Galen Walter Heyne

I only had the honor of meeting Galen once, as I frantically tried to find a Vet to help tend to my dog after his dew claw somehow got ripped out. My dog wouldn’t walk on that paw and we were worried. Dr Galen to the rescue! He was not our primary vet, and yet his calm presence, and down to earth personality immediately put us at ease. The same was true for our Cocker Spaniel, Jordy. It was as if Jordy “knew” Dr Galen was there to help, and was reassured by his gentle approach. After Dr Galen did an x-ray of Jordys paw, he walked us back into the teams work area to show us the films, educated us on a fracture in the bone behind the dew claw and made sure we knew exactly how to care for our pup. I later learned he was the husband of a colleague. This was a fun “small world” realization. Dr Galen will always be the hero who attended to our dog and also our panicked parent hearts. Thinking of you all and sending so much love and prayers your way!

Dr. Galen was one of nicest people I have known. His kind, gentle treatment of our special needs dog was apparent from day one when he sat on the floor with Riley to ease his anxiety. You could tell he loved animals. We always talked about volleyball when we were in the clinic. My heart goes out to every animal whose lives he made better. To all of the pet parents, we have lost a wonderful human.

Thinking of you and all our great memories together. Love, your forever UW Club Volleyball Family

Though we both attended UW for graduate and veterinary school, I didn't get to know Galen until I transferred my pets to his care at Badger Veterinary Hospital. Galen was one of the good ones. This is such a loss to the veterinary community, and my heart breaks for his family. Galen went out of his way for me many times, as he did for so many others I am sure. I remember when my daughter was a newborn, I suddenly remembered my very indoor cat was late on her rabies vaccine, and I was very anxious about it, my postpartum brain coming up with all kinds of scenarios for how she would catch rabies in my basement and pass it to the baby. So of course I made appointments for both cats on the same day, because my other cat was due as well. Well, there was a terrible snowstorm that day, but postpartum anxious brain was going to get those cats to the clinic no matter what. Until Galen called, and he offered/insisted on coming to my house. He came and he took care of everything, doing their exams and vaccines on my dining room table. This meant so much to me. I was so grateful at the time and still touched by his kindness. He was just always willing to go out of his way. I am so sorry to his family. I will miss him very much.

Dr Galen was a wonderful kind human. He helped so many of our special fur babies at Community Cat. He was so very appreciated and will be missed. Condolences to his family.