Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Brian Hurley

Co-Owner, CVJ (Certified Veterinary Journalist)

When Dr. Brian C. Hurley was five years old, his dog, Shelley, was seriously injured. They rushed her to the veterinarian, but her injuries were too extensive to save and they had to say good-bye. That was the day he decided to become a veterinarian. Dr. Hurley felt that he would do everything in his power to never let another treasured family member leave their family again.

He was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, but moved frequently beginning at the age of nine. He was fortunate to live in numerous states: Missouri, Alabama, Louisiana, Indiana, Florida, and Massachusetts. He is a true ‘southern boy’ at heart. Dr. Hurley did his undergraduate work at the University of Massachusetts. He graduated from the University of Florida’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. GO GATORS!!! He has worked at the Gardner Animal Care Center since 1996 and became a partner in 2004. His primary interests are medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, and dentistry.

In February 2010, Dr. Hurley became the first veterinarian certified by the American Society of Veterinary Journalists (ASVJ).

He married Dawn in 1994 and they were blessed with a daughter in 1997. Their house is protected by their chocolate lab, Rocky. He was born with a cleft palate that was repaired by Dr. Kudej at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hurley’s hobbies include reading, playing the piano, and golf.

Dr. Michael McTigue

Veterinarian

Dr. Michael McTigue is the founder and co-owner of the Gardner Animal Care Center. He enjoys meeting new pets and their families, helping them stay healthy, and aiding in their recovery. He enjoys the broad spectrum of medicine and surgery that a general practice provides. He is also very happy with the hospital which allows us to provide the best care in a pet-centered, client-friendly, and reduced stressed environment.

Originally from Rochester, NY, with an undergraduate degree from New York State College of Environmental Science and Forestry in wildlife biology, he earned his DVM degree at Cornell University. He bought the Gardner Animal Hospital practice in 1988 and has watched the steady growth since that time. He opened the Gardner Animal Care Center in June 2000.

At home, enjoys spending time with his wife, Nancy, and 4 daughters, along with two Golden Retrievers and one cat. He is an active church member involved in several ministries including biblical counseling. He has fun playing golf, skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Dr. Maria Miller

Veterinarian

Dr. Maria Miller joined the Gardner Animal Hospital team as a part-time Veterinarian in April 2014. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee in 1997. Since graduation, Dr. Maria has enjoyed practicing high-quality medicine in a variety of clinical settings including general practice, 24-hour emergency and shelter medicine. Dr. Maria is highly regarded for her commitment to client education; clients find her to be kind and compassionate, approachable, very knowledgeable and often quite funny! Dr. Maria enjoys working with her geriatric patients and can usually be found sitting with them on the exam room floor. Dr. Maria also earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Western Kentucky University. Prior to her career in veterinary medicine, Maria worked as a high school music teacher and band director.

Dr. Maria lives in Chelmsford Massachusetts with her spouse, kitties Eve and Stuart, and black Lab mix, Summitt. She is an avid cyclist and enjoys music, cooking, puppy classes and college sports, especially women’s college basketball. Go Vols!!!