Maria Augustyniak
Zone: Client Relations
Adopted: September 2015
Number of Pets: 1 grey tabby cat (Anabel); 1 Welsh corgi (Cody); and 1 cockapoo (Casey)
Maria’s longtime love for animals and her extraordinary hobby as a pet portrait artist were some of the reasons that inspired her to apply at Patton Veterinary Hospital.
An artist by trade, Maria grew up in Bel Air, Md., later attending Red Lion Senior High School and the Professional Institute of Commercial Art. Her favorite subject is art, which led to her creating portraits of pets. She now resides in Spring Grove, PA. Aside from being a pet portrait artist she was a Jr. Handler for 10 years; her parents owned a professional breeding/show kennel. For 20 years they raised Siberian Huskies and traveled the show circuit every year, “because of my love for these dogs I will always have animals in my life”.
“I felt with my past history with animals paired with my administrative experience, I would be a great fit for this position [at PVH],” Maria says.
In her free time, Maria loves to travel with her husband, Daniel, and their two children, Anna (12) and Ben (15). She also enjoys restoring antiques and attending flea markets.
Although she loves many animals, Maria says that if she could have any animal as a pet, it would be a horse. Among her other favorites? The movie “The Sound of Music” is a popular choice, and she also enjoys the comedy of Will Ferrell.
Maria admits that trying to keep up with the fast-paced environment at PVH is the greatest challenge, but seeing the animals everyday makes it more than worth it.
“I have experience with animals, but am eager to learn more,” Maria says.