ImPeckable Malcolm

The act of seeking a profession where care giving and repairing a battered body and soul are the critical elements, is a vocation indeed. So much so, in fact, that those who choose to pursue a career in the medical field are often the ones that make us believe in miracles, such is their expertise and dedication. I have always been particularly engrossed and almost fixated with the medical field, partly because my mother dedicated her life to it, and partly because of the high emotion I attach to the vision of a medical hero saving a hapless victim and considering the act to be nothing more than “part of the job”. The medical hero I speak of is often either the first responder paramedic or the trauma surgeon but I am forever cognisant of the fact that there are numerous heroes in the field, ranging from the drivers to the cleaners, the professors to the admin clerks, the therapists to the mortuary assistants pushing a gurney. Truly remarkable and immensely special people, one and all!

And then there is the Veterinarian, or Vet as we fondly refer to them as. These individuals not only tick all the medical hero boxes but in my opinion they are often champions of even greater things. The relationship between human and animal (Perhaps only animal lovers would get this so my analogy will use a pet dog) is loaded with emotion and when a pet needs medical attention we almost feel guilty. Part of the reason is that a dog knows no half measure of love or dedication, so while sitting in a hospital waiting room, the dog places its full trust and often its life in your hands, and believes in your decision to empower the Vet. The other part of the reason is simply because we are so in control of the environment we create for the dog, that when a medical emergency presents itself we feel tangible guilt. This is because the dog gives us absolutely everything and it is often through not giving enough in return, that the situation has come about. A Vet somehow wears all the medical caps and takes care of every part of the process regardless of the outcome.

Throughout my life I have loved and lost many pets and dealt with a number of different Vets but only one has left an indelible mark in my life and thereby the lives of my family. Malcolm Peck, the owner of Atterbury Bird and Animal Hospital is that man. During one of the darkest chapters in my life he emerged as the one who seemingly swept up all my despair and emotions (in the shape of my critically injured new puppy called Kona) and turned them all into belief. After a vicious attack from an adult border collie left him with severe head injuries, I rushed Kona to Malcolm’s practice, a place that I had never been to before. In my hands I held a brave little soul that carried immense emotional weight and the fear, concern and uncertainty I felt was all too real. It was Malcolm himself that took one look at my boy and swept him away immediately, with the promise of a call to discuss details later that day. His priority was clear and it went a long way in allaying my fears. Suffice to say that Malcolm looked after my Kona as if he was his own. Many days later, and after a stint in ICU, a very battered and bruised, but no less spirited, bandaged puppy, was ready to go home. The impact of this event and the way it was dealt with by such a consummate professional, with impeccable bedside manner and an uncompromising understanding of pet owner dynamics, will never be lost on me, and no words will truly do it justice. At that time in my life I truly needed a friend like Kona and Malcolm took him in, healed him and gave him back to me. I honestly believe that the legendary dog that Kona turned out to be, was partly because of his time spent in the care of, and most certainly testament to, the man who saved him. How sad the circle of life turned out to be that Kona prematurely died on the operating table some years later. My only solace during that incredibly sad time, was the fact that the last person he saw on this earth was one of his favourite people – Malcolm.

To hear that Malcolm is closing the practice and moving to the UK certainly comes as a shock. I know that the effect of this decision will he hard felt throughout the community and things will never be the same again. I will have to change my Vet referral default setting and I am not sure I know how. Malcolm was always the man I would trust with my pets and even my friend’s pets. How would we ever sufficiently thank the man for his contribution and impact in our lives? How could we? How can we? In short, we can’t.

The nature of the man dictates that he would never expect us to, and he would not want us to. Perhaps, if anything, he would only wish for us to take care of ourselves and our animals. All we ever wish for our children is exposure to people that set good moral and behavioural examples for them to follow. While we may not have the knowledge and expertise that he does, Malcolm is certainly a stellar example for us and we would do well to take note.

Malcolm, you are a Vet but you were always destined to be more. You are a game changer, you are a man among men, you are a friend and you will always be a special part of my life. Thank you and till we meet again.