Veterinarian found the perfect career
Piper, suffering from an old wound from his days as a stray, turned to a friend for relief. A BB deposited from someone who obviously didn’t recognize the outstanding qualities of such an affable dog, had moved within his leg and now put pressure on a tendon. Dr. Frank Clovis smiled, and with the words “no problem” barely out his mouth, gave the terrier-mix a hug. He then quickly made a small incision and pried the copper ball from beneath the skin. Neither a whimper, nor a jitter from Piper – just a lick of his master’s hand as thanks for the surgery, or more likely, gratitude for the treat which followed.
A native of Coeur d’ Alene, Clovis, 33, graduated from Washington State University, then returned home to pay his dues with the area’s largest animal hospital until he and his partner opened River City Animal Hospital in Post Falls. Last winter, the doctors added Animal Medical Center in downtown Coeur d’Alene to their practice.
Clovis’ career fits him perfectly. He loves animals and gets great pleasure in helping little critters. His infectious laugh fills his clinic and his compassion – no matter if working on a dog, cat or hamster – is obvious. His home is shared with his wife Sandy, their two children, along with two dogs, two cats and a pygmy goat.
What is your job title? “Veterinarian and co-owner of River City Animal Hospital and Animal Medical Center.”
How long have you been doing this? “Eight years.”
How did you choose this line of work? “After participating in rodeos I decided on becoming a large animal veterinarian, so I went to vet school. After working on large animals for some time, I found I like treating small animals better and I learned that I loved being a veterinarian.”
Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “(d) For the amount of time I actually put in, it is sometimes slave wages. Plus, there are student loans and other obligations in this business. However, my family lives comfortably and I love what I do, so it is worth it.”
What is the best thing about your job? “When there is really an ugly case and I can turn it around and save the day and be the hero for saving a loved pet.”
What is the worst thing about your job? “An unexpected death. Having to put animals down is hard, but sometimes good for all concerned. The other day, I lost a dog twice on the operating table, but got him back both times. Then I lost him at the end of the surgery – that’s tough. I have to realize that I can’t save every pet that comes through the door.”
Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “Until retirement.”
Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “Back when I was still doing large animals, I was called out on a rainy night by some folks who had a whole bunch of goats. The facility was awful and I had to do a C-section while working in about 18 inches of manure. After I got the baby out and sewed momma up, I was covered in goat poop. I was grumpy, it was 4:30 in the morning and I stopped by a Jiffy Mart on the way home. The guy behind the counter leaned over, took a sniff and said, ‘Boy, you stink!’ That was the funniest thing I had ever heard and the only thing that night that made me smile. Another time I went to do a rectal exam on a cow and put my coveralls over my underwear, sticking my pager in my underwear. The cow peed down my arm, absolutely destroying the pager.”
Any bad experiences? “There are circles of ups and downs in the business, every day.”
If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you and why? “Jim Carrey, if he could be serious for a minute, as he is a good actor.”