Caring Hands Behind the Clinic

At Saving Grace, rescue is a full circle effort. Every dog who arrives with pain, injury, or neglect steps into a community ready to help them heal. Our veterinary team treats urgent medical needs and starts them on the path to recovery. Volunteers notice details and speak up when something seems off. Fosters open their homes so recovery can happen in comfort. And Donors make it all possible by funding diagnostics, surgeries, and supplies.

Among the people at the center of this work is veterinary technician Jess Agee. She joined the Saving Grace Clinic Team in 2024 and brings a deep background in surgery and anesthesia, along with a personal commitment to helping animals in need. This is her story.

How did you start your career in animal medicine, and what brought you to Saving Grace?

I have been working in veterinary medicine since 2014. I graduated from Miller-Motte College in Raleigh and went straight into the surgery department at Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital. I enjoy surgery and anesthesia, and that experience helped me learn how to support dogs through difficult procedures.

I also spent a few years teaching veterinary science to high school students and earth science to middle schoolers. After my son was born, I took a break to stay home and care for him because he has a rare blood disorder that makes him immunocompromised. When I was ready to return to work, I wanted to be somewhere that made a difference in the community. I found that at Saving Grace. I love being here and helping our animals heal.

At home I have two cats, Lunatik and Milo, an American Staffordshire Terrier named Violet, and some backyard chickens. In my free time, I enjoy glamping, hiking, and gardening.

What does a typical day look like for you at Saving Grace?

My day starts when I arrive at what feels like a magical place where a dog utopia exists. The team meets to plan what the day holds, and then we start greeting dogs coming into the clinic. It varies every day. There might be a puppy with a broken leg, a cherry eye that needs repair, or a Lab who is happy to see everyone.

We prepare dogs for surgery so they can move closer to adoption. Some need medications or fluids because of illness. Some need heartworm treatment, and some need help gaining weight after neglect. Every dog is different, and every plan is focused on what they need to get healthy and ready for a home.

The need for rescue never stops. How do you handle the urgency and unpredictability of the work?

I make time for doing things that matter outside of Saving Grace. My faith in God holds that all things work for Him.

Is there a particular moment that shows how rescue is a team effort?

One that will always stay with me is a dog we called Hanky Panky. He came to the clinic with pain and lameness in his shoulder. The volunteer team noticed he was not moving right and brought it to us. We assessed him, started pain medications, and sent him for X-rays.

When he came back, he was in extreme pain, and nothing we tried was helping. We suspected a tick-borne disease and started doxycycline. We hoped for the best. The next morning, he could walk a little. He even tried to get up on his own. That was a huge win. We sent him to medical foster so he could get personal care. After two weeks, he came back a totally different dog, happy and full of love. He found a fantastic home. That is what a team effort looks like from start to finish.

How do you see the partnership between staff, volunteers, fosters, and donors helping dogs heal and find homes?

It happens at every step through the entire journey. The intake team welcomes new dogs. Volunteers spend time with them and notice what they need. The clinic team provides medical care. Fosters take these dogs into their hearts and homes and give them the time and space to heal. Donors help fund everything from medications to X-rays. It takes all of us.

What would you say to someone who wants to get involved?

Do it. The impact one person can have on a dog’s journey is priceless.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

It can be hard to see the sadness in the eyes of dogs who come through our doors. Someone has let them down. But watching their eyes light up again when they find love with their forever person is why I show up and give my best. They deserve it!

Rescue in Action

This is rescue in action. Jess and the clinic team treat urgent medical needs, guide recovery, and work hand in hand with volunteers and fosters to prepare dogs for adoption. You can join the effort that inspires resilience and new beginnings. Adopt, volunteer, foster, or donate to support life-changing care for dogs who would have no other path forward.

Be part of rescue in action. Adopt. Foster. Volunteer. Give.