“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” –William Arthur Ward
Dean and Denise Tracy deliver lunch to students, staff and veterinarians working in the large animal hospital.
As the winter rains approach and the air turns chilly, we turn our attention toward the holiday season and reflect on those that hold special places in our hearts and mind. The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to take a few moments to appreciate those who make our lives better or our jobs easier. At our School, we have a unique perspective on gratitude from watching the animals we treat heal or from receiving the appreciation expressed by the owners who love them. We are privileged to support a mission that addresses societal needs through our education of the next generation, through our research discoveries and through our service to our communities.
I recently had the great pleasure to see Dean and Denise Tracy, clients of our Large Animal Clinic and owners of an animal sanctuary. In 2017, they brought Shrek, the mini-horse, to our clinic to have a large growth on his jaw examined. It kept him from eating and he was miserable. Thankfully, it was not cancerous and the veterinary team was able to remove part of Shrek’s lower mandible. In the process of Shrek’s stay, the Tracys became familiar with our dedicated staff and students, but noticed they were tired and hungry after a full day of clinical duty. To express their gratitude Dean and Denise started bringing dinner to our staff and students on a weekly basis.