Every day people across our NVA community make lives better. Whether we practice medicine, care for pets, or support our business, we’re united by a common purpose: For the love of animals and the people who love them. Here’s a story from an NVA General Practice (NVA GP) hospital that’s inspired by our WHY.

For over 50 years, Oldtown Veterinary Hospital has provided extraordinary veterinary care in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

A good Samaritan discovered a six-pound stray kitten with his head caught in an aluminum can and immediately brought the kitten to Oldtown. While the Samaritan wanted to help, he couldn't take responsibility of the cat.

After removing the can and treating his wounds, Oldtown covered the medical expenses using their “Good Samaritan Fund.” Throughout the year, the team holds yard sales and fundraising events to help animals in moments like this.

“This little helpless yellow guy, who our technician team fittingly named Campbell, shows up needing us,” said Medical Director Dr. Shannon Jarvis, “and it seemed like serendipity.”

Before the kitten arrived, Dr. Jarvis and her family had been mourning the recent passing of their beloved yellow Labrador. Her son especially struggled with the loss as it was his first pet. And for years, he’d been asking to add a kitten to their family. So for Dr. Jarvis, this was more than a patient – it was fate.

“This embodies everything about why I chose veterinary medicine as a career – to help the helpless and to be a voice for those that can’t speak for themselves,” said Dr. Jarvis. “Like many of us in vet med, my pets come to me in need, usually as strays through my hospital, and I’m happy to be in a position to add Campbell to the family. It’s heartwarming to focus on the oath we took as veterinarians to put the animals first, and come from a place of yes I can help you. Plus, the smile on my son’s face as a new kitten owner is priceless!”