Why Bring Your Pets to Us?

Dr. Chandler Bruening is a compassionate veterinarian dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets and peace of mind for their people. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University in 2014, she went on to attend the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

With years of clinical experience and a passion for strengthening the bond between pets and families, Dr. Bruening founded Patriot Paws Animal Hospital to create a welcoming space where pets receive not only top-quality medical treatment but also the kindness and respect they deserve. She has spent time practicing as a small animal general practitioner in both Sumter and Florence, and most recently traveled the state as a relief veterinarian.

From the start of her career, Dr. Bruening has placed emphasis on educating clients regarding options that are available for their pets. A proud pet parent to Chipper, a loyal Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, Jeffrey, a curious orange tabby cat, and Trevor, the newest addition, she understands firsthand how deeply animals enrich our lives. If you’ve ever been around Dr. Bruening, you may have noticed that she embodies the definition of “crazy dog/cat mom”! Rest assured that any recommendations made for your pet are precisely the recommendations that Dr. Bruening would want for her four legged children!

When not in clinic, Dr. Bruening is OBSESSED with Clemson Athletics (Go Tigers!) and loves going to games with her dad. She’s a proud Tiger graduate, through and through! Dr. Bruening will never turn down the chance to see Chris Stapleton live, especially with her mom. She enjoys crafting projects and LOVES Harry Potter, and spooky season in general. She loves to read and has probably already binged the latest show out on Netflix. Most importantly, Dr. Bruening enjoys spending quality time with her family and their pets.

Being able to provide veterinary care to the community that gave her so much has been a long-time dream for Dr. Bruening and she is so excited to finally open the doors to Patriot Paws Animal Hospital.

Say hello to Morgan, one of our amazing veterinary technicians! With a big heart for animals and a calm, caring approach, Morgan helps make every visit a little less stressful—for both pets and their people.

From assisting with surgeries, exams, and treatments to giving extra cuddles when needed, Morgan is always ready to jump in and help. She is known for her positive attitude, teamwork, and gentle touch with even the most nervous patients.

When not caring for furry friends, Morgan likes to hunt, spend time hanging out with her family and friends, and loves loving on her dog, Sadie Mae. Morgan is finishing up her first semester of vet tech school and is looking forward to becoming a  licensed veterinary technician within the next two years! We are lucky to have Morgan join the Patriot Paws Animal Hospital family!

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Stephanie brings over 16 years of veterinary experience to her role as Nursing Manager. With extensive expertise in specialty anesthesia and analgesia, Stephanie has been deeply involved in the opening and growth of multi-department specialty hospitals. With a strong focus on mentoring, supporting, and building collaborative nursing teams within each specialty service.

Passionate about leadership, training, and team development, Stephanie is dedicated to mentoring her teams while ensuring the highest level of patient care. Her calm presence, clinical knowledge, and collaborative approach help create an environment where both patients and staff can thrive.

When she’s not at work, Stephanie is all about family time. She recently married her best friend in 2025 in the Bahamas, and together they share a lively household with five kids. Between lacrosse games, traveling, and cruising, life is always on the move. At home, she’s kept company by her two dogs – Kevin, a French Bulldog, and Ghost, a Dogo Argentino. She also enjoys her saltwater aquarium – bringing a little slice of the tropics, complete with an extensive collection of corals, tropical fish, and invertebrates.

Stephanie is excited to continue growing in her leadership role and supporting both her team and the patients they care for every day. We are so excited to see Stephanie excel at Patriot Paws!

Kristen may be new to the veterinary world, but she’s no stranger to taking great care of people. With a long background in customer service, Kristen has a true gift for making everyone feel welcome. Honestly-if you know her, you love her.

When she’s not at the front desk, Kristen is all about her two doodles, Dexter and Riggs, who keep life fun at home with her husband, JB. Kristen’s kids mean the world to her. Her son Noah has his doctorate and teaches saxophone at Winthrop University and several Rock Hill area high schools, and her daughter Chandler is the owner of Patriot Paws and is thrilled to have her mom working alongside her.

A familiar face in the Sumter community, Kristen is excited to jump in, meet new people, and love on all the pets that come through our doors. (And we DO mean love on them. You may have to fight her to get your babies back!)

We are so incredibly lucky to have Kristen on our team and look forward to watching her grow in this new role. Be sure to say hi when you see her – she can’t wait to meet you and your crew!

Sonya is a Veterinary Technician with over 6 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She has a special interest in exotic animal medicine and enjoys the hands-on nature of patient care. She is especially passionate about helping pet owners feel confident and informed when it comes to their pets’ health.

Currently, Sonya is pursuing her veterinary technician license and is committed to continuing her education and growth within the field. Sonya enjoys the variety that veterinary medicine brings and appreciates being part of a team that works together to provide compassionate, high-quality care every day.

Outside of work, Sonya enjoys spending time with her husband, Shawn, as they celebrate their ten year anniversary together this year. She also loves caring for her three pets: Griffin, a Doberman; Sunny, an orange tabby; and Bowie, a tortoiseshell cat. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, puzzles, and DIY home decor projects.

Say hello to Paige! Paige is one of our seasonal veterinary assistants. She is currently a student at Clemson University studying Animal and Veterinary Sciences with hopes of being admitted to veterinary school.

Paige is passionate about caring for animals of all shapes and sizes – from tiny paws to giant hooves.

When Paige is not studying or working with animals, she enjoys hunting, fishing, listening to country music, and making memories with family and friends.

One of Paige’s favorite parts about the job is the people she works with – they make every day enjoyable and rewarding!

Paige is always happy to meet new people and share her love for animals, the outdoors, and good company.

Help us welcome her to Patriot Paws!

Courtney is a veterinary nurse currently pursuing her veterinary technician education and is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient she meets. She has a particular interest in emergency and critical care and enjoys the fast-paced, problem-solving aspects of veterinary medicine while advocating for her patients and supporting their families.

Dedicated to continuing her professional growth, Courtney is excited to expand her knowledge and skills alongside the talented team at Patriot Paws. She values building strong relationships with clients and helping pets live happy, healthy lives.

Courtney enjoys spending time with her show cows, horse, dogs, and cats and bearded dragons. Whether she’s caring for animals at home or in the clinic, her love for animals is at the heart of everything she does. Courtney looks forward to meeting the wonderful clients and pets of Patriot Paws!

Hi! My name is Anzleigh, and I currently work as a Vet Tech Assistant at Patriot Paws Animal Hospital. I am going into my second year at Clemson University, where I am studying Animal and Veterinary Science with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian.

Born and raised in Sumter, I have always had a strong love for animals and being outdoors, which inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Working in the clinic has allowed me to gain hands-on experience while continuing to grow my knowledge and passion for animal care.

Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time outdoors and making memories with my friends and family. I also have three dogs — two Boykin Spaniels, Cupcake and Rowdy, and a German Wirehaired Pointer named Zeke! They keep things exciting every day!

Jeffrey officially joined the Bruening family in September of 2024, though if you know Dr. Bruening, you know he was part of the family from the minute she met him. While he doesn’t spend as much time at Patriot Paws Animal Hospital as Chipper, he plays a crucial role in making sure staff stay on task and pet him ONLY when explicitly allowed. He’s a 3 year old domestic medium-hair retired clinic cat with too much sass for his own good.

Fun fact about Jeffrey: he has a permanently scarred right eye from an infection as a kitten! He came to my previous clinic with it. We entertained enucleation, but the ophthalmologist says to leave it!

Trevor is the newest addition to the Bruening fam. He’s named after Trevor Lawrence of the Clemson Tigers and Jacksonville Jaguars (and has the same fabulous hair). Dr. Bruening spotted him at an adoption event in Sumter and immediately fell in love. From the minute he arrived home, Trevor has been providing pure chaos and laughter to the Bruening household.

Fun fact about Trevor: he really loves McDonald’s French fries…but shhh, don’t tell his vet!

Perhaps some of the most spoiled dogs in the world, the Bruening dogs make up our board of Chief Happiness Officers! Chipper, an honorary DVM, is an 8 and a half year old Catahoula mix (though Wisdom and Embark would say otherwise). Dexter is a 6 year old Double Doodle (Goldendoodle and Labradoodle mix). Riggs is a 4 year old Labradoodle. You will very likely see these crazy pups running around the hospital from time to time! They LOVE treats, especially Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets, but shhhh…don’t tell their doctor!

Fun fact about the Bruening pups: all 3 dogs have visited CVETS on different occasions, two of which required surgery! Chipper has had TWO emergency intestinal surgeries as well as a toe amputation. Dexter has had a diaphragmatic hernia repair. Riggs is the only one of the 3 without surgical problems, knock on wood!