Adopted – October 2011
Number of pets – 1 dog Zeke, 1 cat Nermal, 2 whites tree frogs Bulbasaur & Wysaur
A native of Stewartstown, Carrie McCloskey is a graduate of Harcum College with an associate’s degree in science and animal center management. Before joining the staff of PVH in October 2011, Carrie lived for 13 years in Philadelphia working as the practice manager for an area veterinary hospital. She currently serves as both animal care coordinator and training coordinator for PVH, and also lends assistance with nursing and administrative duties.
Carrie grew up among any number of animals including horses, sheep and cattle, but never owned a dog until the age of 21. It was that little Pomeranian who inspired her to want to open and run her own kennel facility someday. Although the dream never materialized, she looks back on it with smiles.
“I only wanted to deal with happy, healthy animals,” she admits wryly. “But nursing work changed my mind.”
Carrie’s love of animals is shared by her son Nathan, who she believes would “have every animal in the world” if she allowed it. Together they have fostered and bottle-fed litters of newborn kittens who sometimes had a very limited chance of survival. As a mother, she knew it was a sad, but necessary, life lesson for her son. “That was how he learned about life and death,” she remembers, “and also how to be a good pet owner.”
As her work at PVH continues, Carrie has the opportunity to educate other children by leading tours of the hospital for local students and scout troops, and also helping to organize the PVH Kids Club. In many ways, she truly has fulfilled her dream.
“I love working at PVH,” she says. “It’s allowed me to be a mom and enjoy life with my son. I come to work loving what I do.”