Care for dog’s eyes encourages Virginia Tech alumnus to donate to Veterinary Teaching Hospital expansion
October 26, 2023
Max Carey will be enshrined on the Veterinary Teaching Hospital expansion for decades to come.
Max isn’t a donor. He’s a dog.
Mike Carey '76 made a $50,000 pledge to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, getting him onto the Founder’s Wall. But it won’t be his name there, it will be that of his canine companion, Max, along with two members of the ophthalmology team that have helped manage his ongoing eye ailments.
The inscription will read: "Max Carey, in honor of Steven Hanes, VMD and Jami Ruszkai-McQuain."
“From the get-go, it was very clear that they didn’t treat Max just as a clinical training experience for the students, but rather they really cared for Max,” Carey said. “I’m continually impressed by the professionalism, but more importantly the care for the animals that come through the door.”
Max has chronic dry eye and has had many appointments at the hospital after his veterinarian referred him. At first, there were surgeries, but Max is now being managed medically for the condition.
Carey is a 1976 alum of Virginia Tech, the latest of multiple generations of family to attend Virginia Tech, including a grandfather in the athletics Hall of Fame. He has been practicing law in West Virginia for 44 years.
“I’ve been fortunate in my life,” Carey said. “and I like to share some of the success I’ve had to further causes I believe in.”
