COTTAGE COUNTRY ANIMAL CLINIC - Key Persons
Cathy's love of creatures started very young when she would "rescue" everything from caterpillars to pigeons, much to her Mother's dismay. She attended the University of Guelph and obtained her B. Sc. In Biology/Zoology. After graduating, she came to Parry Sound for a summer job at the Ministry of Natural Resources Wildlife Lab that, over time, morphed into a full time Resource Technician position. Finding herself out of work after a mass lay-off in 1996, she moved just outside of Parry Sound and started her own business (Nova Kennel Dog and Cat Boarding) that finally fulfilled her wish to work with dogs and cats. Nova Kennel served the Parry Sound area for 20 years.
After a ‘trial run' at retirement for a year, Cathy jumped back into the workforce with both feet in January 2017 - one here at Cottage County Animal Clinic, and the other at the White Squall Outdoor Store.
She has shared her home with a number of dogs and cat over the years, and currently has 2 cats - brother and sister duo Alfie and Hershey - to warm her lap.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian
- Member of Our Team
Dr Chris Murfin is the newest member of our team, having joined our practice in January, 2020.
Dr Murfin graduated from the University of Guelph with a BSc in Biology in 1979, then obtained his DVM degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1983. After gaining experience in a mixed practice in Schomberg, ON, he worked as a house-call veterinarian in Mississauga and ran a large small animal clinic there as well. For the past 25 years he and his family lived in Kitchener-Waterloo, where he owned a small animal hospital for many years. After selling his practice a few years ago, Dr Murfin and his wife Janet decided to make a permanent move to their cottage near Parry Sound. He has two daughters still living In Kitchener-Waterloo.
Chris has enjoyed working with many species besides dogs and cats, including rabbits, ferrets, reptiles and birds. For several years in Kitchener he also worked with a local turtle rescue agency to repair shells of turtles that had been injured by motor vehicle encounters. His areas of interest include orthopaedic and soft-tissue surgery and skin diseases.
In his spare time, Chris enjoys canoeing, camping, snowshoeing and skiing, among other things. He is also an avid squash and billiards player. He and his wife currently share their home with their two Cornish Rex cats, Harold and Ziggy and a Papillon named Russel.
Dr. Jennifer Garner joined our practice in May 2011 and provides veterinary care for companion animals, exotics, and wildlife from Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Jennifer attended the University of Guelph where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology before graduating with distinction from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2011. Over the years she has gained a diverse range of animal related experiences, including companion animal medicine, wildlife rehabilitation and international veterinary medicine. She has traveled to British Columbia, Yukon, Haiti, and Central America to gain these experiences and fulfill her love to travel. Her special interests include emergency and critical care and surgery.
Jennifer grew up in Hamilton, Ontario where she spent her summers camping and traveling with her family. When the opportunity to move to Parry Sound presented itself she jumped at the opportunity to live near Georgian Bay. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, kayaking, running, and cooking.
Natalie graduated with distinction from the University of Western Ontario in 1998 with a degree in Physiotherapy. She worked for the Community Care Access Center in Guelph while she pursued her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, and graduated with distinction in the seventh percentile in her class in 2003. Natalie was a recipient of the Merck award in her final year of the program and was also awarded the top mark for veterinary anatomy. Having dual Physiotherapy and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees is a very unique asset as very few Veterinarians across North America hold this degree combination. Natalie has extended her physical therapy training to include Canine Rehabilitation which is only offered to Physiotherapists.
Following graduation, Natalie was chosen as one of six Veterinarians from across North America to complete a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Ontario Veterinary College, which she completed in 2004. This opportunity enabled her to extend her veterinary training in areas of small animal oncology, emergency medicine, critical care, internal medicine and surgery. Prior to opening Cottage Country Animal Clinic, Natalie worked at the Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic and two other small animal practices in the Barrie area.
Natalie is extremely proud of the staff and the service provided at Cottage Country Animal Clinic to both permanent and seasonal residents as well as visitors. Natalie also strongly believes in continuing to extend her veterinary education as the profession is continuously changing in order to provide our clients with the very best standard of care possible.
When Natalie is not busy at the clinic, she can be found spending time with her family. She enjoys life at the cottage, running and golfing and in winter months watching her son Michael and daughter Henley play hockey.
Job Titles:
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Felicia joined our practice in September 2020 after moving to the Parry Sound area in late July. Growing up in Grimsby, ON, Felicia always knew she wanted to work with animals and help those in need. She attended Blessed Trinity High School, where she completed two co-ops, and volunteered at various small animal clinics and shelters. Felicia graduated in 2017. Following graduation, Felicia decided to take a year off where she focused on working and gaining more experience and knowledge. Felicia pursued the 2-year Veterinary Technician program at Georgian College the following year and completed two co-ops at two different small animal practices in Grimsby. With a small delay due to COVID-19, Felicia graduated on the dean's honor list in 2020. After graduation, Felicia gained experience at a small animal and emergency clinic before officially moving to Parry Sound and joining Dr. Natalie Eves at Cottage Country Animal Clinic. Felicia completed her registration and officially became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in late 2020. When Felicia's not at work, you can find her relaxing at the beach with friends or boating out on the Bay.
Job Titles:
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Mallory was born and raised in the Muskoka area. Mallory's passion for animals began at a very young age. She attended Parry Sound High School, completed a co-op at the Parry Sound OSPCA, and worked part-time at Parry Sound Animal Hospital. Mallory graduated in 2007 with honors and received the Rheat Massasauga Park Scholarship as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top Scholarship.
Mallory pursued her post-secondary education attending Northern College Applied Arts and Technology, enrolled in the veterinary sciences program 2 year Veterinary Technician course. She completed a 1 month placement at the research facility LAB in Laval, Quebec. Mallory graduated on the dean's honor list in 2009. After graduation Mallory worked hard to complete her registration and passed her national exam becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). After completing her exam, she began her employment at Cottage Country Animal Clinic, working alongside Dr. Natalie Eves.
When Mallory isn't at the clinic you can find her busy with her family. She enjoys watching her daughter horseback ride as well as working on the homestead with Peyton by her side taking care of the ducks and chickens. Hopefully her son Lucas follows suit once he starts walking. During the summer months she enjoys camping and boating alongside her husband, Nick, with their two dogs Merle Haggard and Buckley. Also at home is their one eyed cat Farley and Marshmallow their bunny and Gram's helping keep peace. Thank god!
Job Titles:
- Receptionist / Veterinary Assistant
Tonya is a local gal, born and raised in Parry Sound. Her love for all critters big and small was noticed at a very young age. As a child, she loved helping her gramps with his group of hunting dogs and looking after all her childhood critters which included fish, turtles, bunnies, cats and dogs.
As soon as she turned sixteen and was able to drive....she was on the road to pick up her first of many horses. With this new-found love affair you could then find her attending horse shows, going on trail rides and for a very few special children a chance to ride on a very special friend.
Her hobby farm has since grown larger to include, ducks, chickens, geese, 3 horses and at times she would include her lovely children as a pair of animals in her funny farm !
When Tonya is not at work, she enjoys the great outdoors. You will find her trail riding, fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, and 4 wheeling with her daughter Georgie and son Mack.
Vanessa grew up in Hamilton, Ontario but would visit her grandmother in Carling during the summer. In 2018, Vanessa and her husband moved to the Parry Sound area.
As a child, Vanessa always wanted to be around animals but was not allowed to have any animal companions, so she and her sister would sneak in neighbourhood cats, much to their mother's surprise.
After graduating from high school, Vanessa attended the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, where she graduated from the Veterinary Medical Office Administration program. She then worked at a few small animal clinics in Southern Ontario as a Veterinary Receptionist and Veterinary Assistant. Vanessa is very excited to be joining the team at Cottage Country Animal Clinic.
Her home is ruled by three male felines- Binx, Tobias and Lucas as well as her 14-year-old step-son Cole.
Job Titles:
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Vicki is a local girl born and raised in Parry Sound. With a love for animals from a very young age, you could always find her around any type of animal. While attending high school her career path was confirmed with the completion of a high school co-op placement at a small animal clinic, where she received the "Excellent Achievement Award".
Vicki graduated as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) from St. Clair College in 1992 with leadership awards and the Essex County Chapter Award. Vicki has gained 30 years of experience in the veterinary profession as an RVT. Prior to joining our team in April 2018 she has worked at a small animal clinic in Elmvale and Parry Sound, as well as an emergency clinic in Barrie.
With a keen interest in advancements and the developing approaches in veterinary medicine, Vicki continues her professional development by attending Ontario Veterinary Technician conferences. She has also completed an advanced course in CPR and Medical Emergencies.
She currently has a fur family of three Siamese cats, Charlie, Bitty and Simon and a cute little Potcake Rescue from Mexico named Minnie.