Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Torch Lake Veterinary Clinic in Rapid City! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Please call us at 231-331-6461 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Meet our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!
Doc is a 2002 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She went on from there to an internship in small animal med./surgery at Oklahoma State University and a second at The University of Illinois.
On April 4, 2005 she opened the Torch Lake Veterinary Clinic and became a member of the community by marrying Central Lake Native Billy Waffle. Their passel of Pets include: Walter (English Springer Spaniel), Boone (Golden Retriever), Hoppes (Golden Retriever), Goose (Pembroke Corgi), Alvin (Tabby cat), Angel (Salmon Crested Cockatoo), and Oliver (Eclectus Parrot),.
On April 4, 2005 she opened the Torch Lake Veterinary Clinic and became a member of the community by marrying Central Lake Native Billy Waffle. Their passel of Pets include: Walter (English Springer Spaniel), Boone (Golden Retriever), Hoppes (Golden Retriever), Goose (Pembroke Corgi), Alvin (Tabby cat), Angel (Salmon Crested Cockatoo), and Oliver (Eclectus Parrot),.
She attended the Chi Institute in Florida to learn about veterinary acupuncture. She has also pursued SDEP certification in ultrasonography (abdomen and echo) through Sonopath.
In her spare time, Dr. Waffle enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending days relaxing with her crew of pets.
Years in Practice: 21
Education: Louisiana State University
Email: torchlakeveterinary@gmail.com
Sadie joined our team in 2020. She came with no experience in grooming but has learned so much! She has received her certificate from Penn Foster’s grooming school! She has been a great addition and we enjoy having her as part of our clinic!
In Sadie’s free time she likes to barrel race, ride horses, as well as photography and horse training.
Dr. Alejandro Castro, a veterinarian with a keen interest in medical communication and teaching, earned his DVM from the National University of Colombia in 2014 and a Master in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis in 2023. During his career, he has worked in wildlife facilities, zoos, safari parks, the pharmaceutical industry, small animal hospitals, and academia. Unique in his field, Dr. Castro is also a certified medical writer accredited by the American Medical Writers Association. His professional focus includes emergency medicine, zoological medicine, epidemiology, and scientific writing. Outside work, he enjoys CrossFit and outdoor activities.
Valerie started with us June 2022 as our receptionist. Valerie is very much an animal enthusiast, from cats and dogs to horses and turkeys, she has a home for them. She is the light of our clinic and will do everything she can to make your time with us a success, if anything you'll be sure to catch her contagious laugh.
Alyssa started in May 2023 after earning her Bachelors degree in Science at Michigan Tech. She enjoys hiking, skiing and swimming in her free time.
This lovely guy here is Gary. Gary was brought to us with a leg deformity. He is now our resident tripod and is loving his life of simplicity.
Welcome Captain Jack
New to the clinic Jack loves everyone and everything.
New to the clinic Jack loves everyone and everything.
Many of you know this fluff ball but for the ones who don’t, this is Owen. Owen is our resident plant eater and big time drooler. Owen is a lover and likes to think he is loved by all.
This guy is Otis. He is very shy and reacts very quickly to loud noises but he is a lover deep down. His favorite place to get attention is on your shoulders.
