Personally, I can cite several experiences that led to this calling. As a profession, we all have had experiences. We all had mentors. Then we all had guidance. But one thing we all share is the love for animals and the people who care for them.

Starting with experiences, who of us hasn't had a childhood experience where we nursed a baby squirrel, splinted a bird's wing or possibly our own dog's leg, whether he needed it or not?

Yes, we oftentimes are the ones who draw snickers from other adults for becoming extremists in trying to help animals. We continue to do crazy things as we grow and progress, like conducting neighborhood "amateur" clinics or stunts like rehabilitating a paralyzed dog in a makeshift whirlpool tub - dog and person in the tub together... they have pictures of me on that one...

At some point, professional mentoring comes into the picture. Alabama veterinarian Dr. Lawrence Cottle served as a professional mentor to me and many others, including my older brother.

Cottle recently retired, and at a reception in Mobile was honored by everyone from church and civic leaders to the Alabama VMA for his 50 years of service. Ever the gentleman, full of positive energy and wit, it is easy to see how this man has had such a positive effect on not only up-and-coming veterinarians, but to many other people from many walks of life. He has now departed daily practice, but has graciously asked others to carry the torch as veterinary medicine forges its way into the future.

I will never forget the day when Dr. Cottle realized my stomach had matched my curiosity and showed me the intestines he had removed from a dog who had been shot. You must understand that such visual and aromatic stimulation only further propelled my brother and me toward the profession.

My big brother Andy? Yes - let's consider him a second-generation mentor from within the family. As a high school student looking for direction, what better person than your own older brother to show you how the basics of veterinary practice? I was privileged to see the real "in the trenches stuff" early on, during summer break and after school.

Finally, I'll recognize Dr. Steve Swaim. It took an academic thrill-seeker like him to pull this "non-academic-minded boy" into the veterinary school mainstream. When I, on a wild hare, asked about re-suturing and grafting damaged nerves on animals, he didn't dismiss me as a nutcase, but invited me in on surgical trials to do exactly that. He even turned me on to his love for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery on animals, which has stayed with me to this day (as he has continued to publish and lecture on the subject).

Too many times in life we get too busy to thank those who have done so much for us in the professional mentoring department. No matter what your field of endeavor, you probably have someone who has shaped you, too, don't you? In my case, I'd like to tip my hat to Dr. Lawrence Cottle, my brother Dr. Andy Duke, and Dr. Steve Swaim. Thank you for all you did for me.

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