The best way to understand where you belong is to see what’s out there for yourself. That’s what Dr. Courtney Harsy, associate veterinarian at Vale Park Animal Hospital, set out to accomplish.
Dr. Harsy was born in Lansing, Illinois. Shortly after, she moved to Chesterton, where she spent most of her time growing up. After graduating from Chesterton High School in 2006, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Taylor University in 2010. Four years later, she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She also worked an internship at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Throughout her studies, Dr. Harsy took an opportunity to travel to Ireland and study abroad. This was one of her first big opportunities to learn from a different perspective.
“I was always encouraged to challenge myself and actively pursue my dreams,” Dr. Harsy said. “Every time I go somewhere different, I find myself growing in my worldview, and it allows me to think in different ways.”
Since 2018, Dr. Harsy has worked for Vale Park Animal Hospital. She’s always had a special interest in working with exotic species. As an associate veterinarian, she’s able to make the most of working with reptiles, amphibians and companion animal mammals.
“Working with exotic pets at Vale Park has been exciting,” Dr. Harsy said. “Since a lot of the exotic animals are also considered beginner pets, I get to help people cultivate their first relationship with a pet of their own. I love being able to provide something a little different to what Vale Park normally offers.”
The main objective for Dr. Harsy is to help work with clients with available testing and educating them on all their options.
“Pets truly teach us about unconditional love,” Dr. Harsy said. “My goal is to help keep that love going for as long as possible in whatever way I can.”
Dr. Harsy has aspired to become a veterinarian since elementary school. Her original plan was to become one in Europe as someone who has always appreciated world travel. That was until she met the love of her life in her husband, Andrew.
However, Dr. Harsy has still had plenty of opportunities to travel the world. While she acknowledges the wide range of luxurious places in the world, the Region has always felt like the right spot to reside.
“Growing up here, there might be a lot of kids that see getting out of Indiana as a sign of making it,” Dr. Harsy said. “The more time I spend in different states and countries, the more I realize Indiana is a great place to be. I love being close to Lake Michigan, Chicago and making connections with all the people in the area. Living in Porter County is really something special.”
On top of her work at Vale Park, Dr. Harsy also supports the community as a first aid responder to her local church and by crocheting blankets or scarves for fundraising efforts.
In her spare time, Dr. Harsy enjoys reading fantasy and science fiction novels. Other hobbies include knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching and spinning yarn.
Dr. Harsy hopes to continue assisting clients with Vale Park Animal Hospital for many years to come. She’s optimistic that she can satisfy her world traveling goals in the foreseeable future as well. So far, she has traveled to 41 of 50 states and five of seven continents.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harsy or any of Vale Park Animal Hospital’s veterinarians, visit valeparkah.com.