When her dog had a ruptured ACL, Tonya Haveck turned to McAfee Animal Hospital for help. As a pet owner who adored her dog and admittedly treated him like a child, she recalled being impressed by the level of care with which the veterinarians and staff treated him. She went in on a recurring basis to have Dr. Steve Violanti treat her dog, and she became interested in learning more about McAfee and how they cared for pets.
This intrigue and appreciation for McAfee increased with each visit. During these visits to the animal hospital, she noticed there was an open position there. Haveck decided that she wanted to be a part of the care she had witnessed firsthand and applied for the position. At 22, Haveck began her career as a receptionist for McAfee and maintained that position for the past 25 years.
When she began her position as a receptionist, she was unmarried. Over the past 25 years at McAfee, Haveck got married, and raised children. During that time, her children were not the only ones to grow up. Working the same job over a long period of time has presented the unique opportunity to watch young furry faces turn white with age.
“Being here for 25 years, I have seen puppies grow into adult dogs and then into their senior years,” Haveck said. “I’ve been able to build relationships with the clientele and know probably 75% of our clientele here. I can say, ‘Oh my gosh, I remember when that dog was a puppy! Wow, your dog is 12 years old already?’”
Haveck has too many favorite memories on the job to choose from, but her favorite part of the job is seeing pets restored to health and the joy it brings their owners. Being familiar with the clients and pets who come in on a regular basis makes that moment of healing all the more special.
“When a sick animal comes in and goes out healthy is probably the most rewarding part of the job,” Haveck said. “That’s when I feel like the medicine we practice here is so good because we can make those pets better. The owners are so happy that they can go home with a healthy pet.”
She is proud of the staff and veterinarians at McAfee as well as the medicine they practice there. She believes that the devotion to well-rounded care present at McAfee is making a positive impact on the community.
Haveck describes herself as an active person and likes to engage in a variety of activities when she is off work. She likes to run, play softball, walk, and hike. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, her three children, her friends, her cat named Bean, and her two golden retrievers named Colton and Maverick.
To learn more about McAfee Animal Hospital, visit https://mcafeeah.com/.