It all begins with a bond.
The bond of love and companionship with an animal.
My veterinary journey started with a rescue dog named Princess. She was a large, black, mixed-breed dog with allergies, behavior issues, and a look that lightened my heart in any mood. She provided me with companionship and loyalty starting during my first year of college. She was my shadow, support, and friend for 13 years. A few years into our journey during veterinary school, we welcomed a stray, petite, scrappy, medium hair calico cat we named Gabby (after Marian Gaborick, go Wild), to join our pack. Together, we graduated from veterinary college, completed an emergency medicine rotating internship, moved across the country a few times, and pursued general practice. We found more love in our lives when I married and welcomed the birth of my twin daughters. After walking down many roads and spending 13 years together, I mourned the loss of Princess after she suddenly developed complications to her cancer.
Gabby continued to be my feline sidekick, friend and creatively trained two growing children to deliver her treats and receive countless cheek rubs. She brought me joy, love and helped me navigate many life changes, including the loss of Princess and the death of a parent.
I, like so many pet owners, struggled immensely to make that difficult decision of when to say goodbye to my companion of 14 years. In the late spring of 2021, it was clear that my time with my dear friend Gabby was to end. She was able to pass away at home in her favorite bed surrounded by love. I wanted the best for my loved friend, and I want for you to have the best for your furry loved one too.
About me, I grew up in Northern Minnesota. I attended North Dakota State University, completed my doctorate at the University of Minnesota in 2009, and did my post-doctorate education at a specialty veterinary practice in South Florida. I missed Minnesota lakes and seasons too much to stay away for more than a few years. I live in Mankato with my husband, twin 9-year-old daughters, two dogs (Kylo, Maddie), three cats (Walnut and Edison, or 'Eddie Baker' and Cedar P Scott), pet rat (Hidy), fish and two frogs.
I am on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, co-chair an early career veterinary development program. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, spending time with family, and being active in biking, running, and while late but not last, in 2023 joined the Peleton club. Now that I have run a marathon, I hope to someday complete a half Iron Man distance triathlon.
Holly (Lillegaard) Rudolf
Halo Pet Care is proud to donate to the MN Animal Health Foundation, Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF), Minnesota Association for Pets in Crisis, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), and Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS).
Gabby (Named after Marián Gáborík, alias Gaborelli)
Princess (alias P-Dog, P-unit)
