Longtime Clients Support VMBS’ New Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Kevin ’88 and Dana ’21 Friar’s three beloved dachshunds — Scooter, Princess and Lilah — have all received lifesaving care from the Texas A&M Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH). As a result, the Friars have become more than hospital clients; they consider themselves friends and supporters of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS).

“Our animals are like family,” Dana said. “As their caretakers, we want to bring them to the best facility, and we know that it’s Texas A&M.”

With a deep gratitude for the care their animals have received at the SATH, the Friars are generously supporting the new Linda & Dennis Clark ’68 Small Animal Teaching Hospital. When the new facility opens in August 2027, it will include The Scooter, Princess & Lilah Friar Canine Exam Room, which will honor the Friars’ dogs, while continuing to support the advancement of groundbreaking research and the compassionate care offered at the VMBS.

Finding The Aggie Spirit

Kevin grew up in Brady, Texas, and never planned on attending Texas A&M. But when his childhood best friend, who came from an Aggie family, brought him to campus for a visit, he fell in love with the culture.

“I loved the traditions and thought the culture fit me well,” Kevin said. “I love everything about A&M, and I have fallen even more in love with it since graduating, as I really have understood the depth of the traditions and culture.”

A first-generation college student and Aggie grad, Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and began working for a chemical company; his work led him to New Orleans, where he would meet Dana through their mutual involvement with the Big Brother Big Sisters program.

The couple hit it off, quickly began dating, and married in 2002. In 2003, the couple was called back to Texas and moved to Katy.

While Dana, a New Orleans native, attended the University of Holy Cross and had little knowledge of Texas A&M prior to meeting Kevin, after Kevin brought Dana to her first Aggie football game, she developed the same affinity for Texas A&M that Kevin had when he first came to campus.

“When they sang the Aggie War Hymn, it was such a feeling of camaraderie,” Dana said. “I really felt like this was where I belonged. I love the values and how they are apparent in everything the university does.”

From then on, Dana considered herself an Aggie; she made it official when she received her Aggie ring and a master’s degree in human resource development in 2021.

In 2016, the couple was looking to move as they entered retirement, and College Station felt like the perfect fit.

“We both love A&M and always enjoyed coming up here for events, so we figured it was the perfect spot,” Kevin said. “It has been a great decision, as we have many friends who keep us busy, and we love going to all the events.”

Lifelong Dog Lovers

Growing up with several animals, Dana has always cared deeply for her pets.

“We lived in the city, but we had a corner lot, and my dad was like Dr. Dolittle,” Dana said. “He loved animals and I got that from him. We had dogs, birds, racoons, peacocks, goats and more.”

After moving to Katy, Dana began to feel lonely without a dog, so Kevin surprised her with their first dachshund, Scooter.

“He was just our world,” Dana said.

So, when Scooter began dealing with health issues, many of which required complicated procedures, the Friars turned to the SATH veterinarians for his specialty care, which included an emergency eye surgery.

“It was a Saturday night, and we could tell Scooter was in severe pain,” Dana said. “We rushed him to Texas A&M and they had to remove his eye immediately before it caused other issues. We are so thankful to have such specialty care nearby.”

The Friars consider their second dog, Princess, an Aggie because their son got her while he was at school at Texas A&M; after Princess needed back surgery, which was also performed by SATH veterinarians, she returned with the Friars to Katy and began living with them full time.

As nerve-racking as Princess’ major surgery was, the Friars felt comforted by the quality of care they had previously received at Texas A&M.

“Whenever our dachshunds were there overnight after a surgery, we received a phone call with an update every morning like clockwork,” Kevin said. “For us, that level of care sets Texas A&M apart — our dogs are part of our family, and the veterinarians were very understanding of that.”

The Friars’ third dachshund, Lilah, was 13 years old when they rescued her, and she needed an intense, six-hour dental surgery at the SATH. Thanks to the great care she received, she was able to enjoy three additional years with the family.

“Everyone at the SATH is so attentive and loving,” Dana said. “They have helped us and our dogs through a lot, and we are really grateful for that.”

This ongoing relationship helped the Friars feel at ease when, during COVID-19, the couple had to bring Scooter to the SATH but weren’t allowed to go inside because of pandemic protocols.

“They go the extra mile to make you feel good,” Dana said. “No matter what happens, even if they haven’t seen it before, they are able to quickly provide top-notch care while keeping you informed and connected.”

“Not only have we received outstanding care, but the compassion we received really sets Texas A&M apart,” Kevin said.

Research That Makes A Difference

In addition to being grateful for the lifesaving care their animals have received, the Friars are also passionate about the research being conducted at the VMBS.

“The research here is amazing,” Dana said. “One that sticks out to me is an enzyme shot created for dogs with intervertebral disc diseases, which is super common for dachshunds. The shot can save dogs from an invasive surgery.

“Being able to one day transfer a similar shot to humans could be a really great thing,” Dana added. “We love the animal piece, but the research they are doing to provide better care for humans is important, too.”

These experiences have led the Friars to support several VMBS initiatives through scholarships, endowments and serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council. So, when they heard about the fundraising campaign for the new small animal teaching hospital, they felt compelled to support it as well.

“We really understand the vision of the college,” Kevin said. “They want to be the best in the world and are constantly working to achieve that. We believe the new hospital is going to advance research and care for animals and people, and we are grateful to further these efforts in any way we can.”