More Than Medicine: The Heart Behind Veterinary Care

Dr Harrist meeting with client and pet-patient Jinger.

My journey into veterinary medicine began in Mississippi, my home state. Like many aspiring veterinarians, I entered this profession because I loved animals and wanted to learn how to help them. Veterinary school focuses heavily on anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, medications, surgery, and the science of caring for animals.

Even when your first pet patient tugs at your heartstrings, it is your mind and your hands that are trained to make a difference. The human-animal bond may be mentioned in a few lectures at veterinary school, but there is often little emphasis on the family member at the other end of the leash and the deep connection they have with their beloved pet.

After graduation, it didn't take long for me to realize that while my head and hands had the knowledge and skills needed to treat pet patients, it was my heart that made the heavy lift. My heart held the compassion—and often the words needed to comfort the owner of a sick puppy or an aging cat. Through those human connections, I developed a shared understanding that was built on trust: an owner’s trust in me to care for their pet, and my trust in them as partners in that animal’s care. These relationships quickly became my favorite part of veterinary medicine.

As I continued my career there was another reality—one that received far less attention in veterinary school and often left me feeling helpless. It is a barrier that continues to frustrate veterinarians, pet owners, and, most importantly, our collective efforts to provide the best veterinary care possible.

Veterinary medicine is expensive.

Veterinarians and practice owners are often forced to accept less-than-ideal treatment plans—or, in some heartbreaking situations, discuss surrender or euthanasia—simply because families cannot afford essential veterinary care. It is devastating for everyone involved.

As veterinary medicine has advanced, so have the costs of delivering that care. Revolutionary medications, advanced diagnostics, state-of-the-art imaging, specialized treatments, continuing education, student loan debt, facility expenses, medical equipment, and staff wages all contribute to rising costs. Add to that the growing presence of corporate veterinary groups purchasing independent practices and prioritizing volume and profitability.

In January, I made the decision to relocate to South Dakota to help a lifelong friend and colleague establish the state's first nonprofit veterinary hospital. This was not just a career move; it was a heartfelt calling. Here, I have the opportunity to blend my experience, skills, and love for veterinary medicine with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced imaging technology. This nonprofit environment allows me to build meaningful relationships with clients and their pets, providing quality care at affordable prices. Thanks to ARC's Pay It Forward Fund, I can also assist pet families facing temporary hardships, ensuring that they receive the support they need during challenging times.

The vision and generosity of the family in establishing the Hanson Family Foundation and Pet Wellness Veterinary Hospital have provided me with a unique chance to be involved in something truly transformative: redefining pet care through medical excellence, compassion, innovation, and heart. Our mission-driven work not only assists families and their pets, but also enables veterinarians like myself to practice the kind of medicine we are passionate about.

To me, that feels a little like a miracle. Something that resembles magic, but is really rooted in science, compassion, and the very best of humanity. Every day, I wake up grateful to be part of it.

While the Hanson Family Foundation has laid the groundwork and gifted us the facilities and equipment to do this work, keeping pets with the families who love them takes the support of this community. There are many ways to join us in making an impact. Choose Pet Wellness Veterinary Hospital for your pet's care and support a nonprofit model that reinvests every dollar back into its mission. Make a gift to ARC's Pay-It-Forward Fund to help families experiencing financial hardship access lifesaving veterinary care. Tell others about our work, and help spread the word through social media. Together, we can ensure barriers never stand between a pet and the care they need, strengthening families and our community, one pet at a time.