Dearest Family and Friends,

Can you imagine your lives without our pets and farm animals? It would be so sad and empty! When it comes to our animal’s health there is no one more important than our veterinarians and the amazing people that work with them.

World Veterinary Day was established in 2000 with the aim of highlighting the importance of the work done by veterinarians worldwide. This day is observed annually on the last Saturday of April. Veterinary Day 2023 will be celebrated this Saturday, April 29th!

With that said, please take some time this week and weekend to acknowledge YOUR veterinarians and their staff, and the amazing work they do taking care of all our animals. Whether it be writing them a letter, sending a card, flowers, ordering pizza for their office, anything that shows appreciation for them taking care of our constant pet companions and farm animals.

For our family, we have been going to the Deer Park Vet Clinic since I was 12 years old so that’s 52 years ago!! The clinic started in 1950 with Dr. Lyons, then in 1953 Dr. Snook came on board, followed by Dr. Kettle who purchased the clinic for a mere $2,500!

Then there was Dr. Dennis and Dr. Dean, brothers, now retired! Oh Dr. Dennis the fun I had with you that day at the dairy farm! Dr. Dennis, you know you will always hold a VERY special place in our hearts for the things you did for our horses and for being one of the dearest men on this earth.

Dr. Amy came on board straight from WSU in 2013. You are just wonderful, so kind, so caring, so gentle with our animals. Your smile warms our hearts every time we see you! We love you so very much. Dr. John Harris graduated from WSU and went straight to work at the clinic in 1993. Since then he has been beyond AMAZING! You dear man have helped us through every health situation we have had with our horses, cats, and dogs! From putting our horse down with colic this past October to doing an extremely difficult surgery on our rescue dog tiny little 14+ year old Maude removing a softball size tumor from her liver. You and Dr. Dennis years ago were pretty stern with me when it came time to put down our 32 year old gelding!! I was sure he could go a bit longer but you both said “Shelly it’s time”. When Steve and I think of the MANY times you have been there with us through difficult times with our pets it makes me cry. Your strength, your kind words, your ability to handle not just the animals but the humans who need you so desperately.

The emotional attachment we have to our animals is something that you just can’t explain with words....it’s a feeling, a bond. The way they are therapy to us, to come home and be there, always waiting unconditionally for you, to love you. It’s important to pay tribute to our veterinarians though when it comes to the gut wrenching emotions involved when our pets are sick and in many cases eventually have to be put down.

We need to mention the incredible staff and assistants at our veterinary clinic as well. All of you are so near and dear to our hearts. Sandy who runs the pharmacy and is there to help you with absolutely anything and has been at the clinic since 2002. You are a rock star! Then there’s Geri, she has been with the clinic since 2003 and has done just about everything in many different positions. I would describe Geri as the Mother Hen of the clinic. Geri you’ve answered every dumb question I have asked for too many years to count. I know over the phone when I call, you have a million other things going, yet you always take the time and I’m sure patience to help me! Words can’t even begin to express how much we love you dear lady.

Did you know people bring their pets to the Deer Park Veterinary Clinic not just locally but also from Alaska, New York, Moses Lake, and Canada. That says something! This vet clinic has more than 42,000 human pet owners which translates to heaven knows how many animals!!

In closing, so many things we hear about are negative... so, please take this week to reach out to YOUR veterinarian and their wonderful staff to let them know how truly you love, appreciate and respect them and couldn’t make it without them. Compassion and love are the two words that come to mind when I think of our Deer Park Veterinary Clinic and all the extraordinary people that make it possible. I’m sure you feel the same way about the vet and staff that take care of your pets! Thank you a million times over.