|
Dr. Andrew Cope grew up on a horse farm in Lexington, North Carolina. His passion for veterinary medicine was ignited at a young age, nurtured by exposure to various farm animals and his father’s over three decades of experience as a veterinarian in Davidson County, North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the “original” Dr. Cope. Dr. Andrew, as he is affectionately referred to, earned his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University (Go Pack!) in 2008 and later received his veterinary degree from Ross University on the island of St. Kitts, West Indies, in 2016. After completing his clinical training at the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!), he worked at a mixed animal practice in Sevierville, Tennessee, for two years before joining Lexington Veterinary Associates and relocating back to his hometown in February 2018. Dr. Andrew’s primary goal as a veterinarian is to provide the best possible care for his patients while treating clients and staff with the same level of respect and affection as family. He is married to Dr. Emily Cope, a PhD in Animal Nutrition, and they have three sons, Wyatt, Eli, and Davis. In his free time, Dr. Andrew enjoys spending quality time with his family, attending Pinedale Christian Church, and engaging in any sports-related activities. He also has two beloved members of their household: a chocolate lab named Penny and a yellow lab named Crew.
|
|
|
Dr. Lauren Whitley received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. In 2007, she became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and in 2013 she became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She has a passion to help improve mobility and relieve pain in her patients. Dr Whitley also enjoys management of chronic diseases as well as preventative wellness care. She grew up watching her father, Dr. Ralph Ashley, serve the people and pets of Davidson County and she is delighted to be able to continue his legacy. She joined Lexington Veterinary Associates in 2023. When not hard at work at one of Lexington's 3 hospital locations, Dr. Whitley enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her husband, two sons, a bearded dragon named Clay, and a "practically perfect in every way" Golden Retriever named Poppy.
|
|
Dr. Ralph Ashley received a B. S. in Animal Science from NCSU in 1973 and his DVM degree from the University of Georgia in 1977. He has practiced at Jordan Veterinary Hospital since 1977. He has served on the Davidson County Board of Health and is a member of the First Baptist Church, the Lexington Kiwanis Club, and the Lexington Choral Society. Dr. Ashley is married to Jean; they have three children, six grandchildren and a Westie named Nicky.
|
|
|
Dr. Traxler is a Davidson County native and graduate of North Davidson High School. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from North Carolina State University. After vet school, she completed a one-year internship in general medicine, surgery, and emergency care at Animal Medical Hospital in Charlotte, NC.
She later returned home to Arcadia, NC, where she gained experience in emergency medicine and high-volume surgery before finding her “dream job” serving patients at Denton Animal Hospital and Hickory Tree Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Traxler has a special interest in senior pet care, hospice and palliative support, and integrative medicine. She’s currently working toward becoming a Certified Veterinary Herbalist, with plans to complete her certification by early 2027. She and her husband, Christian, live in Arcadia with their two children, Finley and Burke, on her family’s hobby farm. Outside of work, she enjoys riding horses and caring for their many animals, including Wilford Brimley (Shih Tzu), Betty White (Cavalier King Charles), Scuba Steve (Siamese mix), Lieutenant Dan (tabby), Chopper (African Grey Parrot), Kermit (tree frog), Monty Python (Lionhead rabbit), plus a lively flock of geese and chickens. Dr. Traxler is passionate about helping pets live their healthiest, happiest lives and looks forward to working with you and your furry family members. |
