Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Westside Veterinary Hospital in Arab! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets! Please call us at 256 586 2561 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Dr. Tom Ellenburg is the owner and founder of Westside Veterinary Hospital. He leads a specialized team of four doctors who are dedicated to the care and wellbeing of your animal.
Dr. Ellenburg’s favorite aspect of his practice is small animal surgery. He also enjoys observing the various behavioral patterns of his patients and values his interaction with clients who genuinely care about the well-being of their pets. Raised in the Strawberry Community south of Arab, Ala., he is a 1967 graduate of Fairview High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in Biology from Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Ala. in 1971. He began his professional career as a teacher, but soon decided to pursue his dream of Veterinary medicine.
In 1978 he received the degree, Magna Cum Laude, of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine where he finished academically first in his class of 120. Following graduation, he completed an internship in surgery at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Davis, Ca.
Returning to Arab, Dr. Ellenburg and his father built the original two buildings at Westside Hospital -- opening the doors for business in December 1980. Since then the facilities have grown with the addition three more buildings to accommodate the growing practice. A new addition and renovation doubled the area of the main hospital building in 2018 allowing for the utilization of the most recent advances in veterinary diagnostics, medicine, and surgery.
Dr. Ellenburg and his wife, the former Jane Waldrop of Arab, have two children, twins, Lauren and Luke. Their daughter, Dr. Lauren Ellenburg is also a member of the veterinary staff at Westside. Their son, Dr. Luke Ellenburg, resides in Auburn, AL along with his wife and three children.
drellenburg@westsideveterinaryhosp.com
Dr. Andy Wilks, a native of Arab, received both undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Auburn University. He joined the veterinary team at Westside Veterinary Hospital in 2000. He enjoys practicing companion animal medicine and surgery, including orthopedic and laser surgery. Dr. Wilks was raised on a farm near Arab, and counts it a blessing to be able to practice in his hometown.
Dr. Wilks is married to Wendy Letcher Wilks and has one son Tre Wilks. Three dogs, Derby, Maggie, and Nora round out the family. He is an active member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church and is a founding member of the award winning bluegrass group Canaan's Crossing, in which he plays upright bass and sings.
drwilks@westsideveterinaryhosp.com
Dr. Dixie Mahan joined the Westside team in 2007. She enjoys the challenge of providing care and surgery to both small and large animals.
A native and current resident of Lacey Springs, Ala., Dr. Mahan is a 1999 graduate of Brewer High School. She attended Judson College and completed her Bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in the spring of 2003. She continued her education at Auburn University where she received the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in spring 2007.
Dr. Mahan is a Christian who loves spending time with her family including her mother, sister, and two brothers, and multiple nieces and nephews. She also enjoys the company of her beloved pets, Selma, an Terrier mix and Trip a silver tabby cat.
She is an avid sports fan who played basketball, volleyball, and softball in high school and continued to play both basketball and softball while attending college.
drmahan@westsideveterinaryhosp.com
Dr. Lauren Ellenburg’s lifelong dream was to become a veterinarian. She grew up working at Westside Veterinary Hospital, alongside her father, Dr. Tom Ellenburg. Dr. Lauren enjoys forming close relationships with her clients and patients. Her special interests include soft tissue and laser surgery, internal medicine, and dermatology.
Dr. Lauren graduated from Arab High School in 2008. She then attended Auburn University where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology in 2012 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.
When not working, Dr. Lauren enjoys traveling with friends and spending time with her two dogs, a 15-year old miniature Dachshund, Millie, and a 6-year old rescue Doodle mix, Elliott.
drlauren@westsideveterinaryhosp.com
