Dr. Walter Maddox doesn’t work here anymore. Over the years, he kept threatening to retire, but I don’t think anyone took him seriously. I didn’t. I thought he would always be there, especially during the years when I had a tribe of three cats. I would arrive early and sit in the crowded waiting room with the other anxious pet owners.
I’ve sat there more times than I would like to count. There always seemed to be an assortment of gigantic tabbies yowling in their carriers, puppies straining on their leashes, labs, spaniels, terriers, young, old— quivering in fear, bounding around the small room, or primly sitting on their owners’ laps. I’ve surreptitiously watched other people crying because they were putting their animals down, only to find myself in the same position.
Dr. Maddox understood that you have to treat the animal as well as the human. He treated me as gently as he treated my animals, and I am grateful for that. He wasn’t motivated by money. He would never suggest a test unless he thought it was necessary. If I had to bring one of my cats back for a second visit, he often gave me a break on the office visit. He worked by instinct as well as by intellect. He was the good country doctor who balanced compassion with objectivity.
He had an ego. Sometimes it seemed his staff tip toed around him. He definitely ran a tight ship. Mistakes were rare. In fact, in the eight years I was a client, I don’t remember a single one. I’m not saying he was perfect, infallible. Part of his charm was admitting his infallibilty. This made me trust him even more.
I called last November to bring in my new dog, Molly, a Shih Tzu, for a routine visit. Debbie, the office manager, said, “He’s retired.” I hung up the phone in shock. He had finally done it. Retired. Unbelievable. The good country doctor had hung up his stethoscope. But never fear; I hear he still lives in Brooklyn. Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll see him around the neighborhood.
If you read this, Dr. Maddox, thank you. I will miss you— as a vet and as a friend.
Brooklyn Heights resident LA Slugocki is one of the colorful columnists featured in The Brooklyn Bugle…coming soon. Read her blog at http://www.laslugocki.blogspot.com.
i was one of those crying people when I put my cat down a few years back. My sister and I were practically inconsolable (I’m tearing up now thinking about it), and he took care of us well.
Well, what is there to say, but, Dr. Maddox, you will be greatly missed. Never wanted to believe, that one day, i would pick up to phone clinic, hear that Dr. Maddox has retired. You went out silently. It broke me up, since, i had my two loves of my life- Cherie and Brandy. You were my first and only vet. You were gentle with your hands on and operatively. Even, when i picked up my Cherie -who died minutes after her operation due to her heart failing. Your stitches were beautiful as a a seamer.
Your kindness and thoughtfulnees,honesty will be always treasured and remembered. Directiveness, yet sterness, was for the well being of the patient as well as for the owner and worker. Your meticulous manner, your staff, your office, was a pleasure to walk in. Your timely phone calls, when i was anxious or distraught. Your patience, when you put my Brandy down- i could not believe. You let me have my time with her. John, your right hand helper, as always with a smile – will continue to welcome us, along with Debbie and staff. I have not had the pleasure to meet with Dr. LoBosso yet. Met with one other doctor, who was kind and gave my Bootsy his rabie and other shot, and blood work. He was very gentle.
Hope to see you maybe in the neighborhood. Passing by with that great big smile of yours. We miss you. Please consider, dropping by and surprising us. Always. Beverly
I miss the great doctor myself. I have taken my pets to others but none can match his skill and mannerism. A combination that put both pet and owner at ease. Dr. Maddox and his staff made the perfect team. Even when I moved out of the neighbourhood I would take a taxi just to bring my cats to clinic.
Earlier last year when my cat needed to be put down, you and staff were so kind and consoling. You didn’t have to be, but you all were… Thank you. For all the years of alleviating my stresses and helping me to take care of my loved ones. Thank you.