Introducing: Dr. Temple

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic is welcoming back a familiar face, Dr. Sierra Temple.

Growing up in Boundary County, she was involved in 4-H and had horses; animals were always part of her life, Temple said. She didn’t consider becoming a veterinarian when she was younger, because nearly every girl in her class said they wanted to do that in elementary school.

“I don’t want to be like everyone else,” she said thinking back.

Temple first started working at the clinic when she was in high school and explored being a vet tech for her senior project. She was a good student and, after the project, realized she’d be a good fit as a veterinarian.

“I started at the bottom cleaning rooms and up after animals. After I graduated [high school] I started going on calls and assisting in surgery. Then I wanted to be a veterinarian,” Temple said.

She then completed an Associate of Science degree at North Idaho College, a bachelor’s degree in animal and veterinary science at the University of Idaho and then graduated from the Veterinary Medicine program at Washington State University.

Temple moved back to Bonners Ferry with her husband, because they wanted to return to small town life and community.

“We had the opportunity to come home, so we did,” she said.

When it comes to working again at Bonners Ferry Vet Clinic, Temple said she has waited for this day a longtime and that reality still hasn’t set in. Many staff members have known her all her life and remember when she first volunteered.

Temple is a mixed-animal veterinarian. Her current focus is small animals with a special interest in dentistry and soft tissue surgery.

“I’m excited to help people with animals, especially since I know many people in the community,” she said. “The human-animal bond is important.”

Temple said she is doing what she can to help foster this human-animal relationship as long as possible by providing care to animals.

"I want to be the dependable veterinarian that owners can trust,” she said.

Temple said she is easing into her position and is receiving mentorship by the other veterinarians and other experienced staff members.

“We all work as a team here,” she said about the Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic.

“I am excited to be here, to be home and to provide a service to the community that made me who I am today,” she said.

“We are happy to have her back in the family,” said Shelby Cowley, technician at the clinic said, remembering Temple when she first volunteered at the clinic.

Dr. Lauren Gentle said she is excited to have another young new graduate jumping into things and making the practice better and better.

“[Temple] is hardworking and attentive to clients,” she said.