Call the doctor

       I have liked every veterinarian I have met.  Good thing.  I need them for my cats and dogs and birds, and certainly for my horses.

     When Friendly Horse Acres began with only two horses I knew that the veterinarian for my cats and dogs also treated large animals.  Fifty years ago, that was common.  Veterinarians did not specialize in species, but they certainly had favorites and strengths depending on the type of animal.  Our veterinarian (I will call him Doctor J to give him some anonymity) was a crusty older man known for his short fuse and biting tongue.  He, also, was an excellent veterinarian with a devoted staff.  His office workers assured me that when it came to large animals, his personality brightened.  He delighted in horses, and he was our first vet when we acquired young Splash and wonderful Jodee.  Indeed, when he inspected and helped us with our equine purchases, he was a different man; affable and joking.  I was sorry when he retired, passing on his practice to a veterinarian who only accepted dogs and cats and birds as his patients.

    By that time, we had established ourselves in the horse community, and we found Doctor S, who only treated horses.  He was a fantastic vet, and much in demand in our area.  

    In fact, he was so much in demand that on one memorable occasion, after we had acquired our first Miniature Horses and begun breeding, he was not available.  We had a pregnant mare in labor, and it wasn't going well.  The hour was late.  I don't remember where I got the number for the back-up vet (probably Doctor S).  I do remember that she lived a distance away, but she promised she would get to us as soon as she could.  She was not fooling.  Probably she broke every speed limit between her home and our farm because she was at our door in record time.  Good thing it was late in the evening, and the traffic was light, especially 40 years ago.  She worked for hours, and as she warned me, "I can save the mare, but not the foal."  So it happened.  The foal had a foot hooked over our mare's pelvis, and by the time the vet arrived he was gone.  Our mare went into shock, but Peach (her name,) survived, and would have other foals, and become a confident riding and driving pony.  I remember telling our elementary-aged son, he wouldn't go to school the next day.  He had had a lesson in life.  I don't recall using that vet again (her normal practice was farther north than our farm,) but I will always remember her.

    When we moved out of King County into Pierce County we lost Doctor S.  He wouldn't cross the bridge into the next county.

    Quickly, we found a new veterinarian less than a mile from our house.  Doctor R was like Doctor J in that his practice included all animals.  He was everything we wanted in a veterinarian, and we treasured him for years.  He tried to be available for us, and I realize now he gave up a lot of his lunch hours to get to us when we needed him.

    Occasionally, Doctor R would have an assistant veterinarian.  Late one afternoon one of our treasured Miniature mares, Abby, went into labor.  All went well.  The colt was contentedly nursing, and I had carefully laid out the intact placenta for inspection.  Although it was a few minutes past closing time at Doctor R's clinic, I called expecting to leave a message.  The doctor who answered was the current veterinary assistant.  I don't remember her name.  She didn't stay long with the practice, but I do recall her weary voice.  "I'm coming, " she assured me.  When she arrived, she inspected the new baby, pronouncing him perfect, and she praised Abby for a splendid job.  The she confessed to me, "I've had a horrible day.  I wanted to end with a pleasant appointment.  Thank you."  She left with a smile.

    I had learned my lesson about only having one veterinarian to call.  We found Doctor C.   Doctor C's practice only included horses, and he was especially noted for working on Thoroughbreds.  However, we were accepted as clients.  Good thing, too.  Doctor R retired, and sold his practice to a small animal vet. (She still sees our dog.) We leaned heavily on Doctor C.  I found it interesting that I enjoyed the man, but many people confided they found him difficult to like.  I suppose, in many respects, he was like Doctor J.  Crusty.  Blunt.  Doctor C did not curtail his words.  I liked and appreciated him - enormously.

    Yet he, too, retired. 

    For a brief time I was without veterinarian care for my horses.  I had a list of other vets that Doctor C had shared as he faded from the veterinarian scene, but none of them were willing to take us on as regular clients.

    Then I remembered a young veterinarian who had come to our farm a couple of times in an emergency, over the years.  He had a traveling van.  He, along with his future wife, was building a practice.  In fact, his practice must be flourishing because he was seldom available, but I still had his number.

    When I called Doctor D, the call connected.  I was surprised to find I had called an association of veterinarians.  I was delighted to find they were accepting clients, and I was within their practice's accepted geographic area.  Yes, I could see Doctor D, but would I be willing to see any other of their veterinarians who could be available more quickly?   I would.

    I now longer have to worry about getting help for my horses.  I've got a handful of veterinarians on speed dial, including Doctor D.  As I've pointed out, I've never met a veterinarian I didn't like.  Northwest Equine Veterinary Associates is not an exception.  I like them all.  

    It is a relief to know that I can always call the doctor to get help for my equines.

                                                      sketch by Angie Blanchard