When Wild Rose Vets returns to APTN on September 1 for its second season, viewers will once again step into the unpredictable, heartfelt, and often dramatic world of rural veterinary medicine. Among the three Indigenous veterinarians featured is Dr. Cori Stephen of Nechako Valley Animal Health Services in British Columbia—a woman whose work stretches across logging roads, fly-in communities, family homes, and vast cattle ranges.
For Dr. Stephen, veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals. In the remote corners of Northern B.C., where the nearest referral hospital can be ten hours away, it’s about being a lifeline—for pets, for livestock, and for the people who depend on them. “The only constant in our workdays is flux,” she says with a laugh. “Even though we start each day with scheduled appointments, being a mixed rural vet means days are dynamic.”
From Barns to Backyards
On any given day, Dr. Stephen might be checking cattle on a farm miles down a dirt road, then racing back to town to treat a family dog, or improvising solutions during a wildlife emergency. The pivots, she admits, weren’t always easy. “I have to say this is learned behaviour. After doing it for 20 years, the pivoting is seamless. It was not always as easy as it is now,” she explains.
In the absence of nearby specialists, resourcefulness becomes second nature. She recalls one unforgettable moment: “I remember a time when I went to a farm to castrate a horse and could not for the life of me find a scalpel blade in my supplies. I didn’t have time to keep looking and needed to get on with the appointment, so I grabbed an 18-gauge needle and used it as my surgical scalpel. It worked slick; the surgery got done, the horse recovered without incident, and the day stayed on schedule.”
The Human–Animal Bond
At the heart of her work is the connection between people and their animals—whether a beloved house pet or a cow in the herd. “There’s a quote, ‘Big or small, we love them all,’ and that is true whether a pet is a family companion, or an animal is being raised for food,” says Dr. Stephen. “To that family they are vital and there is still a relationship between owner and animal; every producer has a favourite cow or cows.”
This recognition of emotional connection is what makes her practice so integral to the communities she serves. “Being a veterinarian in a small town for 20 years has allowed me to meet many different people and families, many who are on their third generation of pets with my clinic. My relationship with these clients allows me the comfort of meeting them on a more personal level when approaching the care their animal may need.”
Johnny the Cat: Clinic Co-Host and Star
Adding a touch of humour and heart to Wild Rose Vets is Johnny, Dr. Stephen’s clinic co-host—and, in her words, the “real boss.” Equal parts sass and snuggle, Johnny has become a fan favourite. “Johnny is truly the definition of an emotional support cat. He knows when he is needed and where he is needed; it is the strangest thing,” she says.
Johnny, named after hockey star Johnny Gaudreau, has his quirks: chewing through every mousepad, shaking paws on command, and hunting squirrels like a pro. Recently diagnosed with glaucoma, he has taken it all in stride. “There will never be another cat like Johnny,” Dr. Stephen adds. “He is the most wonderful cat, and he loves his people.”
Representation and Resilience
Dr. Stephen is one of three Indigenous women featured this season, and while she doesn’t dwell on the title, she recognizes its significance. “I don’t think of it much; I am blessed to be doing what I love. Although on reflection, I would say that it is awesome to showcase what happens day in, day out in this field as well as the relationships I have with my clients and their animals.”
She also treasures the chance to share her Métis ancestry. “It wasn’t until later in life that my Métis ancestry was shared with my mom by her biological Aunty Joyce. My mom was a foster child and has a very different story from me. It is not lost on me that there are many Indigenous peoples who struggle because of events in our Nation’s history, and this opportunity to be a voice and an example is humbling.”
Beyond the Snuggles
While veterinary work can look heartwarming on screen—puppies, kittens, and grateful owners—Dr. Stephen is quick to remind viewers of its realities. “The reality of the work is it is long days that are rarely filled with snuggling puppies and kittens and other baby animals. There are tough conversations to be had and animals that need care. As veterinarians, we know what needs to be done, and it is our job to work with the owner to ensure their pet is getting the medical care and attention that aligns with the owner’s means.”
Still, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “I hope viewers take away that the most important aspect of the work is the relationships we build with our clients. To do this job you must love people and animals. You must have empathy, as every person that walks into an appointment with me has a different story and a different expectation.”
Advice for the Next Generation
To young Indigenous people considering veterinary medicine, Dr. Stephen offers words of encouragement: “The world can be a big scary place when embarking on your future, but remember that it is for everyone. Be kind to animals and people. Don’t be afraid to speak your dream so you can find those who will help you on your journey.”
With Wild Rose Vets returning this September, Dr. Cori Stephen’s story—and those of her fellow Indigenous veterinarians—remind us that being a vet in rural B.C. is about far more than medicine. It’s about resilience, compassion, and community. Or, as Dr. Stephen puts it simply: “Big or small, we love them all.”
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