Some are born knowing exactly what their destiny entails while others stumble into it by pure magical serendipity. I truly fell in this latter category. I grew up in a small rural town in southern Alabama – and when I say rural – I mean it, by every sense of the word. The population of my hometown barely exceeded two thousand people and literally, within the city limits, there were more cows than people. Mom and pop shops predominated local businesses and were often named after the proprietor. Even today, you can always tell when you are in a small town because you will frequently see a “Larry’s Garage” or Wanda’s Home Cooking”. I’ve always felt right at home in a small town and enjoy the genuineness of the way of life.
My mother was a school teacher and my father was the sole proprietor and pharmacist of People’s Drug Store. It was an old fashioned pharmacy with a working soda fountain. Ms. McCants, the lady who worked the fountain, was known for the best milkshakes in the whole county. I have a lot of great memories surrounding that drug store – often times my friends and I would gather there after school for a cherry coke. One such day, circa 1985, I was there after school and the local veterinarian from the next town over just happened to stop in – we didn’t have a vet in my hometown, you had to drive over to Monroeville, the next town over, to have your pets looked after. His name was Dr. Compton, but most everybody called him by his nickname, Catfish – he had a magnificent handlebar mustache. It just so happened that he mentioned to my dad that he needed some summer help at his clinic. My father saw an opportunity to teach me the value of hard work and I saw the opportunity to make a little summer spending money. So my adventure began. Now that’s probably an understatement- because it all happened on my very first day.
The necessary arrangements were made and I was to arrive at work the following Monday at 7:00 am. Dr. Compton’s practice was a mixed animal practice- that meant he provided care to both small animals – dogs and cats – and large animals – mostly cows. I had never been in a veterinary hospital before – other than for my own pet’s appointments so I didn’t really know what to expect. I figured I would walk some dogs, maybe clean a few cages, right? I arrived to work ten minutes early to find Dr. Compton sitting in the parking lot in his truck. He was wearing a pair of green coveralls and was loading the back of his truck with buckets full of supplies. He gave me a nod and a wink and threw me an extra pair of coveralls and told me to put them on. Then we were off. We arrived at the Mason family farm about twenty minutes later. Along the way, I had learned that one of Mr. Mason’s cows had gone into labor and the calf was breached. This meant that we were likely about to perform a Caesarean section. I said ok, then realized I had no idea what that meant, so I made the mistake of asking, and then almost fainted- before ever even reaching Mr. Mason’s Farm. Dr. Compton gave me a pep talk and told me he would direct my every move.
We stepped out of the truck and there was a Holstein cow – what a beautiful animal – majestic in every sense of the word. Beautiful, but exhausted. Dr. Compton sprang into action. He assessed her to ensure she and calf were stable. Once satisfied, we went to work. That day I grew up. I became partially responsible, not only for myself, but for another living, breathing creature – actually two of them, both mother and calf. After surgical preparations were made, the incision was started – I have to admit that I felt a little woozy at this moment but it soon passed and the magic of what was happening jolted my senses. It was amazing, I was in utter awe at the precision, care and compassion in which Dr. Compton worked. I literally witnessed the anatomy unfold before my eyes to reveal – a slimy, slippery and beautiful baby calf. I got to hold her for the first time and felt her chest rise and fall as she took her first breath and then bellow with all her might – it was wonderful. The Mason’s named her Greta.
The day I met Greta was the day I knew I was destined to become a veterinarian. Dr. Compton became a valued mentor and I worked for him all through my remaining time in high school. It’s certainly interesting how a single day, in a no name small town , and a Holstein cow can change your life forever – it is pure serendipity.
Dr. Patrick McCrory has been an active member and business owner of the Holly Springs community for nearly 15 years. He is with Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital.
