After years on the road with Penn Vet’s William Boucher Field Service team, Dr. Liz Arbittier has a new position. Now associate director for student affairs at New Bolton Center, she fills an essential role on the Kennett Square campus supporting the academic success and well-being of students.
Arbittier’s purview is providing continuity of student care between the School’s Chester County and Philadelphia campuses and helping students, faculty, and staff with issues, concerns, or ideas related to the student experience.
“I'm really excited; it feels like the perfect fit,” she said. “It’s so rare to find one career that’s perfect, and I had that as a clinician with field service. Now, I’ve found a second one that I love just as much.”
Arbittier rarely works alone. Most days, her rescue Chihuahua Edith (in lap, above) is in or near her office, which is tucked away in the New Bolton Center library. Edith spends her dog days resting next to Arbittier, making the rounds among studying students, or chasing sunny spots in the library for a warm nap.
When I first met Edith, I was told she was an older dog with special medical needs. She may look aged, but her energy is the opposite of old. Her vet thinks she’s probably between three to five. She had a broken jaw and is missing teeth on one side of her mouth, hence the tongue. Otherwise, she’s in great shape. She’s certified as a service dog and brings joy to everyone who meets her.
Happy board
These are just a few things that make me happy, like cards from clients and photos of my family. I’ve kept select messages from when my former practice used an answering service. Some of the messages that came in were funny, like one from a client who was nine months pregnant and having contractions but still calling to let me know her horse was itching.
Powerful reminders
I saw the poster online and loved it, especially RBG in the middle. Her words remind me that nervousness isn’t a sign of weakness, that it’s important to speak even when my voice shakes and to not let nerves or feelings of intimidation silence me.
HAARBOR for Animals
HAARBOR stands for Helping Ailing Animals Receive Best Options for Rescue. It’s a nonprofit I started for special needs animals. HAARBOR is a sanctuary, which I run at home – I have eight dogs right now! We also give grants for veterinary care to people who adopt special needs animals. The money is paid directly to veterinarians to help cover some medical expenses for these very special, very sweet animals.
Pewter mug pencil cup
I received this in 1992 when I was editor- in-chief of my high school newspaper. The paper won many national awards. My die-hard career goal before college was to be a journalist, and my senior quote was something about becoming the next Woodward or Bernstein. The mug has moved a lot and been on countless desks over the past 31 years. It’s a small reminder of my writing days, and I’m proud of it—it makes me smile. I still write for fun and love editing things.