On June 1, 2008 my wife and I founded Shepherd Spring Animal Hospital in Wakulla County Florida. I am Norm Griggs, a 1980 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and wife Melody is a Registered Animal Health Technician. We founded Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Bartlett Tennessee in 1981 and I spent my previous professional life practicing samll animal medicine and surgery. I have always had a special interest in surgery, especially orthopedic surgery. After selling the business in 2001 we “retired”. Our two boys were grown and we wanted to escape the city for a more quiet, “back to nature” kind of life. Upon seeing the abundance of public lands and the rural setting of Wakulla County we bought a small farm backing up to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. It was our idea to grow old together, passing the days building our little corner of the wilderness into our own personal paradise.
My decision to return to private practice was strongly influenced by my desire to become a “part” of my new community. At the time we relocated to Florida, there was only one veterinary clinic in the county and it seemed like everyone I met asked me to consider opening a clinic. After a considerable amount of thought and soul searching we decided to open Shepherd Spring Animal Hospital, named for the beautiful natural spring on the St. Marks National Wildlife refuge just behind our home. I have always enjoyed veterinary medicine and surgery more than I could describe. So, from this new beginning, I want to introduce my readers to my life as a veterinarian. It is my hope that, in some small way, I can share with my readers the incredible joy and sadness that this job brings to my life.
So, here it is for all to see. It is so much more than a job, and I hope I can effectively share with you, my readers – My Patients and My Life.
Melody and me
Norm & Melody,
Thinking about you both. It’s wonderful that ya’ll are still pursuing the things that really matter in life. We appreciate all that you have done for us & the great accomplishments that have yet to be seen. Your Story has many chapters still to be written. We will be waiting anxiously to read about all your wonderful adventures. Judy & Bosch
Congratulations on your new adventure. Tennessee’s loss is Florida’s gain. We miss you as a vet, neighbor and a friend. It is encouraging to see someone that has a such a passion for their job. That can only be a positive for your paitents. Best wishes.
Cool web site. You guys look right at home. I go by and console your plane every day or two. Hope the wx stops screwing you up so you can come get it.
Enjoyed seeing the adventure you are starting on. May you be ulte sussessful. ALso look forward to see how you develop along the way.
May God speed as you work to help his creatures.
Deeply touched and very grateful for the love and attention these animals are receiving. The Lord is working through your hands. You will be Blessed as the animals are being Blessed now. Thank you from all the animals. Peace
Welcome to the our community of wildlife lovers, and thank you for the most generous of all gifts, your time. Peace be with you!
Hey, Norm. Glad to see that you are “adjusting” so well to your new adventure! (and who wouldn’t??) Earle and I are still so envious of your new path! God speed and enjoy for us!
Linda Beaty
I hope your newest adventure will always be so fulfilling for you both. We are happy to have you here in Wakulla County!
Your website is great. We miss you here in Memphis but looks like you are really enjoying what you are doing. Not very many days go by that someone doesn’t ask about you.
So happy that you guys are so happy! Makes us sad though to have you so far away. Keep up the good work and thinking of you.
Cheyenne says hi and you still owe her a plane ride :-}
Dr. Griggs,
I am the son-in-law of Laura Jones, Panacea resident. She passed me the link to your website. My wife and I would love to meet you the next time we are in Panacea. We live in Charleston, SC and love our animals. I write wildlife articles for my neighborhood newsletter and am always interested in learning more about the wild world around us and the good stewards who take care of them. Thanks for being in Panacea and helping my mom (and Peaches).
Blessings!
I’ve known Mr. Griggs for awhile, he has been coming to our place of business for quite some time before he decided to move to our area, and he is one of the nicest people i have met and have to say that he’s the best thing that’s happend for our animals because he really cares for them and its not all about money like some places. I have been telling everyone about him. I strongly reccomend for all animals to Mr. Griggs.
Thank You Mr. Griggs for caring for my little babies, They are healthy and happy and you have a wonderful staff. Your great, Thanks for being our friend.
Dr. Griggs, thanks for making our cat Boomer better. Other Vets had told us that his coughing and sneezing were not curable, and you were able to make a major difference. Experience and dedication do count!
Welcome to North Florida.Thanks for your care and sompassion for the animals in rural counties.
We knew Dr. Griggs was a miracle worker when he brought our beloved Tiki back to us in good health. Had no IDEA how MUCH of a miracle worker he was until……with just ONE look, he changed my cute little girl kitty into a boy kitty!!!!!!
Doesn’t matter, Natty is still as cute and cuddly as can be. And…..I STILL like Dr. Griggs, too! 
hey, do you remember me?
i think i promised you some artwork way back in the day when i left hillcrest. just found one of your old business cards in an old wallet, and thought i would say hi. sounds like you are doing well. i always loved the fact that you listened to john denver when you did surgery.
i’m living up near woodstock n.y., been here 16 years and love it. still dog grooming but i’m also a ceramic artist.
astrid
Welcome to Wakulla! We are very fortunate to have you here.
Loved the opo story. I have rehabbed opos for 6 years and they are gentle souls.
Thanks for all you do. All God’s creatures need our love and compassion.
Thank you so much for all that you do to help animals. I can not tell you how happy I am for the love and care you show to mine when they come for a “visit”. You are the best vet ever- thank you for coming to FLORIDA!
I want to thank you for the wonderful Job that you did repairing Pepper’s leg. It was a joy coming into your office. Every one is so wonderful there. I will be bringing the whole family to you!!! Your the greatest.
Any way we can help with the badly injured puppy that was in the newspaper today? Hope you can help heal this little guy. My brother-in-law retired a few years ago after practicing veterinary medicine in Tallahassee for 40 years. Dr. Jerry Deloney – have you met him? He’s now living on 40 acres in Ozark, Al with my sister, five horses, two dogs, four cats and misc. others. You’ll have to meet him one day when they’re down here. Do you have a fund going for the puppy’s care? Any offers to take him? I’m sure you are hearing from lots of people after that article. Thanks for the work you’re doing. Carol
Thank you so much for helping us with Blue! We are so happy to finally understand what is going on with him. I see why you come highly recommended.
Blessings!!
doc thankyou for your caring ways!!! after saying goodbye to my bestest friend bubba (gunther) , I honestly did not think I would make it,yet now I am able to sit out back and let it flow,,, thankyou again for healing my ole soul.. Reba is due with babies any day, if we have any problems birthing I know you will be there for us… you are what we call a keeper!!!! See you soon
Thanks for your kind attention to our beloved Labradoodles, Cooper and Calie. We frequently plan our trips from our residence in Duluth, Ga. to our retreat in Shell Point based on the medical needs of our pups. Your expertise in orthopedics has helped immensely in caring for Cooper’s joint problems. The time and attention you give our companions on each visit means a lot of us and indicates a sincere care about the wellbeing of your patients.
Paul and Carol Webb
Hello, Norm and Melody-
Linda Edwards at HAH gave me your website – I had dropped by to give condolences for Donna Wilbur – what a loss to us all with her passing. She was so loved to all: people and animals alike. Always she and Fran Fisher would take special care of my kids (I now have 5 rescue dogs and 2 cats). You were so good to my Westies – I will never forget that you saved my Sandy’s life one New Year’s Eve– your alma mater playing ball that day, and you had family in town, but, you still came and helped. I didn’t know about the AEC (and you should have told me!) I was panicked. We miss you, but, I know you are doing wonderful things in FL. Best wishes! Beverly Holmgren
I found your website by googling Shepherd Springs. My great-great grandparents were said to have lived there once and that the spring was named after them -Basil Shepherd. Would you by chance know anything of the ownership history?
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