Veterinarian and Practice Owner
Dr. Peggy has had a passion for animals since she was born. Growing up in Decota, West Virginia, she spent a lot of time walking in the woods and climbing in the mountains. She always seemed to find a critter that needed help. In 1963, her family moved back home to Tazewell, Virginia where both parents grew up and attended high school. She met her future husband, Dr. Bayard Rucker, when she was in the ninth grade. They became high school sweethearts. Both went to Virginia Tech and both graduated with a BS in Animal Science. They became the first married couple ever admitted to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. When she entered veterinary school in 1971, Dr. Peggy became one of the first few women in the veterinary medical profession; which, now in 2024 is now 80-85% women.
After graduating in 1975, the Ruckers moved to Lebanon and opened Lebanon Veterinary Clinic…which transformed to Southwest Virginia Veterinary Services in 1985 when they built a new building. That 2400 sq. ft. building has since undergone extensive remodeling as well as additions, the last one in 2009 which helped it grow to 10,000 sq. ft.
Dr. Peggy and Dr. Bayard share their home with 6 Russell Terriers, and 7 Standard Poodles. Dr. Peggy now raises Russell Terriers (a smaller version of the Jack Russell Terrier) , as well as Standard Poodles and loves showing her dogs as well as watching them in the show ring which have resulted in fantastic wins at the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and National Dog Show.
She is very proud of her three AKC Champions Ch. Pave’ Diamond Going Hollywood, aka Angelina Jolie (Jolie), Jolie’s son, AKC Ch. J-Bird’s Music of the Night (Jett), as well as AKC CH StoneRun Always On My Mind (Aly). She also now has four AKC Grand Champion Bronze level, RBIS GCHB CH Stone Run JorJa on my Mind (JorJa) , GCHB CH Geisler’s Ja Wanna Know a Secret (JMe), GCHB CH StoneRun Suspicious Minds (Sully) as well as GCHB CH J-Bird’s Amazing Grace (Grace).
When not working or playing with her dogs, Dr. Peggy loves landscaping and growing beautiful flowers, doing Pastel drawings and playing the piano. Dr. Peggy is barely seen without at least 3-4 of her dogs since they travel with her regularly. She also enjoys teaching and doing agility with her Standard Poodles as well as her Russell Terriers.
Dr. Peggy is passionate about this profession. She serves as a mentor for the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and is on their admissions and interview team. Dr. Peggy also believes in giving back to her profession. She has served as President of the American Animal Hospital Association as well as President of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. She currently serves on the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. She has also been a featured speaker at many veterinary meetings as well as at the Graduation ceremonies at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Peggy has been honored by her peers in receiving many veterinary awards. She has been named Woman Veterinarian of the year by the WVMA, was recipient of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Service award, and both she and Dr. Bayard were very honored to receive the Virginia Veterinarians of the Year award in February 2020.
But, most importantly, Dr. Peggy believes that every pet deserves the best possible care. She is so very proud of her SVVS Team, and hopes to see SVVS continue to grow and to provide care and compassion for the pets and the people of this region for many years to come.