bowl, sharing the meal with his canine brothers and sisters.

Dr. Kelly has always had a way with animals. One of the most interesting childhood experiences occurred when a male baboon escaped a traveling circus and ended up in his front yard. He befriended the dogs, wrestling with them just like he was one of them. His mother took videos of 6 year old Patrick showing no fear and walking up to and hand feeding the full grown baboon. The videos survive to this day and Dr. Kelly has shown his 4 kids the origins of his love of animals and the sparks of his veterinary career.

He then moved to Milford, Massachusetts where he lived for 8 years. He attended Milford High School, before moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida in 1976. He attended Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce where he earned an Associate in Arts degree in 1978. He went to the University of Florida’s College of Agriculture and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1981. He attended the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He has practiced in Port St. Lucie since his graduation.

Dr. Kelly sold Kelly’s Animal Hospital in 2022 and his last day at KAH was April 30, 2024. Dr. Kelly and his family moved to Walling, Tennessee with their 5 horses, 4 dogs, 4 cats, 2 pigs, and 3 parrots to be closer to their 2 daughters, son in law and new grandson who live in Franklin, Tennessee. Dr Kelly was blessed to have been offered an associate veterinarian position at the DeKalb Animal Clinic in Smithville and will be starting September 3, 2024. He is looking forward to be working with a talented and caring staff led by Dr. Amanda Dempsey.

Dr. Amanda Dempsey, DVM

Dr. Dempsey is a DeKalb county native. After graduating from the University of Tennessee Martin with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Dr. Dempsey attended Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with a PhD in bovine reproduction in 2016 and he Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2018. For the next two years, Dr. Dempsey practiced both large and small animal medicine in Utah and Colorado. In July 2020, Dr. Dempsey became a full-time member of the DeKalb Animal Clinic team. She enjoys providing both medical and surgical care for her patients. In her spare time, Dr. Dempsey enjoys hiking and kayaking with her two children and her husband, Montgomery.