Randy Abelson Oldreik, a vet

Randy Abelson Oldreik, 58, of West Deptford, a veterinarian and founder of the Gloucester County Animal Hospital who aided four-legged victims of Hurricane Katrina, died Sunday of liver and bile-duct cancer at her parents' home in Woodbury.

Dr. Abelson graduated from Woodbury High School, then earned a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

She loved nurturing "critters," her father, Gerald, said. At 7, Dr. Abelson acquired a half-dollar-size turtle. It grew to the size of a dinner plate and survives her, he said.

In 1985, Dr. Abelson, who used her maiden name professionally, established the Gloucester County Animal Hospital in Washington Township. She was loved by pets and owners alike, her father said. She retired when she became ill three years ago.

She was diagnosed with cancer shortly after she returned from Gonzales, La., in October 2005. While there, she volunteered at a facility for animal victims of Katrina.

After arriving with her son, Ryan, and her aunt Linda Black, Dr. Abelson discovered 2,000 dogs as well as "a very vicious iguana," tropical fish, pigs, chickens, ducks, and a number of horses. The animals were all dehydrated, she told an Inquirer reporter, and many had bite wounds and broken bones.

Except for marrying and raising their son, she said, doctoring Katrina's animal victims was the most important thing she had ever done.

As a young woman, Dr. Abelson flew airplanes, rode horses, and traveled to remote parts of the Caribbean. She and her husband, Richard Oldreik, met in the Caribbean and married on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands in 1987.

She enjoyed snorkeling in tropical waters, her husband said, and delighted in driving her Acura Integra, which had flames painted on the side and dragon-print floormats.

In addition to her son, husband, father and aunt, Dr. Abelson is survived by her mother, Joan Abelson; two sisters; and another aunt.

The funeral is at 2 p.m. today at Platt Memorial Chapel, 2001 Berlin Rd., Cherry Hill. Friends may call from 1:15. Burial will be in Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill.

Donations may be made to the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Rd., Medford, N.J. 08055.