by DARLA MCCAMMON
Executive Director, Animal Welfare League

The smoke was so dense it showed up on the weather radar of a TV station miles away in South Bend. Wednesday evening the big barn belonging to Doctor Brungardt of Lakeland Animal Clinic burned down. The barn housed his horses, some other animals, many supplies, plus hay for the livestock.

We affectionately call him “Doc B” at the Animal Welfare League. He has been our mentor and supporter for many years—at one time serving on our Board of Directors. Doc “B” was on his way to help a dog at a lady’s home (yes, he still makes house calls) when he got the call that his barn was on fire.

Several fire departments responded and tried to save the barn but it appears to be a total loss. A young boy about sixteen years, son of renters on the property, tried to go in the barn to rescue his dog. Doc “B” stopped him. “We could have lost both the boy AND the dog if he ran in there,” Doc told me afterward. “All the other animals were saved.”

I called right away to be sure he was OK and offered the use of our large recently purchased building that is waiting for the final funds so we can remodel and add new wings to create a wonderful new facility for our community. Right now it is empty space. Perfect for temporary housing. Another friend also offered the use of his barn to Doc “B.”

All of this reminded me of what valuable people our local veterinarians are to our community. We are blessed with a number of astoundingly dedicated people, most of whom are in it for the love of animals rather than the money. At our Animal Welfare League we have a wonderful list of area veterinarians who do a free pet visit for our adopted pets and most of whom help us with special needs and on whom I can call at any time with questions or requests for help. 

Be sure you let your veterinarian know you appreciate them next time you stop in, and remember to get those regular check-ups with someone who cares about your pet’s health as much as you do. Lastly say a little prayer for the quick re-building of Dog “B’s” barn.