We’re excited to welcome Dr. Bella Schuman to the veterinary team at Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic and Cat Specialty Center! As our newest veterinarian, Dr. Schuman brings a lifelong passion for helping animals and a commitment to making every visit as stress-free as possible for pets and their people.
Get to know Dr. Schuman as she shares her journey to veterinary medicine, her passion for caring for dogs and cats, and what drew her to Faithful Friends.
Q&A with Dr. Bella Schuman
Q: What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since kindergarten. When I was little, one of our family dogs needed emergency surgery. I remember how relieved and happy my family was when she came home healthy again. That experience stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to help animals while bringing that same sense of hope and relief to other families.
Q: Was there a particular experience or person that influenced your career path?
Absolutely. Along with my childhood dog’s surgery, our family veterinarian, Dr. Koch, had a huge impact on me. I started shadowing him in middle and high school and eventually worked at his practice during college. He cared for my dog throughout her entire life, and seeing the relationships he built with generations of families made me realize that’s exactly the kind of veterinarian I wanted to become.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working with animals?
I’ve always loved animals, but what I enjoy most is being able to advocate for patients who can’t tell us what’s wrong. We use what we’ve learned, combined with what pet parents observe at home, to figure out how we can help each pet feel their best.
Q: Are there particular areas of veterinary medicine that you especially enjoy?’
I love being a general practice veterinarian because I get to care for both dogs and cats. I’ve had both throughout my life and genuinely enjoy working with each of them.
I also have a special interest in soft tissue surgery and helping anxious pets. My own rescue dog gets nervous at veterinary visits, so I understand firsthand how important it is to create a calm, positive experience.
Q: What drew you to Faithful Friends?
The people. Great veterinary medicine starts with a great team, and everyone here is incredibly skilled, supportive, and genuinely cares about each patient.
I was also impressed by the new facility. It’s been thoughtfully designed to provide exceptional care and gives us the tools and technology to practice the highest quality medicine for our patients.
Q: What do you think makes Faithful Friends different from other veterinary practices?
The entire clinic was built with both pets and their families in mind. From the layout to the advanced medical capabilities, every detail helps us deliver better care while making visits more comfortable.
Q: How would you describe your approach to caring for pets and working with their pet parents?
Communication is one of the most important parts of veterinary medicine. I always want pet parents to leave feeling informed and confident about their pet’s care, so I take time to explain recommendations, answer questions, and check in after appointments when needed.
Q: How do you help keep visits low-stress for pets and their people?
Every pet is different, so I try to tailor each visit to what makes them most comfortable.
Sometimes that means offering treats, using positive reinforcement, examining them on the floor instead of the table, or letting them stay close to their family during the exam. We also keep notes in each patient’s medical record about what works best for them so we can make future visits even easier. If needed, we can recommend calming medications before appointments to help reduce anxiety.
Q: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
Yes. I have a six-year-old mixed-breed rescue dog that I adopted during COVID. She’s incredibly sweet and loves to go hiking or running with me. She’s also anxious during veterinary visits, which reminds me every day how important patience and understanding really are.
Someday I’d love to add a cat to the family, too.
Q: How do you spend your time away from work?
Since we’re new to the area, I’ve been enjoying exploring Dublin and trying new restaurants. I also love cooking, reading, staying active, and taking my dog on hikes or runs.
Q: If you could have a conversation with a pet for five minutes, what would you ask?
I’d love to explain that we’re not trying to hurt them during their appointments, especially when we have to give vaccines or perform tests. And honestly, I’d ask them to tell me exactly what hurts.
Rapid Fire with Dr. Schuman
- Mountains, beach, or city? Beach.
- Favorite vet gadget? Stethoscope.
- Favorite local hangout? Antrim Park. It’s a great place to walk my dog.
- If you weren’t a vet? I’d probably be a private investigator because I love true crime.
- Favorite season? Summer.
- Last TV show binge? Severance.
- Fun fact? I’m a black belt in karate.
Ready to Schedule?
6780 Liggett Road, Dublin, OH
Call or Text: 614-389-0997
Schedule an Appointment
