At The Drake Center, it’s no surprise our families are a bit…furry. From dogs and cats to horses, chickens and an emu, we’d like you to meet the loves of our lives—our pets. 

Proud pet parent: Dr. Heather Kovac, veterinarian

  • Asia, Labrador retriever mix

If you had to choose, would you say you are a cat person or a dog person? Why?

I am definitely a dog person. I like their “get up and go” personality. I love that dogs want to be with you wherever you go, even if it's just to the mailbox. Dogs seem to greet every day as a new adventure and always live in the moment. My dog's favorite thing is just going for a walk to sniff around the neighborhood. Even at 10 years of age, she seems to have boundless energy and if she could smile, I think she would be smiling 90 percent of the time.    

How did you get your pets? Why did you choose those particular breeds?

Asia was a junior surgery dog while I was in veterinary school. She came from the shelter to be spayed by junior surgery students. A classmate of mine performed her surgery and I just couldn't send her back to the shelter. She came to live with me and my husband when she was four months old. She was our first "child" and has been the best dog for our family.  

What is special about your pets?

Asia is so wonderful with my kids. Before we had children, she would hide behind my legs whenever a toddler approached her, so I was a little worried about how she would tolerate living with kids. But from the moment we brought our son, now seven, home from the hospital, she accepted him as part of her life. She is so gentle with both of them and I think they are the reason she still acts like a puppy at times. When the kids are running around the house being silly, she joins right in and grabs one of her toys and throws it around the room. I also think that my kids have greatly benefited from having such a loving, well-behaved dog. They definitely see dogs as special creatures to be respected and loved.    

What is the cutest thing about your pets, physically?

I love it when she comes up and puts her head right on my lap and looks at me with those big brown eyes. She makes this soft “hmm” noise that means, "Don't you want to pet me now?"

What do you let your pets get away with that you probably shouldn't?

I trust her completely with my kids and my home. I sometimes forget that she is a dog. If she really wanted to, she could chew things up and be destructive, but she never has. I am pretty strict as far as what is expected of her. She does not get any people food and is not allowed on the furniture. Some people might think this is mean, but she has never begged a day in her life and is perfectly happy to sleep on her dog bed on the floor.

What is your favorite memory or story about your pets?

When I was pregnant with both of my children, she became very protective of me. She would sit by my side and follow me wherever I went. If a stranger came to the door she was particularly suspicious. She even nipped a few people's heels if she didn't trust them around me. I definitely knew that she sensed my pregnancy and that was her way of "helping out."

What do your pets bring to the dynamic of your family?

Asia is a big part of our family dynamic. She keeps us laughing, active, and protected. I know that my kids have a greater self confidence around animals growing up with a dog. I also hope that they will have a lifelong love of dogs and truly value all of God's creation.