Thankful Thursday: Celebrating the People Behind the Care

September 24, 2026

What makes Vetcor such a special place? Team members who go the extra mile, lend a helping hand, and show up for each other when it matters most. This month's Thankful Thursday highlights individuals and teams whose dedication, teamwork, and compassion help make Life Is Better Here a reality every day. 

Care That Clients Remember 

Some of the most meaningful recognition comes from the people we serve. 

After West Phoenix Veterinary Hospital signed up for Treats for Pets & Vets with Trupanion, Hospital Manager Katelin Arrellin was excited to receive kind words from one of the hospital's favorite clients. While much of the work veterinary teams do happens behind the scenes, moments like these are a powerful reminder that clients notice the compassion, care, and effort that go into every interaction. 

Katelin shared: 

"I’m incredibly proud of my entire team and the care they provide to our patients and their families every day. Work can be challenging, and there is so much that happens behind the scenes, but seeing our clients recognize the compassion and effort our team puts into their pets means so much."  

She also expressed gratitude for the clients who take the time to share their appreciation, noting that their kind words truly make a difference. 

The People Who Keep Things Running 

Behind every successful hospital is a network of people working hard to provide support when it's needed most. 

Brooke Ortiz, Hospital Manager at Shelby Center Hospital for Animals, recently recognized Summer Russell from IT for her responsiveness, problem-solving skills, and dedication to helping hospital teams navigate technical challenges. 

Brooke shared: 

"She is ALWAYS on it!!! Anytime we need help with something, she is quick to jump in and get it figured out." 

While Summer earned a special shout-out, Brooke also took the opportunity to recognize Vetcor's service departments as a whole. 

"We've had so many people go above and beyond to help us, and I really appreciate all of you!" 

Supporting more than 900 hospitals takes patience, flexibility, and teamwork, and Brooke's message was a heartfelt reminder of the impact our service teams have across the organization every day. 

Embracing New Opportunities 

Career growth often means stepping into something new, and Tina Fye from the OPS team wanted to recognize a teammate embarking on an exciting next chapter. 

Tina celebrated Alannah Labesky as she transitioned from Operations to Talent Acquisition. While her colleagues in Operations will certainly miss her, they're also excited to see her bring her experience and expertise to a new team. 

Tina shared: 

"After my first 1:1 with her and one of my teams yesterday, it is very clear that she is going to rock it in her new role!" 

She added: 

"We will definitely miss you in OPS, but I'm so glad we still get to utilize your expertise in a new way. Talent Acquisition is lucky to have you!" 

Alannah's transition is a wonderful example of how professional growth creates new opportunities to make an impact across Vetcor. 

Celebrating the Heroes Behind the Scenes 

Some of the most important contributions happen quietly behind the scenes. 

Dalia Hill from the OPS team recognized Jenny Driscoll, Taylor Crispin, and the entire PMO team for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting hospitals across the organization. Whether solving complex challenges, developing better processes, or helping teams navigate change, their work helps keep everything moving forward. 

Dalia shared: 

"We are so fortunate to have the PMO team advocate for our hospitals, find the best pathways to deliver the best care, and have fun recognizing our amazing team members along the way." 

She also praised Jenny and Taylor for their steady support and practical guidance. 

"If you've ever needed an answer fast, a plan that actually makes sense, or just someone to keep you sane on a chaotic day, chances are Jenny or Taylor had your back." 

Dalia extended her gratitude to the entire PMO team, recognizing the often unseen work they do every day to support hospitals and improve patient care. 

Rising to the Challenge 

When unexpected challenges arise, great teams find a way to come together. 

Amber Ingenluyff, Hospital Manager at North Shore Veterinary Clinic wanted to recognize her whole team after the hospital experienced power outages on back-to-back days, including one outage that occurred during surgery. 

Despite the disruption, the team remained calm, focused, and committed to keeping patients safe while continuing to provide excellent care. 

Amber shared: 

"When the electricity went out in the middle of surgery today, our team stayed completely calm and kept the patients safe!" 

She went on to thank the team for their resilience and teamwork. 

"Your resilience, teamwork, and dedication to every single patient, whether in surgery or routine care, have been nothing short of amazing!" 

Their ability to adapt under pressure while maintaining exceptional patient care highlights the strength and professionalism that veterinary teams bring to every challenge. 

Thank You for Making a Difference 

Whether it's earning a client's gratitude, supporting hospitals from behind the scenes, embracing a new opportunity, solving problems for teammates, or staying calm during unexpected challenges, these stories showcase the people who make Vetcor special. 

Thank you to Katelin and the West Phoenix Veterinary Hospital team, Summer, Alannah, Jenny, Taylor, the PMO team, the North Shore Veterinary Clinic team, and all of the dedicated team members across our hospitals who embody the compassion, teamwork, and commitment behind our Life Is Better Here culture. Your efforts make a difference every day, and we're grateful for all that you do.