Amityville veterinarian’s ‘homey’ practice

We only lost power for four days. We had the electricity back on that Thursday after the storm. Our building is on higher ground, so we didn't get flooding, but the whole village lost power and looked dead. I saw patients with flashlights because we wanted to make ourselves available to locals and those coming from other places nearby. We had a couple dogs come in with GI [gastrointestinal] problems after swimming to safety during the storm south of Merrick.

I love having my own practice, running it the way I feel is best for my patients. It's nice that I get to work with my wife, too. Sharon is the veterinary technician here. I do the medicine, and Sharon takes care of the rest.

Most vets will say that it's just in us. From when I was a small child, there wasn't anything I wanted to do more than take care of animals. It was always my calling. I've always loved animals, and being a vet is one way to repay them for the constant love they've given me throughout my life. I grew up having horses, dogs, cats and a garden snake.

I don't like to put up medical posters. My style of practice is to make the office look homey. I think of my patients as also my babies. I will always be involved in caring for animals in one shape or form.

Amityville is a throwback kind of community. It's a small, quaint community that makes most people feel right at home. The sense of community here is like no other. Generations tend to stay and raise their families here. Working or living here leaves you with a very nostalgic and warm feeling. Amityville is a little niche community where everybody knows everybody.