Questions: Why did you choose to become a veterinarian? Who inspired you?
Answer: As a boy, I did not know that an adult could enjoy his work. When Dr. Beckett came to care for our horses in Findlay, Ohio, he always had a smile on his face. He was so kind and skilled, and he always seemed to be having fun. I started working for him in junior high school.
Questions: What is your goal walking into every patient visit?
Answer: I want to set my clients’ mind at ease, calm my patients, and answer every concern as best I can.
Questions: Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you live by?
Answer: Listen and don’t interrupt. Be kind, have mercy, and be understanding on how stressful a visit can be. I tell myself I do not know what else is going on in this clients’ life besides the stress of coming in with their pet.
Questions: Who makes up your family (pets and/or people)?
Answer: We at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital have had standard poodles for over 30 years. They are loving dogs, incredibly intelligent, and they want to please people. We also have lots of “grand pets”- puppies, lizards, fish, etc. We have always had creatures living among us. They enrich the human experience. We have 5 children and 14 grandchildren (for now). We are overly blessed!
Questions: What do your pets mean to you? (include photo of pets)
Answer: Our pets have always taught our children and grandchildren responsibility, compassion, and how to love. They have enriched our lives. Even when they were sick at times, they taught us things, like being patient and tender when they were in pain. It gives me insight into my clients’ lives when my pets suffer and I am so concerned for them. I want answers quickly.
Questions: Please tell us anything else about yourself.
Answer: I am wonderfully cut out to be a veterinarian. My decision in high school to pursue veterinary medicine has been affirmed these last 40 years. Two of my children are doctors of veterinary medicine also, which thrills me! The gratification I get from people trusting me with life and death decisions is both great and weighty at the same time. I now have several generations of clients whom I consider to be friends. It truly is an honor.
When I am not at the hospital, I like to fly. I am a pilot. My wife and I travel to keep up relationships with our friends and family. I also love woodworking and playing with and mentoring my grandkids.
We are active in our church and missions. We have been to El Salvador several times to service a greatly underserved area in that country and we have an ongoing interest to help improve animal husbandry there. We covet your prayers for health and protection.