About the Author Joyce Marie Kereta Konieczny always had an affinity for working with animals. She went to the University of Chicago shortly after high school. In 1978, Ms. Kereta received her certification as a Veterinary Laboratory Technician in Nashville, Tennessee. During the years that followed, Joyce worked with me as a laboratory technician and a surgical assistant. Throughout the years, I have treated all her animals, including Annie and Buster. Most recently, Joyce has furthered her education by pursuing training with Annie and Buster to be comfort friends to hospitalized patients and troubled school children. She now resides in Memphis, Tennessee with her family. Gerald Blackburn, D.V.M. Gentle Care Animal Hospital, L.L.C. Memphis, Tennessee