October 16th -22nd is National Veterinary Technician Week, a time to celebrate the very important role of technicians in the veterinary hospital.
Why are veterinary technicians important?
Every pet and every vet (and yes, pet parent too) needs a good technician. At The Drake Center, we are very proud to have such a highly-skilled, compassionate and dedicated technical staff. They are the backbone of our practice and a great reflection of the care we provide.
Meet our amazing veterinary technicians!
Meet Kim!
Kim has been with The Drake Center since 1992. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe Kim:
Get to know Kim:
Meet Peggy!
Get to know Peggy:
Tell us about your pets:
Macintosh and Pippin are sheltie siblings, and I have a cat named Zullie.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?
I love animals and I am keenly interested in medicine and science. I strongly believe in the pet-human bond (back before it was "the in" thing). I believe we should make the world better for animals.
What is your favorite part about working at The Drake Center?
The variety, the educating clients to promote their bond, and my coworkers.
What is your spirit animal and why?
Wolf, I am more partial to dogs. I had exposure to wild ones in Northern Minnesota while camping. I like their emphasis on family and cooperation.
What would your last meal be?
BBQ chicken.
Meet Loree!
Loree joined The Drake Center in 2000. Here are some of the words that the doctors use to describe her:
Get to know Loree:
Tell us about your pets:
I have Penny, a 5 y.o bichon/poodle. Misty, Miss Mia Miaw, Viking Steve, & Trouble are my cats. I also have a saltwater tank with a yellowtail damsel and nassarius snail.
Why did you decide to become a vet tech?:
I got a job as a kennel attendant in a vet hospital after high school. I planned to major in wildlife biology and figured some animal experience would be good on a transfer application. I ended up loving medicine, but hating college. Decided the combination of animals, medicine, and only 2 years of school was the way to go!
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
I really admire and trust the doctors at The Drake Center. They are compassionate, intelligent, strong group of women. I can always count on them to do the right thing for their patients (my pets included!).
What is your spirit animal and why?
This year, I'll say a rhino. Mostly like to be alone, but loyal/protective of those few I trust. Usually passive, but sometimes I attack without a good reason.
What would your last meal be?
Kraft Mac n Cheese, Cactus Cooler, and my grandma's cranberry pudding.
Meet Angel!
Angel has been at The Drake Center since 2004. Here are some of the words that the doctors use to describe her:
Get to know Angel:
Tell us about your pets:
I have a Pekingese named Trash Baby. I didn't name him! He came through two homes before me, but he is now in his furever home.
Why did you choose become a vet tech?:
I have a passion for animals.
What is your favorite part about working at The Drake Center?:
My coworkers are great and The Drake Center is always striving to do the best for the animals.
What is your spirit animal and why?:
A hibernating bear.
What would your last meal be?:
First, would be a banana shake (I'm lactose intolerant). Then my father's pasole soup!
Meet Andrew!
Andrew joined The Drake Center in 2008. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe him:
Get to know Andrew:
Tell us about your pets:
I have a labradoodle named Howie, a mutt named Frank, and a Siamese cat named Archer.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?:
I kind of stumbled into it to be honest, but I've come to be quite passionate about taking care of our patients.
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
We have a great clientele that is motivated to do whatever is necessary to ensure the optimal health of their pets.
What is your spirit animal and why?:
I've always had a certain affinity for penguins, though I've never really thought about it in that context.
What would your last meal be?:
The dry aged ribeye from Pamplemousse.
Meet Danielle!
Danielle joined The Drake Center in 2011. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe Danielle:
Get to know Danielle:
Tell us about your pets:
When I'm not here at The Drake Center, I am working with a rescue that helps in the high-kill shelters of LA. I typically have several fosters at a time and work to rehabilitate them and find them homes. I do have my own pets, also from those shelters:
Dogs: Ryder- pitbull mix, Kaiya- German Shepard, Cookie- American bulldog, Pirate- pitbull/bulldog mix, & Kato- pitbull
Cats: Morgan, and two sisters whom I bottle raised- Purr Baby and Black-Butt.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?:
Well, with a list like the above, clearly I love animals! Haha! I've always had a passion for helping animals in need, both medically and in other ways. I love to help them feel well and live happy lives.
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
My favorite part about working for The Drake Center specifically is the people here. I enjoy being around like-minded people who share similar passions as myself. We have a lot of fun together while we work too, and there are a lot of special people here who can make you laugh even on the toughest days. That's important!
What is your spirit animal and why?:
Hmmm... Well, I have had a few people tell me that I look like a cat (what?) and have even more say I am cat-like. I assume it's because I'm not super social, I like to stay home and be by myself or with my family most of the time. I am picky about the people I hang out with, and I also like to sleep- a lot.
What would your last meal be?
Probably steak, crab legs, mashed potatoes, and lots of BREAD. Oh, and chocolate cake.
Meet Vivian!
Vivian joined The Drake Center in 2013. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe her:
Tell us about your pets:
I have a English bulldog mix named Scotch and a Bassett hound/beagle mix named Wally.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?:
I'm a licensed veterinarian in Brazil. After I moved to San Diego, I decided to continue my career. Now I am a registered veterinary technician and working on getting my veterinary license in California. I love animals and I can't imagine working a job without them.
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
The level of care that we give to the animals.
What is your spirit animal and why?:
I think I would be a dog. They are really honest, loving and are always there for you.
What would your last meal be?:
Brazilian barbecue.
Meet Melanie!
Melanie joined The Drake Center in 2014. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe Melanie:
Tell us about your pets:
I have Oakley- Australian Shepard, Baymax - Pomeranian, Rhino- hamster.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?:
I've always loved animals. My friends would always say I had a "zoo" at my house. After college, when I was contemplating what I wanted to do, Jon asked, "Why don't you become a vet?", and that was it. :)
What is your favorite part about working at The Drake Center?:
Working with my awesome co-workers! And helping sick animals.
What is your spirit animal and why?:
Red panda, it is my favorite animal.
What would your last meal be?:
A never ending buffet. :)
Meet Machal!
Machal originally joined The Drake Center in 2013, and recently came back in 2016. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe Machal:
Tell us about your pets:
I have Tucker- a German Shepard, Dutchess- a Belgian Malinois, and Dodo- cocker spaniel mix.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?:
I have a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond and a love for medicine.
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
My coworkers! :) I love to work with people who love animals as much as I do and feel the same nurturing feelings towards them. I also look up to and appreciate the unique qualities each individual brings that makes this hospital function.
What is your spirit animal and why?:
Danielle and Melanie say I'm a dolphin because I'm friendly and smart.
What would your last meal be?:
Chipotle! And I would definitely double up on the guacamole.
Meet Amara!
Amara joined The Drake Center in 2015. Here are some of the words that the doctors use to describe her:
Tell us about your pets:
I have a black mouth cur mix named Jameson, and carine terrier mix named Scooter (who thinks he's a house cat).
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?
Because it incorporates my compassion for animals and love of the medical field.
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
I love the sense of family here.
What is you spirit animal and why?:
Labrador- because I'm lovable, outgoing, and food motivated.
What would your last meal be?:
A bacon cheeseburger from Fat Burger with 1,000 island, extra crispy fries, and a cookies n' cream pazookie from BJ's.
Meet Makena!
Makena joined The Drake Center in 2016. Here are some of the words that our doctors use to describe her:
Tell us about your pets:
I have a 7 month old labradoodle named Wilson.
Why did you choose to become a vet tech?:
I majored in animal science, and I wanted to gain some hands on experience in my field.
What is your favorite part about working for The Drake Center?:
Everyone gets along well and really wants what is best for the animals.
What is your spirit animal?:
An elephant.
What would your last meal be?:
The Melting Pot.