Added thanks to Dr. Hess and a fond goodbye to wonderful island vet
To the editor:
Lisa Patterson’s lovely letter welcoming Dr. Hess to the island certainly serves as a voice for many of us, not only as regards the convenience of having her here on the island, but also Dr. Hess’ warm personality upon my meeting her as she introduced herself to many of us at businesses and areas of interest. With Dr. Mauney’s inability to squeeze any more of us into his practice, and justifiably so, just ask anyone on the island, our need for her services is great.
But, I would also like, if I may, to say goodbye, at least in his professional capabilities for so many of us for so very many years, to Dr. Robert Miller.
Goodbye Dr. Bob. You have served this island and the surrounding areas animal friends for more than most of us have called it home. You helped welcome our new little ones and our older rescued ones into our homes and cared for them for us throughout their lives. And you helped us through the toughest parts of saying goodbye to those same precious gifts. I myself have seen tears in your eyes after what you called at “tough day”. And I knew it wasn’t because of long hours put in, but because you’d had to euthanize that one-too-many pet that day. As your employee, I’ve never told that to anyone, so my apologies to you for doing it now.
I’m still the new girl at the animal clinic, having only worked there as a part-timer for six years plus, but I’ve come to look at the people at the clinic as a family. Dr. Miller gave this retiree a chance to learn about and work in an area that anyone who loves animals would cherish. What a great way to spend one’s days and what a gratitude I owe him. He will still be at the clinic for a while, only not as often as before. And Dr. Shirley will continue to practice here with us as we welcome Dr. Kendra Techeira as our new owner/veterinarian at Pine Island Animal Clinic. As the rest of my friends and neighbors get to meet her,m I’m sure you will find her a warm and willing soul who’s more than capable of carrying on the task of caring for our animal family members. Of course, our office manager, Debbe Coleman, will continue to keep all of us focused, but We’re sure gonna miss you Dr. Bob.
Pat Ritter
Probie – Pine Island Animal Clini