Haley Vriens

My whole life I knew I wanted to work with animals. I know I know sounds cheesy and you hear that a lot with people in the veterinary field, but that’s a good thing! Our passion for animals was born into us.

I was always the kid who wouldn’t leave a sick animal behind. I was once on vacation in Hawaii and I found an injured bird. I would pet it with leaves, bring it fresh water and would tell it would be okay. My parents of course frustrated and wanting to enjoy their vacation tried to get me to leave the bird. Of course, I refused to leave until I knew the bird would be taken to a vet or the humane society! I was only 7.

That drive to help animals has only grown stronger. I spent more time doing co-ops in vet clinics during my high school career than the school itself! I knew where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. This passion brought me to foster many dogs and cats in palliative care. This in turn brought me to adopt my sweet kitty, Archie! He may have one eye and a bad leg but that doesn’t stop him! And of course, my lovely beagle Gulliver whom I rescued from a testing facility when I was in college. He was so terrified of everything when I got him, and though he still has his moments he is the sweetest dog! Aaaaaand 3 other kitties, 2 more dogs plus a bearded dragon I could talk for forever about all of them!