It seems there are so few veterinarians in the Imperial Valley that families around here bond with their vets just as deeply, if not more so, than with their family physicians.
When the Valley loses one such vet, the way it lost Dr. James Thompson in an airplane crash, the effect is not only wide-reaching for the sheer numbers of families and their pets or horses that they care for, but it’s emotionally eventful for the bonds that have been established.
That is set to happen with the retirement of Dr. Steve Bowen, who after 35 years of dedicating his life and practice to animals — and their human families — throughout Imperial County is hanging up his shingle and heading to a life less hectic in the Big Sky Country, better known as Montana.
Bowen announced his retirement early for a couple of reasons, one being he hopes to recruit a new veterinarian to take over his practice, Valley Veterinary Clinic, so there is a seamless transition for all of his patients.
While the number of veterinarians in Imperial County has increased considerably since he started practice, those numbers have not kept pace with the growth of the county. So, it’s commendable that he is looking to make sure there is enough animal care before he moves on.
Bowen has truly been a friend to creatures great and small, and his loss as a main caregiver for the animals many consider members of our own families will be a big deal. People tend to live, breathe and love through their animals, much like they do through their children, and the relationships forged with vets, and Bowen in particular, are often unbreakable and irreplaceable.
It should be said, though, that families and their animals aren’t the only ones who will be losing out when Bowen is gone. He has also been a tireless supporter of the local Boy Scouts of America chapters in Imperial County.
In fact, almost two years ago, Bowen was bestowed the national organization’s highest honor, prestigious Silver Buffalo award, for “outstanding service to the youth of this nation,” according to the letter he received telling of the award. With the recognition, he was placed in the same company as presidents, astronauts, Fortune 500 CEOs and sports legends.
The Valley has been fortunate — especially its boys and its animals — to have Dr. Steve Bowen around. When he is gone, he will be missed.
THE ISSUE:
Dr. Bowen retiring
WE SAY:
Friend to animals, Boy Scouts will be missed.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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