Julie Nettifee — Veterinary Nurse

The word that comes to mind describing Julie in her profession and life in general is compassion. She has an abundance of it and shows it in every aspect of her life. From the patience and care that she gives to the animals in her care at the vet school, as well as their owners, to the dogs that she fosters until they find their perfect forever home.

Julie has an extensive history with rescues, wildlife, animal shelter work, veterinary medicine and animal-based nonprofits including animal assisted therapy-and applies her passion, skills and interests to continue to benefit animals and their caregivers throughout her life’s work.

As a volunteer after one of the hurricanes here on the east coast, she befriended an elderly couple whose house had gotten flooded and had lost one of their two dogs when they were moving families to the interim hurricane housing. They were being temporarily housed in Raleigh however Julie offered to take them back to where the little dog had last been seen, which was an hour away. They searched and talked to people and searched some more until they were finally able to rescue that little dog. Needless to say, this meant the world to that couple who had already lost so much.

This is typical of who Julie is. A can do spirit combined with a bright and bubbly attitude, Julie always has a smile for everyone. She deserves to be recognized for the humanity and compassion that she shares with those who are lucky enough to know her.