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Learn More Meet Our Team
The friendly faces behind the care.

Slide In my 25 years as a Veterinarian, I have seen many incidents where companion animals have been euthanized before they needed to be. This has been due to many factors; loss of owners, being deemed unadoptable, and lack of their owner’s financial or emotional ability to deal with the care needed for the animal’s age, illness, or condition. I have always dreamed of providing an alternative to the euthanasia of these animals by having a home environment for these animals to live out their last days, weeks, months, and sometimes years, surrounded by love, support, and onsite veterinary services. When my best friend, Bear, lost his life to inoperable bone cancer, it motivated me to found Bear’s Buddies Animal Foundation in his memory and the memory of the many other companions lost along the way. In my 25 years as a Veterinarian, I have seen many incidents where companion animals have been euthanized before they needed to be. This has been due to many factors; loss of owners, being deemed unadoptable, and lack of their owner’s financial or emotional ability to deal with the care needed for the animal’s age, illness, or condition. I have always dreamed of providing an alternative to the euthanasia of these animals by having a home environment for these animals to live out their last days, weeks, months, and sometimes years, surrounded by love, support, and onsite veterinary services. When my best friend, Bear, lost his life to inoperable bone cancer, it motivated me to found Bear’s Buddies Animal Foundation in his memory and the memory of the many other companions lost along the way.

Slide Dr. Kimberly Atkinson Dr. Kimberly Atkinson is a dedicated veterinarian with nearly three decades of experience and is passionate about the human-animal bond. She graduated from Washington State University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and became a certified veterinary acupuncturist during her final year. She has since dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of companion animals through integrative medicine.

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Dr. Kimberly Atkinson

Slide Keith Spinks Keith Spinks is a man with a heart full of compassion and a steadfast commitment to community service. As a former seasoned security specialist on Vancouver Island for almost 30 years, Keith's transition into animal rescue at Bear's Buddies Animal Foundation is driven by genuine passion. His background as a professional wrestler, promoter, and security professional has allowed him to spearhead impactful charity events, supporting causes like YANA (You Are Not Alone), the Comox Valley Special Olympics, the Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and colitis research, and local food banks.

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Dr. Kimberly Atkinson
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Dr. Kimberly Atkinson

Dr. Kimberly Atkinson is a dedicated veterinarian with nearly three decades of experience and is passionate about the human-animal bond. She graduated from Washington State University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and became a certified veterinary acupuncturist during her final year. She has since dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of companion animals through integrative medicine. 

Dr. Atkinson’s career has spanned across the US, Trinidad & Tobago, and Canada, where she has provided exceptional care to countless animals. Her compassionate approach has often led pet owners to express their wish for her to be their doctor. Her practice encompasses traditional veterinary services as well as holistic treatments such as acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and regenerative PRP therapy. Dr. Atkinson’s commitment to comprehensive patient care reflects her holistic approach, treating everything from pocket pets to pigs. 

Deeply affected by the unnecessary euthanasia of animals, Dr. Atkinson founded Bear’s Buddies Animal Foundation, the home of Bear’s Buddies Animal Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a testament to her unwavering commitment to animal welfare. At Bear’s Buddies, every animal is treated with the utmost respect and care, ensuring that no animal is put to sleep before being physically ready. Dr. Atkinson’s mission is to save as many animals as possible, offering them a sanctuary to live out their twilight years in comfort and dignity.

Keith Spinks

Keith Spinks is a man with a heart full of compassion and a steadfast commitment to community service. As a former seasoned security specialist on Vancouver Island for almost 30 years, Keith’s transition into animal rescue at Bear’s Buddies Animal Foundation is driven by genuine passion. His background as a professional wrestler, promoter, and security professional has allowed him to spearhead impactful charity events, supporting causes like YANA (You Are Not Alone), the Comox Valley Special Olympics, the Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and colitis research, and local food banks. 

Keith’s efforts have also eased the burdens of families facing overwhelming medical bills and contributed to homelessness relief initiatives like the Coldest Night of the Year. In 2019, the Pro Wrestling Community and local organizations recognized Keith’s outstanding contributions. As part of Bear’s Buddies, Keith is channeling his passion and leadership to create a sanctuary that offers a safe haven and exceptional care for rescued animals on Vancouver Island, aiming to transform their lives and inspire community support.

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