Nov 29, 2022

Love for Animals

By Gloria Berube, Garden State Veterinary Specialists

Just like everyone I work with, I love animals. I’ve almost always had a dog. Even growing up, we had nothing, but we had a dog.

I’ve always tried to work hard – waitressing, bartending, etc. I was also a travel agent for a while.

When I applied for a receptionist position at a general practice veterinary clinic in 2000, I wasn’t confident that I would be considered because I had no experience. After working there for four years, I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about animals. I realized I wanted to continue doing this work.

I started working at GSVS in 2004. After I survived my first day, which was entirely different from general practice, I was asked if I was coming back! Here I am, 18 years later, working for a company that values and takes care of their employees. When I said that I learned a lot, it doesn’t compare to what I continue to learn, every single day. A day doesn’t go by, that I don’t learn something.

My position at GSVS is telephone operator. Giving directions, making appointments and taking messages is all part of the job. Trying to steer clients in the right direction, when they’re unsure what to do when their pet is ill, is a huge part.

The GSVS family consists of amazing doctors, technicians, client service representatives and administrative staff, whose main goal is a “happy ending” for our clients and their beloved pets. We wish they were all happy endings.

Eighteen year later, I can truly say that I’ve never regretted working here. The days can be trying, to say the least, but they’re always interesting. 

I consider GSVS my family. I’ve made friends here that are truly lifetime friends. Everyone is there for each other, through thick and thin, in and out of work. 

With the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy just passing, the memories of the losses of many of our employees are still fresh. Many of our employees experienced loss, including myself. Everyone stepped up to help, whether monetarily, with a kind word or just willing to help in any way. The Scavellis and the Correntes made sure that my husband and I had a place to stay. Other acts of kindness, included an air mattress, meals, socks, etc.

It seems that since COVID-19, we’ve been busier than ever! Everyone works hard, all day every day, trying to minimize someone’s heartache, who is just worried about their pet. At the end of the day, we’ve all been there and know what they are going through.

I think I speak for my fellow employees when I say that there are often pet or owner situations we can’t get out of our heads, and we take home with us. 

I’m always grateful for the little things – remembering our birthdays, holidays, a random lunch or special treat, showing us that we’re appreciated. 

I appreciate that I have a job and that it is at GSVS!