Storm Lake to celebrate retirement of longtime veterinarian Dr. Dianne Johnson

Storm Lake residents and former clients will gather to honor Dr. Dianne Johnson, who has retired from her veterinary practice at Lake Animal Hospital. The retirement celebration will be held Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Mermaid Room at the Cobblestone in Storm Lake. All friends, former clients, and community members are welcome to attend.

Dr. Johnson spent her career providing veterinary care to pets and support to families across Buena Vista County. Her departure from active practice marks a notable transition for the local animal-care network; longtime clients will now need to make new arrangements for routine care, emergencies, and ongoing treatment plans. In lieu of gifts, Dr. Johnson has asked that those who wish to honor her retirement consider making donations to Caring Paws Rescue, a local animal welfare group that benefits from community support.

The event is an opportunity for neighbors to acknowledge years of service and for the community to strengthen its informal support systems for animal owners. Veterinary practices in small counties operate as more than medical providers; they are part of the social infrastructure that helps keep farms, households, and companion-animal owners functioning. When a familiar provider steps back, it can prompt questions about continuity of care, appointment availability, and emergency response capacity at nearby clinics.

For residents who have relied on Lake Animal Hospital, now is a practical moment to review pet medical records, confirm ongoing prescriptions or treatment regimens, and identify alternative veterinary resources. Caring Paws Rescue, the organization Dr. Johnson endorsed for donations, also plays a role in sheltering and rehoming animals in the region; community contributions there support animals that might otherwise strain local shelters.

The celebration at the Cobblestone will be a chance to share memories and express appreciation for a professional who served local families and their pets. The Mermaid Room setting provides a central, accessible location in Storm Lake for neighbors to come together, reconnect, and consider how they will manage pet care needs going forward.

The takeaway? Bring a memory and, if you wish, a donation to Caring Paws Rescue; meanwhile, use this moment to make sure your pet’s care is squared away for the months ahead so both animals and owners in Buena Vista County stay healthy and supported. Our two cents? A quick call to your current clinic or local rescue group now can save stress down the road.