In case you haven’t noticed, our area is chock-full of pet lovers. Dr. Fidel Murphy and Dr. Monica Faltyn of Blue Cross Pet Hospital are veterinarians you can depend on when your furry four-legged friend needs some special care, or just a general check-up. The duo took the practice over in November 2013, but the previous owner has had it since 1974, making it a fixture for many long-standing clients. “We’ve had animals that are now twenty and have been coming here for years,” Monica says. “We are getting to know a lot of the clients around here. Most of our clients live around here, some have even traveled to see us.” “I’ve never worked where I’ve lived before,” adds Fidel. “Now I walk down the street and see my clients with their pets and it’s nice to see their healthy progression.” Monica tells us her journey as a vet has been a natural one, as she’s always had a natural love for animals. “I grew up with them. I like to think I’m good with animals, and that they like me too,” she tells us. “I have two dogs, and they are like my kids. They make a big difference in your life and they are very therapeutic, and they give you more love than you could ever give them back.” “I thought about medicine and contemplated going into it,” Fidel says. “But being a vet you get to do a lot of things and help a lot of people. Our patient is a cat or a dog; you get to meet the owners too. There is such a bond there and you just become part of that team.” 
Fidel sits on the board of the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre, and says he’s proud of all the work the organization does for the area. “I really enjoy it and it’s just great to give back,” he says. “The stuff that the CPC and BIA do, and it’s just great to see the changes they’ve made and what they do for the businesses. As for right now, we are hoping to get more involved with other groups in the next couple of years.” Naming Mr Red Café, Roundel Cafe, Tacofino, and The Red Wagon among their lunch-time faves, Monica and Fidel are locals who are proud of where they live and work. Visit their website for more info, and stay social on Facebook.