Dr. Katrina Spies: A Life Full of Canines and Compassion
Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography
For Dr. Katrina Spies and her husband, Dave, life is centered around a love of animals, a passion for their community, and a commitment to living fully—whether at home in Stafford or traveling the world. Their story begins with an unexpected encounter.
"Dave and I first met when he brought his dog into the emergency veterinary hospital where I worked," Dr. Spies shares. It was under challenging circumstances: Dave's beloved dog was diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of a year, the two worked together closely to manage her condition. After his dog passed away and he eventually got a new puppy, Dave reached out to Dr. Spies for advice.
"At the time, I also had a puppy, so I suggested a puppy playdate. The rest, as they say, is history." Their shared love for animals provided a strong foundation for their relationship. Today, they share a home filled with laughter, love, and the joyful chaos brought by their unique family of pets.
The Spies household is anything but ordinary. Badger, a 13-year-old Pomeranian/Labrador mix, is a bundle of energy and affection, while Diesel, their 12-year-old Saint Bernard, offers a more laid-back, gentle presence. Eddie, a 26-year-old African Grey Parrot, completes the family and provides constant entertainment.
"Eddie's ability to mimic conversations always keeps us on our toes," Dr. Spies says with a laugh. "He'll start talking to the dogs like he's one of us!" These furry and feathered companions are central to the Spies' lives.
"Badger and Diesel love spending time outdoors, which was one of the main reasons we moved to Stafford in the first place. We wanted more outdoor space for them to run and play," she explains.
Dr. Spies' professional path is as inspiring as her personal life. With a BA in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, an MAEd in Science from The Citadel, and a DVM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. She owns Comfort Paws Integrative Veterinary Care, where she offers holistic veterinary services and also provides relief services at local clinics.
"My goal is to improve the quality of life for pets and their owners," she says passionately.
Complementing his partner, Dave has dedicated over two decades to serving in the Department of Justice. With a BS in Management Information Systems from Miami University (OH), he boasts a rather successful career as well. Despite the demands of their careers, the couple makes time to nurture their shared interests and hobbies.
Since moving to Stafford in 2015, the Spies have fully embraced their community.
"We were looking for a quieter, more connected lifestyle, and Stafford offered exactly that," Dr. Spies says. "The strong sense of community here is something we truly appreciate."
Their love for Stafford extends to their favorite local spots. "We enjoy walking along the river trail in Downtown Fredericksburg and hiking in Prince William Forest Park, especially during the fall. The scenery is breathtaking," she shares.
When it comes to dining, they are fans of Umi for sushi, Barley Naked for craft beer, and Maria Cheryl's food truck for a delicious meal. While they aren't currently involved in more formal neighborhood activities, the Spies value their close-knit street community.
"We love gathering around the fire pit with our neighbors to relax and catch up. It's a simple but meaningful way to stay connected," Dr. Spies explains. "We're also excited to see the Augustine neighborhood becoming more vibrant with younger families. Hopefully, this will lead to more neighborhood events in the future."
When they're not working or out on the town, the Spies often embark on exciting adventures and explore new places together.
"Dave and I love to travel," Dr. Spies says. "I'm drawn to anywhere with a beach, while Dave prefers the mountains. The Big Island of Hawaii is our favorite spot because it offers both." Their travels also include frequent trips to Las Vegas. "Although neither of us is into gambling, we have a blast exploring five-star and celebrity chef restaurants, checking out the sights, and people-watching," she adds.
When they cannot take a trip, the two enjoy downtime at home. Dave is passionate about music and plays the guitar in his free time, while Kate enjoys reading.
Dr. Spies' dedication to animals extends beyond her career. She volunteers with local animal rescues and hopes to become more involved with shelters in the area.
"Giving back to the community and helping animals in need is incredibly fulfilling," she says. Her vision for the future includes expanding her practice and continuing to advocate for holistic veterinary care. "There's so much potential to improve the way we care for our pets," she notes.
For Dr. Spies and Dave, life is a balance of hard work, community involvement, and savoring the small joys—whether it's a hike in the woods, a new culinary experience, or an evening spent with their pets.
"At the end of the day, we're happiest when we're together," Dr. Spies says. "Whether it's traveling, spending time outdoors, or just relaxing at home with the dogs and Eddie, we're grateful for the life we've built."
