Kate Bruni
Veterinary technician Kate Bruni has been a member of the PVH nursing team since April 2014. A native of Timonium, MD and a graduate of Dulaney High School, she grew up with a natural love for animals. Yet it would take several years before she considered a career in animal health care.
A self-professed cat lover, Kate became a first time dog owner at the urging of her step-father, who invited her along on a walk through at the SPCA. That day, she fell in love with one of the many shelter dogs waiting for their forever home. Even though her life was very busy and she thought that adding a dog to her household was out of the question, Kate decided to make the time, open her heart and provide the love and care that Jax deserved.
“I thought to myself, ‘I don’t care what it takes, that dog’s coming home with me.’,” she remembers.
As Jax became a member of the family, Kate found herself more and more interested in learning about animal health. Within her own efforts to become a better pet owner, she discovered that a world of information was available. Her research led to a new, life changing possibility—working in the veterinary field.
Up to this point, Kate was a full time mother whose days were devoted to home schooling her daughter, Morgan. But she would soon open another chapter of her life which would make her a full time mom, a full time student and a full time veterinary assistant—all at the same time.
“First and foremost, I am Morgan’s mom,” pledges Kate. “But after that I need to be Kate. I went with a career that I could see myself doing, something that I was proud of.”
Along the way, her heart was stolen by a 2-wk old kitten which she named Gus. He was soon diagnosed with a debilitating brain condition called cerebellar hypoplasia. The disease severely affected the cat’s mobility—he often could not stand and his legs would not cooperate enough to let him walk. Diapers were necessary as he could not use a litter box, and Kate devoted herself to providing the special care that Gus needed.
“That little guy came to me,” she remembers. “He just touched my heart. He deserved a chance and I was able to give him three years. Every night I thanked God for another day with him.”
Kate enrolled in the veterinary technician program first at NOVA Community College, then later online in the San Juan Vet Program. She worked for two different animal hospitals in Ruther Glen, VA, learning everything she could about veterinary medicine. Eventually her path led to Red Lion and her current position at PVH.
“My favorite part about the job is seeing the patients who come in sick being able to leave healed,” she says. “I love seeing their eyes light up when they see their owners.”
Much of Kate’s off duty time is spent doing home renovation. She and her husband purchased a house in need of attention and they were eager to take on the project with DIY skills and the commitment to make their improvements a reality. Long before they apply their knack for decorating, the couple jumps in to knock down walls, install new hardwood floors and literally “rip out” entire rooms and fixtures to update them with new functions and accents.
Once the house is complete, Kate and her family will establish a homestead. What has become a modern goal of sustainability in recent years finds its roots in a very basic, traditional place. Like millions of families across the country, she will raise chickens and use her gardening skills to provide food for the household.
As for her future in veterinary care, Kate has embraced her calling and never hesitates to answer why: “Because pets are awesome! Being part of a team to care for them is even better—need I say more?”