Meet Our Team
Veterinarians
Daniel Brugos, DVM
A 2012 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Brugos has special interests in small animal internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and veterinary dentistry. A lifelong love for animals led him to dedicate his career to keeping pets healthy and happy.
After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Brugos returned home to Pittsburgh, where he now resides in New Brighton with his wife Andrea, their dog Opie, and two cats: Zelda and Motorboat. His free time is spent outdoors whenever possible: hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and working on home improvements.
David Ruble, DVM
Dr. David Ruble has nearly 26 years of veterinary experience and is the newest member of the Tender Touch team. Dr. Dave has been treating small animals in a mobile setting for sixteen years, often caring for cats and dogs that would not have been able to receive traditional veterinary care.
Since graduating from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, as Magna Cum Laude, Dr. Dave has worked in clinical settings performing routine veterinary care and surgical procedures in Western PA and Ohio. For 10 years he was the only practicing animal behaviorist in the region.
For 5 years, Dr. Dave offered advice on small animal behavior and medicine, on national radio segments and is often referred to as “America’s Favorite Vet”.
At the early age of 7, Dr. Dave knew he wanted to practice veterinary medicine and has pursued that dream ever since! That dream included owning and operating his own popular and successful mobile veterinary practice, Vet to Pet.
In his free time, Dr. Dave can be found with his family. He is the proud father of identical twin daughters. All the driving involved in being a mobile vet comes natural to Dr. Dave as he is an avid motor sports enthusiast and participant in local race events.
Veterinary Support Staff
Ellen, Hospital Manager/Lead CVT
A veteran staff member from our sister hospital, Allegheny North, Ellen transferred to Tender Touch in 2017 as our Lead Veterinary Technician. For the past several years she has also served as our Hospital Manager, keeping our day-to-day operations running smoothly.
She graduated from the State University of New York Brockport in 2003 where she earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She later attended the Vet Tech Institute and has worked in the veterinary field for the past 15 years. Ellen’s favorite aspect of her job is surgery and pharmacology.
Originally from Rochester NY, Ellen now calls Pittsburgh home with her husband and three children. Their family also includes two German Shepherds: Bishop and Attila and two cats: Neville and Hallow. Ellen is an avid cyclist and a proud “Soccer Mom” outside of the office, focusing on living a God-centered life. She also trains scent dogs and is a K9 Handler with the Pittsburgh Air Search & Rescue Team (Bishop is her partner).
Samantha, CVT
A graduate of the Vet Tech Institute, Samm joined our team in 2013 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She appreciates the bond that she has formed with our clients and their pets: “All of our clients are super personable and love their animals!”
Samm approaches every visit with a focus on Fear Free techniques, and especially enjoys coaching clients on training & behavior modification using positive reinforcement. She has years of prescription food management under her belt and is well-versed in nutrition — her knowledge and guidance has helped many pets with weight loss programs that can help prevent disease, extend longevity and improve quality of life.
She lives in nearby Hampton Township with her husband Drew, daughters Mac & Blake, two dogs: Oswald the Pug & Mayhem the German Shepherd, and two cats: Cece & Pauper. Samm spends her spare time playing with her kids, training Mayhem, and is an outdoor enthusiast – her hobbies include mountain biking, Jeeping, hiking, camping, and gardening. She’s an avid reader, too – if you manage to find her sitting down, she probably has a book in her hands!
Haley, CVT
Haley joined our staff as a Certified Veterinary Technician after graduating from the Vet Tech Institute in 2020. Though she entered the world of veterinary medicine during a strange time as our practice was limited to curbside service, that didn’t stop her from diving right in! She quickly came to love our amazing clients and enjoys continuing to learn from her colleagues every day.
Between working with patients, Haley maintains the equipment in our in-house laboratory, keeping our blood machines, centrifuges and microscopes cleaned, calibrated and ready for quick results. She also has a special interest in anesthesia and plans to continue her education to specialize in both anesthesiology and pain management.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Haley’s family includes her husband Andrew, grandparents, parents, and younger brother Dillon. Her furry family consists of Zeppelin the pitbull and three cats: Jasmine, Aladdin and Nightmare. In her spare time, you’ll find her reading, crocheting, watching Penguins Hockey, and spending as much time as possible with her little brother.
Shannon, CVT
Shannon is a Certified Veterinary Technician who joined our team in 2019. She completed her certification in 2006 through the Vet Tech Institute, but also has a BA in Communications from Robert Morris University and a Fine Arts degree from Edinboro University. Once a member of Dr. Ruble’s Mobile Vet team, she also has experience in emergency medicine and exotic pet care. She is an excellent surgical technician and guides our newer staff members with surgery prep, anesthesia monitoring and recovery care.
You’ll find Shannon painting, OCD planning, or hanging out at her Wexford home with her husband Frank and several little furballs: guinea pigs Niko & Finn (from Greece & Ireland, respectively), and rabbit “Izzy Bunny.” Pictured is the late and adventurous guinea pig “Punky Pumpkin” (who probably thought her name was “Punky NO!”) who won a 300+ contestant Halloween costume contest with her exotic dancer outfit – she won a gift certificate for Hooters by purring right on cue when Shannon asked, “Who’s a sexy pig?”
Rachel, CVT
Rachel joined the Tender Touch family in 2021 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. A graduate of the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, she enjoys working with our amazing staff and getting to know our lovely patients.
Rachel enjoys the outdoors: hiking, biking, & camping, as well as traveling, wine tasting, visiting new breweries & restaurants, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kayla, Veterinary Technician
Kayla works primarily at our sister clinic near Zelienople (Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital), but you’ll find her helping out here at Tender Touch, too! She has been part of our veterinary family since 2022, bringing with her 8 years of experience in the field. Building relationships with clients is very important to her, and she enjoys helping new pet owners navigate their exciting journey into furry companionship. She works throughout the hospital in exam rooms, surgery, and has a particular interest in dentistry.
Though we only see dogs and cats in our office, Kayla has some interesting experience working with exotics, including an internship with polar bears & sea otters at the Pittsburgh Zoo, birds at the National Aviary, and big cats at a rescue in Florida!
Kayla and her husband share their home in Butler with two Goldendoodles (Koda & Leo) and Ariel the cat, rescued from a previous job when an elderly client could no longer care for her. She spends her spare time hanging out with family & friends, enjoying the outdoors and traveling.
