Meet Darrell and Bernard: Hebron Vet’s Resident Greeters

At Hebron Veterinary Hospital, we believe every pet that walks through our doors deserves to feel at home. Helping us with that important job are two very special members of our team—Daryl and Bernard, our beloved clinic cats. These two have become patient favorites, official greeters, and emotional support specialists (for both our staff and clients). Their stories are just as unforgettable as their personalities.

Daryl: The Survivor with a Stubby Tail

Daryl has been with us since 2016—the very first year Dr. Mordasky took over the hospital. His journey to becoming our front desk fixture is nothing short of miraculous.

He was found during a brutal snowstorm by a caring client. At the time, he was unresponsive, hypothermic, and suffering from severe frostbite on his tail and the tips of his ears. That same client happened to be the mother-in-law of one of our current veterinary nurses, who is now working toward her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine license here in the U.S. after moving from Portugal. It was a fateful connection that brought Daryl through our doors.

When he arrived at the hospital, Daryl (who hadn’t been named yet) was in critical condition. X-rays revealed free air in his chest—what we call a pneumothorax—likely caused by a piece of metal he had swallowed that punctured his trachea. It didn’t look good, but we weren’t giving up.

With some intensive care, antibiotics, fluids, and pain medication, Daryl pulled through. Miraculously, he even vomited up the metal (and a piece of string), saving him from surgery we weren’t sure he would survive. After stabilizing, Daryl also had to have his frostbitten tail amputated—but don’t worry, his little stub suits him just fine. Dr. Mordasky, who is a big Walking Dead fan, named him Daryl, after a character that time and time again cheated death on the show!

These days, Daryl is the quiet gentleman of the hospital. You’ll usually find him lounging at the front desk, keeping an eye on the goings-on and offering his calm presence to clients and patients. His only vice? The occasional love bite when breakfast or dinner is running late. He’s around 10 years old now and thriving in the place he calls home.

Bernard: The Mischievous Escape Artist

If Daryl is our mellow greeter, Bernard is his wild and spirited counterpart.

Bernard’s story is a bit different—he actually visited Hebron Vet three separate times as a “lost cat” before officially joining the family. Every time he escaped from his previous home, a good Samaritan or animal control would scoop him up and bring him back to us. After the third visit, we took the hint—Bernard had clearly chosen us.

Bernard is full of energy and personality. He has a reputation around here for being a bit of a Houdini, especially in the mornings. He waits patiently by the front door, hoping a distracted client will give him the chance to slip out and explore. (That’s why you’ll see a sign on our window that reads: Please don’t let the cats out—especially Bernard!)

When he’s not plotting his great escape, Bernard loves soaking up the sun in the doctor’s office, snuggling with our team, and hopping onto the heated surgical table (before the patients, of course). He was also a favorite of the construction crew during our basement renovation—he greeted them daily and made sure their workdays started with a purr.

Part of the Family

Daryl and Bernard may have come to us in very different ways, but they’ve each found their forever home here at Hebron Veterinary Hospital. They remind us daily why we do what we do—because every animal deserves love, care, and a second chance.

So next time you visit us, make sure to say hello to Daryl at the front desk and keep an eye out for Bernard (especially near the front door!). They’ll be more than happy to greet you—with a purr, a head bump, or in Daryl’s case, maybe even a little love nibble.