THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9604300108
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
It wasn't hard for Linda Hayles to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her father was a veterinarian in her hometown and his career looked a lot more interesting than her mom's, which was raising four kids.
When Hayles saw an advertisement for a relief vet in Virginia, the then-Chattanooga, Tenn., resident packed her car and animals and drove up to apply for the job.
That was nearly 17 years ago. Hayles has seen a lot of life and death in her years of practice including the recent passing of her own 17-year-old cat - one of a litter she had delivered by C-section when she first went into practice.
Full name: Marion Linda Hayles.
Hometown: Brookhaven, Miss.
What brought you to the Beach? A 1972 Monte Carlo and a dream to live close to the beach.
Birthdate: Jan. 3, 1952 .
Occupation: Veterinarian.
Nickname: ``Lulu,'' bestowed on me by a friend from college.
Marital status: Married to Charlie for 12 amazing years.
Children: Jonathan Hayles Arrants, 10 years old.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Sunshine and a day at the beach.
Last smart thing you did: Hired Jerry and Karen Thomas to build our house.
Last dumb thing you did: Trusted my former accountant.
Favorite meal: Anything cooked by someone else.
Favorite movies: ``Steel Magnolias,'' ``The Color Purple.''
Favorite song: ``Desperado'' by the Eagles.
Last book read: ``Intensity'' by Dean Koontz.
Hobbies: Gardening, biking, swimming.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To slow down and have more fun.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Why interfere with perfection?
Secret vice: Fine chardonnays.
Favorite restaurant: Coastal Grill.
Your favorite night on the town: Saturday night at the Coastal Grill being pampered by Ethan, Karen, Mike, Jerry and ``Mom.''
Favorite TV shows: ``Murphy Brown,'' ``Ellen,'' ``60 Minutes.''
Favorite sport: Tennis and watching my son play soccer and basketball.
Last vacation: St. Johns Island.
Pets: My two beautiful Golden retrievers, Friday, 15, and Kala, 1 1/2.
Worst job: I've never had a bad job.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and being able to perform at an occupation I truly love. (And, of course, my son Jonathan.)
What would you like as your epitaph? Gone to the dogs. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
Linda Hayles
by CNB