Each month, this column contains a (hopefully) informative article on a disease, medical problem or procedure of interest to pet owners.

This month marks a departure from that tradition. The recent loss of Dr. Jim Vulgamott, my esteemed colleague of 23 years and a truly consummate veterinarian also brings to mind other fine veterinarians the Houston community has lost in recent years.

There are countless sources on the internet and in career manuals that address the mechanics of becoming a veterinarian - the prerequisite coursework needed, application process for veterinary college, subjects in the veterinary curriculum and career options after graduation. But none of these explain or describe the essence of those doctors who are so greatly revered by and endeared to their clients/animal owners and fellow veterinarians. Perhaps it is impossible to do so. But using my good friend Jim Vulgamott as an example, I'd like to share just a few of the special qualities I think many of my colleagues share.

I Am One Part, Not the Center

As a veterinary specialist, Jim saw patients by referral from other veterinarians. His attitude was always that he'd been invited by a pet's owner and their family veterinarian to assist in a patient's care, not to assume command. In his world, the patient is in the center, surrounded by 3 people (family veterinarian, veterinary specialist and the owner) working together, always together. So it is with any endeavor in life. Help with the solution, not create new problems.

Veterinarians Treat Two, Not One

Animal owners are people, and people come in all stripes. But most seek our help because they are worried about something they value greatly - be it emotionally or economic in nature. If you help your animal patient, you help a fellow human being. When medicine and science can't make the difference, comfort, respect, sympathy and consolation can help heal, too.

My Patients Can't Speak, But I Can Still Listen

Jim always gave due consideration to a pet owner's observations, intuitions and concerns. The human-animal bond is a special relationship and few, if any, know their charge better than the owner. Dr. Vulgamott used all his senses to listen - sight, touch, sound, occasionally smell, even a patient's body language. Part of an uncanny ability to diagnose a patient's illness is a gift, but 90% is being dedicated enough to constantly practice and perfect your craft.

Make the Technical, Talkable. 
A daily task of any health professional is language translation. And translating the language of medicine and science to an understandable level can be a challenge. Sometimes a phrase like "This disease is so serious we need to risk making Fifi a little bit sick to save her life" says more than five minutes of discussing drugs, doses, procedures and prognosis.

Most veterinarians recite the following oath at the time of their graduation:

The Veterinarian's Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Oaths are tall orders for fallible human beings. Those who keep them best, are our best. Perhaps the best insight from a veterinarian was given by the most famous of our time.

I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs.

-      James Herriot