In 2005, Lynn Wimmer took the bold step of acquiring the Carroll County Veterinary Clinic, transforming it into a beloved local fixture. Once merely a place for announcing community events or sharing basic information on its roadside sign, it has evolved under Wimmer’s direction into a lively and humorous landmark that delights motorists making their way through Westminster, Maryland. The quirky and witty messages now displayed each week on the sign started a few years ago when Wimmer, who had gained valuable experience as an associate veterinarian at the clinic, decided to inject some levity into the routine by posting a light-hearted quip. The positive responses she received were overwhelming and inspired her to formalize this cheerful initiative, ensuring that those who pass by the clinic experience a moment of joy.
“I just figured in today’s day and age, you know, it’s better to laugh about things,” Wimmer shared with the Carroll County Times. “So now we just kind of look for the fun. We want to give something that cheers people up.” Balancing her responsibilities as the lead veterinarian, Wimmer entrusted the weekly sign updates to her dedicated veterinary technician, Beki Carlyle. Carlyle, with the occasional creative input from her daughter Reilley, diligently crafts a fresh humorous message every Sunday.
Looking back, Carlyle recalled her inaugural attempt at sign humor, which playfully read: “It’s all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone.” Since then, the initiative has experienced an impressive surge in popularity. “Now we have people that aren’t even clients that send us cards,” Carlyle enthusiastically stated. “It’s amazing, and it’s so awesome that people can laugh and smile—especially right now. People are saying that they drive out of their way just to see the signs.” Carlyle’s creativity is fueled by a list of puns and jokes stored on her phone, along with inspiration gathered from the numerous suggestions emailed in by fans of the whimsical roadside sign.
“It shows that we have a personality, and it shows that we’re not wrapped real tight. We try not to offend anybody… we try to take everybody’s feelings into consideration… It’s crazy how quickly it blew up, and how much everybody loves it,” Carlyle reflected. “It just makes me so happy. The fact that people love it so much is just awesome.”
Here are 25 of our favorite signs from the Carroll County Veterinary Clinic:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
**How does Beki Carlyle come up with the weekly sign messages, and what impact do they have on the community?**
**Interview with Dr. Lynn Wimmer and Beki Carlyle of Carroll County Veterinary Clinic**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lynn Wimmer, the owner of Carroll County Veterinary Clinic, and Beki Carlyle, the clinic’s dedicated veterinary technician. Lynn, let’s start with you. You took a bold step in 2005 by acquiring the clinic. What inspired that decision, and how has your experience as an associate shaped your vision for it?
**Lynn Wimmer:** Thank you for having us! Taking over the clinic was a bit daunting, but I always felt a strong connection to this community. My experience here as an associate not only reinforced my love for veterinary medicine but also taught me how important it is to connect with our clients and their pets. I envisioned a space that was not just a clinic but also a friendly and welcoming place that brought joy to people.
**Interviewer:** That joy certainly comes through in your weekly sign messages! Can you tell us how that started?
**Lynn Wimmer:** Absolutely! It all began a few years ago when I decided to post a light-hearted quip on our sign. I thought, “In today’s day and age, it’s better to laugh about things.” The response was amazing! People started stopping to share how much they appreciated the humor. That encouragement inspired us to make it a regular feature. We now aim to ensure that everyone who passes by can have a little moment of happiness in their day.
**Interviewer:** Beki, you play a crucial role in crafting these messages each week. What’s that process like for you?
**Beki Carlyle:** It’s a fun and creative challenge! Every Sunday, I get to come up with a fresh message, and I often bounce ideas off my daughter, Reilley. We strive to make each quip relatable and light-hearted, ensuring it brings a smile to everyone who sees it.
**Interviewer:** How have the community members responded to these signs?
**Beki Carlyle:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive! People often tell us how much they look forward to reading the sign as they drive by. It’s turned into a bit of a local tradition, and we love that we can spread joy through something as simple as a few witty words.
**Interviewer:** Lynn, as the lead veterinarian, how do you balance your clinical responsibilities with the creative side of running the sign?
**Lynn Wimmer:** It’s all about teamwork! I trust Beki completely to handle the sign messages, which allows me to focus on my veterinary duties. We have a great partnership here at the clinic, ensuring that both our patients and the community are cared for, in every sense of the word.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that you both share a deep commitment to the community. What do you hope to achieve moving forward with the clinic?
**Lynn Wimmer:** We want to continue being a pillar of joy in Westminster and provide excellent veterinary care. I hope to expand our community outreach and keep the smiles coming, both in our clinic and through that beloved sign!
**Beki Carlyle:** And I personally hope to keep innovating our sign messages! We want to ensure that each sign brings a bit of warmth and laughter to our friends and neighbors.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lynn and Beki, for sharing your insights. The work you’re doing at Carroll County Veterinary Clinic is truly making a difference.
**Lynn Wimmer and Beki Carlyle:** Thank you for having us!
