Dr. Gheorghe Rotaru’s passion for veterinary medicine began at age five when he watched a local vet save his favorite cow. Growing up in Romania, he developed hands-on experience with animals training security dogs.

After moving to Canada in 2001, he worked his way from animal health technician assistant to veterinarian. Today, he owns and operates Heartland Veterinary Clinic and NS Canine Recovery and Wellness, providing top-tier veterinary and rehabilitation care.

He has a special fondness for pet dentistry and orthopedic surgery, and Dr. Gheorghe treats every pet with compassion and expertise. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, horseback riding, and pet photography. At home, he’s surrounded by his beloved pets—two Giant Schnauzers, a cat, and his horse, Spartacus.

Dedicated to continuous learning, he strives to provide the highest standard of care to every patient.

After 30+ years in the oil and gas industry, Crystal made an exciting career shift to the veterinary world—joining the “family business” and bringing her leadership skills to NS Canine Recovery. As clinic manager, she loves meeting clients and their furry family members, especially hearing the creative names people choose for their pets! Being new to the field, she finds every case fascinating and enjoys learning about all the ways the team can help pets live their best lives.

At home, Crystal’s life is full of fun and fur! She shares her home with two beautiful (and very entertaining) Giant Schnauzers and one sweet but delightfully demanding cat, Molia.

Outside of work, Crystal is always on the go—whether she’s whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, playing slo-pitch in the summer, or exploring new destinations through travel. She also has a creative streak and loves dabbling in art and craft projects as a way to unwind.

Mackenna’s passion for animal care began early, inspired by a lifetime of pets and a dachshund who sparked her mission to help every animal live a long, happy life. After graduating from Olds College’s Veterinary Technologist program in 2025, she discovered her love for rehabilitation, alternative therapies, and holistic care—especially when working with canine patients.

Drawn to the uplifting, family-like environment at NS Canine Recovery and Wellness Centre, Mackenna loves watching pets progress from their first visit to their maintenance sessions. She values building relationships with clients and supporting each pet’s entire recovery journey, both in and out of the clinic.

Outside of work, she’s usually crafting or cuddled up with her cat Chevy and her dogs Summit, Whiskey, Diesel, and Tucker. She’s excited to bring positivity, compassion, and fun to every patient she meets.

Christine is passionate about helping dogs and their owners. Her journey with NS Canine Recovery began after her own pet’s recovery, where she saw the power of expert care. Now, she’s dedicated to guiding others through their pet’s rehabilitation with compassion.

At home, Christine enjoys time with her dog, Boomer, and two cats, Mug and Spots. She and her husband love escaping to the woods for camping and quadding with family and friends. Most of all, she cherishes every moment with their first grandbaby.

As the first point of contact at NS Canine Recovery,

K-Leigh ensures every client feels welcomed and informed. Passionate about helping pups live their best lives, she plays a key role in their healing journey. With personal experience caring for dogs with medical challenges, K-Leigh’s dedication runs deep. At home, she dotes on her Cockapoo Everly, Cavapoo Elsa, and her fiancé’s Keeshond Husky mix, Willow. When she’s not helping pets, you’ll find K-Leigh immersed in the music industry, fueled by her love for country music.