The Editor,
I have carried a quote around in my wallet for the last 26 years that reads, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
Gratefully, I have had the honour to "work" alongside a veterinarian for the last six and a half years who has taught me and shown me through his example how true and rewarding that quote really is.
Dr. Roy Gutteridge (affectionately known by many as Dr. G.) retired from the Austin Animal Hospital (AAH) on Jan. 29 after an extremely successful and downright legendary career that took shape in the basement of his house many years ago. With his wife Desi by his side, they opened the doors to AAH in 1976 and have been caring for animals and their human families with honour and integrity over all these years.
Since then, multiple generations of families have travelled from near and far (100 Mile House, Squamish, Victoria and even the U.S.A., to name a few) to see "the kind vet with the skilled hands."
Countless young lives have been guided and inspired by him over the years as he worked closely with various elementary schools, high schools and colleges to share his wisdom, leadership skills and passion for his career. Many past employees, clients, students, former classmates and colleagues make efforts to stay in touch with Dr. G to this day, showing the significant impact he has made on so many lives over the years.
It was my privilege to work alongside of a veterinarian with such a skilled hand, great natural instincts, compassion, integrity and a true love and talent for treating animals (including my own beloved fur-babies).
I am not alone in my reverence for this remarkable (and humble) man as I have been regaled with countless incredible stories from clients and colleagues alike of how Dr. G has touched their lives over the years.
The way people speak of this phenomenal man or react when you say his name might lead you to believe he is royalty, and to some of us, he is much like our King. So it is with a lump in my throat and a great sense of admiration that I inform you... "Dr. G has left the building."
Tonya Dolyny, Coquitlam
