VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Drew Dunn

Drew Dunn

Veterinary Assistant, Neurology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The best part of being at VMCVM...
Being surrounded by so many doctors and technicians who are willing to teach me and help build my nursing skills and knowledge base. As someone currently in LVT school, it is amazing to work alongside so many people who are willing and able to help me as I learn.

Best advice I've gotten...
Never be afraid to ask questions!

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
Helping Animals Walk Again ... One Step at a Time

My hidden talent...
I know how to identify most constellations and bright stars in the sky.

A person who has inspired me...
My mom. She has always been a beacon of light for me and countless other people. She is the most generous person I have ever met. She gives time, emotional and physical energy, food, labor, money, and anything else she has to give to anyone and everyone who asks. She has shown me how be a giver but also how to make sure you don't exhaust yourself in the process.

Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
One memorable patient was a dog who could no longer walk but was very painful and aggressive. After many ups and downs, seeing him walk on his own and even crawl into my lap for pets was an experience I will always remember.

What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I love working alongside students and watching each little thing click as they understand how the process of a neurologic exam works. They are so much more confident by the end of the block and it makes me smile.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
Never needing sleep. There are so many things I could do and learn with 24 waking hours each day.

If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
My dog, Java. I'm sure she would ask to play outside all the time, but I would love to know what else she has to say.

A cause I'm most passionate about...
Trying to spread a positive spark whenever I can.

Favorite way to end the day...
Playing video games with my fiancé, Katie, while our dog keeps us company.

Top of my bucket list...
Watching the aurora borealis from the Arctic.

How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have 1 cat named Pumpkin. She's at least 12 years old and mostly just hangs around, occasionally wanting to play or cuddle. I also have 1 dog named Java. She's 3 years old and still as crazy as a puppy. She loves lying in the sun and egging other dogs on so she can outrun them when they chase her.