My Pet World: America's Favorite Veterinarian a beloved James Herriot clone
On Sept. 30, Dr. Tim Hunt, of Marquette, MI, was voted America's Favorite Veterinarian in a contest sponsored by the non-profit American Veterinary Medical Foundation. As it turns out, voters chose a kind of modern day James Herriot (the beloved late British country veterinarian, James Alfred "Alf" Wight, best known by his pen name).
"For me, being a veterinarian is more than a job; it's a lifestyle," says Hunt, 49.
Unbeknownst to Hunt, a long-time client, Kris Mitchell, nominated him for the award. Her glowing assessment impressed a panel of expert judges who chose a top-20 group of finalists. Among those, pet owners voted online for their favorite.
When alerted that Hunt had won, Mitchell was positively giddy.
"He's the best vet ever," she says.
Mitchell recalls that 20 years ago she was watching a pregnant dog for a friend when the pet became very ill. Another veterinarian suggested a bland diet of hamburger and rice. However, Mitchell knew the dog had more than a run-of-the-mill upset tummy and decided to seek a second opinion from the newer vet in town.
"Dr. Hunt said the dog required emergency care and hospitalization. He saved the dog's life, and the life of a litter, which was born healthy," Mitchell says.
Last year, Mitchell found herself with her mother's pregnant English bulldog. It turned out the dog required a cesarean -- on Christmas Day.
"It didn't faze Dr. Hunt," Mitchell recalls. "He's always there to support the community."
Indeed, Hunt supplies dog food and discounted services to the local humane society. He has a special place in his heart for pet owners who have difficulty affording his services.
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