Occupation: I am a veterinarian and owner of a veterinary practice called Mt Pleasant Hospital For Animals. Located off MtPleasant Road near Exit 9, the hospital operates out of a historic house once owned by the Camp family. The original structure dates back to 1719, or pre-revolutionary times. I kind of like the fact that this antique structure that is symbolic of old-world values and traditions is now coupled with state-of-the-art veterinary medical technology. My undergraduate degree was from Colorado State University, and I obtained my VMD after four years at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. The Mt Pleasant Hospital For Animals is celebrating its 28th year on Sunday, June 26, from noon to 4 pm with an open house, guided tours, and educational stations. We’ll be showing exotic and farm animals, and we will provide refreshments for all visitors. I’m hoping for a good turnout.

How Long In Newtown: After graduating from vet school, I worked one year in large and small animals in southern New Jersey. Then I moved to New Canaan, where I worked in a small animal practice for three and one half years. I was driving through Newtown one day and just fell in love with the town. It had everything I wanted: a place to practice high quality medicine and surgery in a family community, a beautiful countryside with open land, and a place where I could have a farm and keep horses.

How Has The Practice Of Veterinary Medicine Evolved: The biggest change is in the availability of cutting edge equipment –– EKG monitors and bypass machines, laser surgery enabling us to perform advanced surgical techniques, anesthetics that help ensure safe surgery. We’re able to use intravenous catheters to administer fluids, and blood work is done prior to surgery to be certain that no kidney, liver, or electrolyte disturbances exist. We didn’t used to have access to all of these options. Also, we are seeing a lot more pocket pets and exotic animals such as ferrets and snakes. We treated two coyote pups last week.

Family: I am a single parent. My son, Darryl, 8, goes to Middle Gate School. He’s a Second Degree Black Belt, plays piano, baseball, rides horses, and really is a terrific athlete. Best of all, he enjoys everything he does.

Hobbies: I love gardening, I do competitive riding, and I like to travel. I’ve been to Thailand and Japan and I guess you could say I’m an adventuresome sort of person.

Pets: At home, I’ve got horses, chickens, sheep, dogs, cats, and birds. Actually, between myself and the two other veterinary doctors on my staff, Maria Lagana and Rock Vali, we’ve got more than 40 pets between us –– including Dr Lagana’s pet rat.

TV And Reading Preferences: My absolute favorite TV show is Curb Your Enthusiasm written by and starring Larry David, who also wrote Seinfeld. It’s on at 11 pm and it’s hilarious. I like reading historical biography, and I am currently into The Life Of Elizabeth I by Alison Weir. For inspirational reading, I can recommend A Child Called “It” by David Pelzer about an abused boy who shows great courage.

Organizations: I belong to the Horticulture Club of Newtown though I seem to have trouble finding the time to attend meetings and events.

Most Vivid Newtown Memory: I’ll never forget the first day that I opened my practice 28 years ago. It was April 14, 1977, and only two people walked through the door. In those days, ethically, veterinarians did not advertise, and it was a matter of making an announcement in the local newspaper and then simply hanging out your shingle. My receptionist and I did everything from answering the phone to cleaning the kennels. I lived over the hospital, and I was open seven days a week on 24-hour call. That lasted for six years before I was able to afford the luxury of a second veterinarian to share the load.

Personal Philosophy: I believe every person should live a life of passion and commitment to whatever is their special calling because this is what makes life beautiful. Ever since I was a small boy, I’ve known my passion was to care for animals. In my practice, I take veterinary medicine very seriously. I believe in continuing education for all doctors and technicians to advance their skills and knowledge. Pain management is paramount. No animal should suffer needlessly.