Vehicles flocked at the Fritts farm Saturday, Aug. 9 as more than 120 guests gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Dennis Reed taking over the Dublin Veterinary Clinic (on Aug. 11, 1975).
Gold, white and black balloons were posted on the gate and on the stage that congratulated the legacy vet on 50 years and had several gifts for him.
The decorations and 100 plus people in the crowd might have given away the surprise of the gathering if not for a visit the previous day from a long-time customer.
“He came to the office yesterday and they had invited him,” Reed said with a smile. “He brought a card and said,’ I can’t make your party,’ so he was the one who spilled the beans.”
Dr. Reed already had suspicions though.
“I kind of had an idea,” he said “The ruse was we had two girls who were leaving so they said we were going to have a going away party. And I thought why would we have it out here?”
Still, he was surprised by the number who showed up to celebrate him and the decades he’s had so far of serving Dublin.
“I didn’t know this many people would show up, but it’s nice to know this many people have good feelings about you,” he said. “Lots of people have helped me along the way and I owe a lot to those people.”
Reed and his wife, Connie came in to the venue quietly and he began shaking hands and greeting everyone as guests were served fajitas, rice, beans, iced tea and cupcakes.
The crowd included many longtime customers like Gary and Vicky Stone who said he has assisted them with plenty of home visits in the five decades he’s been their vet.
Gary said what sets Dr. Reed apart from most is his dedication. “Not many people will work as hard as he does,” he said.
“He takes care of not just the livestock but the people too,” added Vicky.
Laura Tucker, who’s been working at the clinic for 20 years in November, said she’s always been impressed with the honesty he has with clients and his bedside manner.
Tiffany Ruiz, also praised him as a boss and vet and said he had a “very strong work ethic. We’re lucky to have him.”
Vets Jacy Bigham and Price Ruffin both said he is a great mentor with Bingham adding he provides a lot of ‘entertainment value’ to the clinic.
Despite the milestone, Reed said he will still continue working Fridays and Saturdays and helping out at the clinic as needed.
Reed reminisced about starting his practice as he looked over the newspaper clippings and photos on the sign-in table and talked to guests. Reed admitted he wanted to be a vet early on but didn’t know if he could get the grades in college.
“I had worked for a veterinarian in high school,” he said. “I had a girlfriend whose dad asked what I was going to do. I said I was going to be an ag teacher. He asked what I would do after getting my Bachelor’s. I said I’d get my master’s.”
“‘Well, how long is that going to take?,’ he asked. I said 5 or 6 years. Then , he asked, ‘How long to become a veterinarian?’ 5 or 6 years….”
With that revelation and finding he could get the grades, he pursued his passion and received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 1975.
“Jacy asked me, ‘when did you feel comfortable being a veterinarian?’” Reed said. “I said, I’ll let you know. You never quit learning. There’s always something new to learn.”
Reed credited the challenge and variety of what he faces every day as what has kept him in the career for five decades.
“There’s never a dull moment,” he said. “I try to keep it light and not so serious. I think if you can have fun and work too then you’re way ahead of the game.”