The saying “still waters run deep” may have been written to describe our Practice Owner, Dr. Jay Thrush. This quiet, reflective human is a rare combination of heart, intelligence, curiosity and highly refined skills. He’s also a romantic who moved to Ontario to join the love of his life in building the dream that would become Forty Creek Animal Hospital. Born and raised in Alberta, he earned his veterinary degree in Saskatchewan and built a thriving practice in Manitoba before moving eastward.  He feels that this journey has brought him to exactly where he was meant to be and doing what he was meant to do. In his 30+ years of experience, Dr. Jay has cared for thousands of animals with a uniquely direct but tender expertise for pets and those who love them. In doing so, he has built a philosophy that assisting animals in need is fundamentally about building relationships with their people. He lives this daily in his practice, whether doing a healthy puppy check or performing life-saving surgery. Dr. Jay is humble and authentically kind to the core, inspiring those around him to dig deep, do better and look at every situation through empathetic eyes. With his calm demeanor, fine-tuned wisdom, and advanced skill set, both you and your pet can trust that you are in good hands with Dr. Jay.

When we were searching for a veterinarian to join our core team, we knew that compassion, understanding, kindness and well-rounded medical experience were the qualities that we couldn’t go without. We had no idea we could find all of those and add the ability to truly meet people where they’re at and the desire to continually elevate the care and service pets and people deserve. We are very proud to introduce our Medical Partner, Dr. Tina Gagnon. She’s a 2010 Ontario Veterinary College top graduate with a special interest in internal medicine, surgery and wellness care. Whether your pet needs immediate attention, long-term care or a “stay-well” visit, Dr. Tina will be there by your side to laugh, smile and even share tears during your pet’s lifetime. She is a familiar face in the town of Beamsville and knows and loves our community. We couldn’t be happier to work alongside and collaborate with Dr. Tina to provide your pets with outstanding care and you with sound, trusted advice.

Have you ever seen a room light up when someone is in it? Well, that’s what happens in the presence of our Client Services Manager, Sonia. She has been providing compassionate care and service in veterinary hospitals for over 20 years, and she is excited to meet you and your pets at Forty Creek Animal Hospital. Not only will she laugh with you at the stories you’ll share about your pets, but she’ll remember them the next time you’re in. Her mission is to be highly attentive to what’s important to you and your pets (and squish as many cats as possible). Her cheerfulness is contagious, and that’s why she’ll be the first person you meet when you walk in.

The moment we met Melena, we knew there was something so special about her connection to pets, people, and the veterinary community. She lit up when we explained our vision of Forty Creek Animal Hospital and shared that she’s been “training for this level of kindness, communication and care her whole life”. She is hyper-focused on listening to the needs of others and determining the simplest ways of providing solutions while staying connected to our pet owners, doctors, or care team. She has vast knowledge in patient care, nutrition and triaging and continues to elevate her skills and our team every chance she gets. Melena is our Veterinary Technician, and she can’t wait to meet you.

Rachel’s observant nature and calm presence make her a wonderful complement to our team. After previously working in emergency and specialty hospitals, she’s found her home at Forty Creek Animal Hospital as a Registered Veterinary Technician, where her bright mind and lighthearted humor bring a special energy to our clinic. With a kind and focused approach, Rachel ensures that every patient receives the care and attention they deserve. She listens closely, cares deeply, and makes our team howl with laughter with her impeccable wit. One thing she loves to do: Get creative! Drawing a picture on your pet’s exam room door (that matches their name)—is just one of the many ways she makes each visit special. We’re lucky to have her, and your pet will be, too.

Vivian has a way of making everyone—pets and people alike—feel at ease. Warm and engaging, she’s the one you’ll want to talk to when navigating a treatment plan for your pet or preparing for upcoming surgery. Her passion for educating and empowering pet owners is evident in everything she does as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She listens, guides, and reassures, offering advice that comes from years of experience and a deep love of human companions. She has a thirst for knowledge and enjoys every aspect of the vast role that veterinary technicians provide. When your pet is in our care, Vivian is like a mom—watchful, nurturing, and always making sure they’re comfortable. She leads with gratitude and empathy, making her a true gem at Forty Creek. We can’t imagine our team without her, and once you meet her, you’ll understand why.

There’s a thoughtfulness about Casey that you can spot a mile away. Whether she’s preparing for surgery, nursing a patient, supporting a team member, or admitting your pet into the hospital, she’s always looking for ways to level-up her care game. Gentle, quick-thinking, and deeply dedicated to the profession of pet-loving, Casey approaches every patient with calm confidence and genuine compassion.
Casey has been a Registered Veterinary Technician for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the Forty Creek family. Her background includes emergency medicine, general practice, and advanced work alongside a veterinary dental specialist—experience that gives her a well-rounded, detail-driven approach to patient care.
Outside of the hospital, Casey’s love for animals extends far beyond cats and dogs. She enjoys designing and maintaining bio-active terrariums—home to newts, geckos, and salamanders… oh my! When she’s not tending to tiny ecosystems, she’s spending time with her two mixed-breed pups: Eladora, a Lab mix, and Wynter, a Pointer mix—proof that her heart belongs to pets of all shapes, sizes, and pedigrees. We can’t wait for you to meet her!