Randall Esbeck, DVM - Veterinarian & Owner

"I feel that it is important to explain examination findings and treatment options so that owners can decide what is best for their pets as well as themselves."

Dr. Randall Esbeck is the owner and primary veterinarian of Sawnee Animal Clinic. Being raised on a farm in western Iowa, he cared for beef and dairy cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, chickens, turkeys and one ornery donkey named Chico. He joined 4-H, showed sheep, cattle, and pigs at local fairs and became a County 4-H officer. In High School, Dr. Esbeck joined the Future Farmers of America, was a Chapter Officer 3 times, District Officer twice, State Officer once and was elected to State FFA Band for saxophone. The experiences of 4-H, FFA, and farm living encouraged Dr. Esbeck to pursue a career in Animal Husbandry. In 1977, he entered Iowa State University in Animal Science and was chosen for the Veterinary College at Iowa State in 1984.

While attending veterinary college, he met his wife, Kelly, who was majoring in English and Education. Her parents had both attended Iowa State and her grandparents had been professors there as well in the Departments of Journalism and Home Economics. Kelly and Randy were married in 1985. After practicing in Iowa, they moved to Cumming in 1990. In 1996, Dr. Esbeck started Sawnee Animal Clinic.

The majority of our patients are dogs and cats with exotics presenting new and unusual challenges. Over the years, patients have included ostrich, emus, rheas, llamas, alpacas, zebras, buffalo, deer, owls, hawks, rabbits, chinchillas, small mammals, pet birds, chickens, turkeys, lizards, snakes, and others including a mob of kangaroo, wallabies, and potoroos.

Dr. Esbeck has been a member of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association and Forsyth-Dawson Veterinary Medical Association. He was a junior Webelos and Boy Scout leader, High School baseball and softball umpire and enjoys historical reading and travel. One highlight was visiting the original family farm in northern Denmark.

His wife, Kelly, has been very active with several school and education groups and now enjoys playing bridge, knitting, and baking. Kelly is an ice hockey enthusiast. Daughter Tara graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Biology and son David graduated from Berry College with a degree in English.

Dr. Esbeck and his wife are the proud parents of Sabrina, a Great Pyrenees that was rescued through the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta.