Meet Our Amazing Team

Cody

Client Service Representative

I, like many others, have loved dogs my whole life. I have a few other family members who have encouraged me to join this field.I’ve always enjoyed customer service jobs and can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

Share a funny story that happened at work or a funny animal-related story that has happened to you.

When traveling on the back roads at night I always come across animals (racoons, possums, foxes, etc.). I always pull to the side of the road and shoo them to the side so they do not get hit by a car.

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?

I would compare myself to a bat. They are dark and mysterious but also cute and sweet!

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

Either a horse or a horse or a cow. I’ve always wanted a farm that has 1 of every animal.

Liz

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

I have always enjoyed being with people and their four-legged family members. After college and various accounting positions, I began my career in the animal care and veterinary field. I owned a business specializing in house-sitting, dog walking and home care at the same time, and worked as a receptionist at a 24-hour emergency facility. After I met and married my wonderful husband, Jim, we moved to Tupelo, Mississippi and I continued to work within the veterinary field. I was hired as a receptionist, trained in-house as a technician and untimely became practice manager. A few years ago, as I drove down Broadway and saw our facility being built, I knew I needed to get back into the veterinary field… and the rest is history!

There were a few moments that truly imprinted in my the importance of connecting with each of our clients.It is an amazing feeling when an owner know that you and your facility will care for their pet as your own.

Liz has a sweet family tradition on Christmas where after they decorate the Christmas tree, they turn out all the lights in the house except for the tree and lay down with their feet under the tree. They take that time to bond, talk about their favorite memories, ask any and all questions, and enjoy the quiet moment of just them.

She has also has learned the importance of the tie on her work scrubs the hard way while getting her daily hug from a golden named Barry!

Allison G.

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

Share a funny story that happened at work or a funny animal-related story that has happened to you.
We did a “battle of the bands” team-building exercise. We had groups, costumes, and laughed until we were in tears over the joy we brought each other.

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?
It would have to be a doggie. I am loyal, protective, and enjoy laying around and snuggling.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
A horse. I loved riding, watching them play, run, trot, and just be the majestic beauties that they are.

Cris

Client Service Representative Shift Lead

I went to school for Criminal Justice, but my first dream job was to become a vet. I have such an intense love for animals and working at Coyne is such a dream. I get to work with insanely intelligent people and I get to see animals all day, what’s not to love? Learning from everyone who works here is genuinely a gift. I want all owners to know that we love and care for your animals almost as much as you do. Everyone here truly cares for the health and well-being of everyone that walks in.

Cris’s favorite dad fact-joke is: “Did you know that the first french fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece.”

If she could defy the laws of nature and breed any two animals together it would be a panda and a koala so she could call it ‘Paula’.

Kelley V.

Client Service Representative

Please write a paragraph about your career, what inspired you to get into the animal care field, inspirations, and heart-warming job experiences. 
I always wanted to start a career involved with animals. I decided to pursue what I knew I wanted to do, so I applied at Coyne.

Share a funny story that happened at work or a funny animal-related story that has happened to you.
My family and I were at the lake when my fiance’s dog jumped on him, pushing him into the water off the boat dock, then jumped in the water after him!

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?
I would compare myself to a saw-whet owl. I prefer colder weather. It is rare to see me out (when I’m not at work) and I love being in the woods!

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
I think having an orca whale would be a very cool pet. They are extremely smart and I think would make a great companion.

Rayne C.

Client Service Representative

Please write a paragraph about your career, what inspired you to get into the animal care field, inspirations, and heart-warming job experiences. (example: Dr. Dog went to School Name after they were inspired by a childhood experience with their own pet dealing with illness.) 

All my life I have loved animals and always had them while growing up, so being able to come and work at Coyne has been such a dream. I get surrounded by all different kinds of cute faces all day, who wouldn’t love that? I also get to work with amazingly talented people who have taught me so much already. Working here has been one of the best experiences in my life so far and I am very grateful for that.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

If I could have any animal in the world as a pet, I think I would want to have an elephant. Elephants have been one of my favorite animals since I was young, so being able to have one as a pet would be insanely cool. I wouldn’t even need to have a car to get around, I could just hop on the back of my elephant and have them take me everywhere.

Alex Y

Client Service Representative

Please write a paragraph about your career, what inspired you to get into the animal care field, inspirations, and heart-warming job experiences. 

I’ve always loved animals. I always said I wanted to work with animals, even when I was a kid. I was inspired to get into the animal care field when I was about 15. My family had just adopted a kitten, about 5 days after we adopted him I noticed he felt really hot. I probably wouldn’t have noticed it, except that he liked to sleep right against my side. When I really paid attention, I noticed that he seemed to be wheezing a bit, so I told my mom and we got him to the emergency vet. When they evaluated him, they told us he had severe bronchitis that was almost into pneumonia and if we hadn’t have brought him in, he would have died that night while he was asleep in my bed. I’m not sure how I knew something was wrong with him, but I did and I am so glad that I paid attention. He’s 8 now and the best cat I could’ve ever asked for.

Share a funny story that happened at work or a funny animal-related story that has happened to you.

One day, in the third grade, my class took a field trip to Amish Acres. While we were there, some boys in my class decided they wanted to get really close to the free-range turkey that lived on the property. Needless to say, the turkey wasn’t impressed and ended up chasing all of us for a solid 5 minutes. It was scary when it happened, but now I look back on it and can’t help but laugh.

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?

If I could compare myself to any animal, I would say I’m an elephant. I care deeply for the people that matter to me and would like to think I’m fairly smart.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

If I could have any animal in the world for a pet, I would have a Newfoundland. They remind me of big teddy bears. They just seem like they would be great to cuddle up with on a chilly night.

Lauren M.

Customer Service Representative

Please write a paragraph about your career, what inspired you to get into the animal care field, inspirations, and heart-warming job experiences. 

There has never been a time in my life where I haven’t had a fuzzy friend at home, and growing up with animals has created the biggest soft spot for them in my heart. When it comes to pets, my biggest inspiration is my mom, who is possibly even more of a dog-lover than me. She is the one who taught me about the significance of adopting, working through rescues, and giving every dog a chance. At work, I get to be surrounded by animals and animal-lovers each and every day and get to be a part of the love that happens between a pet and their family. I remember my first official day at work, and a woman came to pick-up the pawprint of a furry friend she had to say goodbye to. After handing her the pawprint, she gave me the biggest hug and thanked our team for the support she received. It was one of the most heartwarming experiences and genuine display of just how much our pets mean to each of us and how that love can bring us together.

Share a funny story that happened at work or a funny animal-related story that has happened to you.

My family and I live on the lake and our pup Pip absolutely LOVES being on the boats but HATES water. One day last summer we were getting ready to go out on the boat when all of a sudden I hear a big splash. I immediately turned around, ready to tease my sister for falling in, to find Pip treading water because she tried and failed to get in the boat that we kept on a lift before it was lowered. She was absolutely fine and it showed that she can actually swim really well, but to this day she still despises getting in the water.

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?

I would compare myself to a dolphin because they are playful and social. I also love being in or near the water, whether it be swimming, at the beach or on a boat, so I definitely feel I match up with them being sea creatures.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

I would have a sea otter because they are my absolute favorite animal. They just look so cuddly and a video of one showing the person filming how to pet them while squeaking is quite possibly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Sarah M.

Customer Service Representative

Never in a million years could I not have pictured myself in the animal care field. I have always been a huge animal lover so I took the leap of faith. My long term goal is to become a technician and be hands-on. Being here at Coyne, each and every day one of the techs have done something to inspire me. Always so willing to help. It’s always a great day to snuggle new puppies and kittens as well as being with families during the tough times. Creating relationships with our clients just puts the biggest smile on my face.

Share a funny story that happened at work or a funny animal-related story that has happened to you.
A coworker brought in her sugar gliders and I tried to act cool and unscared but the moment that little glider leaped off of the table it was game over! I screamed like a little girl.

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?
If I could compare myself to any animal I would be a Fennec Fox. Always happy go lucky!

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
If I could have any animal in the world I would choose a highland cow. They are the cutest, fluffiest babies!

Brandi

Client Service Representative

After doing hair in a salon for 5 years, I needed a change of pace. I have always loved pets, and my dog’s are my kids!! We rescued Oakley when she was a puppy and realized she needed a friend when we met Mila. We rescued Mila when she was about a year old, when a bunch of pups came up here when Hurricane Michael went through. Not even 2 weeks after rescuing Mila, she ended up in the hospital for a week. She was on her death-bed. She was Heartworm Positive and undergoing treatment, and had an abundance of Intestinal Parasites as well. Her blood wouldn’t clot so she had 4 blood transfusions, and her liver enzymes were very elevated. Needless to say, Mila made me realize how important pet’s health is. Rescuing Mila taught me a lot, inspiring me to help pets and learn more!

If you could compare yourself to any animal, which would it be and why?

A dog. I am a loyal person, who never minds a long walk or a long nap on the couch.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

A deer because when I see them in a big open field or in the cold winter morning sun, it brings me a sense of peace.