About Us
Dr. Ava Talmage
Dr. Talmage graduated from UGA School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. Beginning her family that same year, Dr. Talmage also started her veterinary practice; a mixed practice of horses, livestock and small animals. While raising her four daughters, she continued to practice on her own and provide veterinary relief at some of the small animal practices in Cherokee, Cobb, Pickens, Gilmer and Gordon counties. After working for 6 years at Wayside Animal Clinic in Jasper, she returned to her first love; farm animal practice.
Dr. Talmage has a small farm (Soggy Bottoms) in Talking Rock, GA a small community halfway between Jasper and Ellijay. Emma, her Irish Setter, is AVS’ ambassador When visiting the office you may be greeted by Mela the Miniature Donkey, chickens and cats.
“I count it as a privilege and blessing to earn my living outdoors; driving through beautiful country, working with some of God’s most magnificent creatures and meeting the people who care for them. Each day is a new adventure and learning experience. I look upon myself as working in partnership with the owners to better care for their animals.”
Jim fitts - vet tech
Jim is a fourth generation Pickens County native. He grew up roaming the woods with his hunting dogs and riding through the hills.
Jim has 2 horses Jake and Cisco along with a few other critters, Coming from a lifetime of quarry work, driving big trucks and hauling construction equipment, he began working with Dr. Talmage in 2009 as the brawn for floating horses’ teeth. He soon showed talent for practice logistics and restraint of the patients. Now a valued partner in the practice, Jim says “That he is often disagreed with but seldom misunderstood. Give customers a reason to do business with you."
tamma trump - office manager
Tamma joined AVS in 2013. She keeps the paperwork flowing and communications open.
Tamma is remotely located on her 22 acre farm located in Crossville TN, She has a pony names Butterscotch, Tattoo. a 54 inch pony; and Flynn the mini. She plans on boarding retired horses and having a mini animal petting zoo.
Tamma has a background in Veterinary Office Management and was a former Humane Agent back in Ohio.