Dr. Jerry Busselman grew up on his family’s farm near Rosalie, NE, which is where he learned to love and be interested in animal care. He knew from the age of 12 that he wanted to be a veterinarian. Jerry studied animal science for 4 years at UNL, before attending the Veterinary Medical School at Kansas State University. He graduated with his DVM from KSU in 1995. Jerry gained invaluable experience at a large, multi-doctor small-animal hospital and as an ER veterinarian before opening Fort Street Veterinarian in December of 2004.

He married his best friend at the time halfway through vet school, and they now have three beautiful children. Hobbies include feeding and turning his relatively new compost pile, golfing, playing cards and other games, dating his wife, playing with his kids, and tackling projects at home. He is also active in his church, along with his family.

Dr. Busselman’s animal family members include Tricky Woo (Shih Tzu), and Lexy (Toy Poodle).

Dr. Shauna England grew up in the small South Central Nebraska town of Doniphan. Her deep interest in science and medicine combined with her love of animals is what sparked her “epiphany” to become a veterinarian in high school.  She graduated from Doniphan High School and went on to receive her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University.  From there, she went to veterinary school at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her DVM in 2008.  She spent 2008-2009 completing a Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Internship in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she gained invaluable experience working with various veterinary specialists as well as primary care emergency work.

She is very excited to be back in her home state…Go Huskers!  She is very close with her family, especially her mom and sister who have been her biggest supporters throughout her career journey.  Hobbies include hiking, volleyball, softball, playing the piano, reading, country dancing and relaxing with friends and family.  Dr. England's animal family members are Bernice (Pug Mix), and Doctor Dog (Black lab mix) who is her constant sidekick and companion.

Karen B. joined Fort Street Veterinarian in August 2005. Karen and her husband have been made Nebraska their home for about 24 years. When not at the clinic, Karen enjoys biking, reading, gardening, riding her horse, and taking walks with her dogs. Karen takes pleasure in her position as a receptionist, and looks forward to greeting patients and clients when they arrive.

Karen’s animal family members include Mr. Bo Jangles (Labrador), Buttercup, Louie, Libby Sue, and Zoe (Chihuahuas) and Boyfriend Ike (Quarter Horse).

Sarah K. joined the clinic in September 2006.  Sarah likes reading, photography and walking her dogs.

Sarah’s animal family members include Tucker (Boston Terrier), Athena (Beagle Mix),  Coco Cheyenne (Lab Mix) and Muh (Domestic Shorthair).

Brandy M. joined the team at Fort Street Veterinarian in November 2006.

Brandy graduated in 2007 from Vatterott College. Brandy is a licensed Veterinarian Technician (Animal Nurse). Brandy’s hobbies include reading, gardening, and cooking.

Brandy’s animal family members include Jazz (Doberman), Max (Doberman) Capone (Pekingese), 2 Diamond Doves Bonnie and Clyde, and Sophie (Domestic  Shorthair).

Dr. Merkley was born in Minnesota and grew up in South Dakota in a family of large animal veterinarians.  He attended Iowa State University (ISU) for his degree in veterinary medicine.  His surgical training was obtained at Michigan State University (MSU).  Dr. Merkley obtained certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in 1977 and has spent over 35 years in veterinary surgical education and providing referral surgical services at MSU and then ISU.  In 2004 he began private consulting with private veterinary practices in Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota.  In 2006 he established Veterinary Surgical Specialists of Nebraska PC to formalize his relationships with the practices he is associated with.  He provides services in both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

Monya joined the clinic in December 2006. Monya was a barn cat rescue with an eye ulcer that Dr. Busselman saved and is now our clinic cat. Monya currently monitors the reception area for potential wrestling buddies.

Monya’s human family members include Dr. Busselman, Dr. England, Karen, Brandy, Sarah,  Ryan, and Sara.