2. Winner: Countryside Veterinary Hospital, Chelmsford, Mass. Click icon to hear audio clip of owner Brian Holub, DVM, on entering the contest

3. Click icon to hear Gayle Craig, CVPM on the hiring process With such a large staff, they are able to support many programs, such as three different spay and neuter programs, scouting, eldercare, humane societies, externs, mini-vet school program, shadowing, and product and monetary donations. - Janna Poll, MBA, SPHR, CMPE, contest judge

4. Community service goes hand-in-hand with the type of personality that we hire. We look for people who are empathetic. Retail reception desk Main entry Click to hear Gayle Craig on empathy

5. Countrysides Vision Statement The five principles that staff rated as best make up Countrysides Vision Statement: Be among the highest-tiered practices in the country. Enjoy what we do. Connect personally with our clients, patients and community. Exude a positive attitude. Be a model for others to emulate. Laboratory Treatment room Click to hear Gayle Craig on Countrysides management team

6. You want to cultivate a safe environment where employees are not afraid to lose their jobs, where friendship is encouraged and respect for each other is required, where empathy is natural and not contrived, where a pets best interest is always top priority. Grooming Surgery Click to hear Gayle Craigs advice on how to work toward being one of the top practices in the country.

7. Countrysides Six Pillars of Knowledge The practices CE focuses on these fundamentals: Heartworm Fleas, ticks and external parasites Basic laboratory tests Basics of anesthesia and surgery Bacteria, virus and vaccinations Intestinal parasites Cat waiting area Childrens play area in reception

8. Waiting room and high-four statue