EXCELSIOR SPRINGS– Dr. Pete Rucker recently held an open house for the new Excelsior Springs Animal Clinic, 1740 W. U.S. Highway 69. The location includes two surgical suites, an isolation ward, ultrasound room, no-shadow exam lights, digital dental X-rays and updated oxygen tanks. There are 10 indoor runs with five kennels and a cat boarding area separate from the dogs. The clinic is staffed by four doctors, a practice manager, four receptionists, two licensed technicians, two kennel attendants and three veterinary assistants. Patients can expect state-of-the-art technology and design when they visit, Rucker said. The animal clinic took over the former Annie’s furniture store building. “Having the extra space has really been an advantage to us,” Rucker said. Rucker graduated in 1978 from the University of Missouri and in the same year started working at the Excelsior Springs Animal Clinic. Two years later, he bought half of the practice and bought the entire practice in 2008. The…