Inspirational words from veterinarians

"The critical thing is to enjoy practice and never do it alone. My partners and the people I hire have fun with me and the clients."

—Dr. Lee Holden, owner, Britton Road Veterinary Clinic; Oklahoma City, Okla.

"Just to be able to sit there and solve that medical problem and make that pet feel better is a great feeling. There's a smile that comes over a client's face. In some professions, you have to wait a long time to see that."

—Dr. Joe Kendrick, owner, Asheville Highway Animal Clinic; Knoxville, Tenn.

"This profession never gets boring. Just when you think you're getting good, there's always a case that walks in the door and you have no idea what's going on."

Dr. W. Andrew Rollo

—Dr. W. Andrew Rollo, associate, Madison Veterinary Hospital; Madison Heights, Mich.

"It's really important to take the time to evaluate your happiness. To lead a fulfilled life, you have to be able to make time for things that make you happy."

Dr. Mona Rosenberg

—Dr. Mona Rosenberg, owner, City of Angels Veterinary Specialty Center; Culver City, Calif.

"I was raised with horses. I didn't get an affinity for being a veterinarian and then decide to make it a livelihood. I had the affinity for horses, and my mother pushed me to go off to college and make a living. I enjoyed being a veterinarian."

—Dr. Peter Hall, retired equine practitioner

"I can't think of a day when I thought I should have done something else."

Dr. Ross Clark

—Dr. Ross Clark, owner, Woodland West Animal Hospital and Pet Resort; Tulsa, Okla.