VERMILLION, S.D. – Al Pravecek has been practicing medicine for 30 years and has spent the last 10 years caring for patients in Vermillion. Only, most of his patients have four legs.

As the sole veterinarian in town, Pravecek cares for small animals such as dogs and cats, even turtles, at the Vermillion Veterinary Clinic.

“I just show the compassion for the critters,” said Pravecek. Tuesday, one of two cats that live in the clinic, was adopted by Pravecek after he was found on the side of the road during a blizzard.

Services at the Vermillion Veterinary Clinic include: boarding, grooming, surgical and general medical procedures. Pravecek said his clientele is made up of 55 percent cats and 45 percent dogs.