THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 19, 1995 TAG: 9504180097
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
Dr. Richard B. May Jr. still won't defang pet cobras.
But May, a veterinarian who specializes in small-animal care, will treat more than dogs and cats May 1, when he plans to open Smithfield Animal Hospital at 938 S. Church St.
His practice will provide a full range of veterinary care, including internal medicine, dental care, orthopedic and cosmetic surgeries, and boarding services, May says.
Although dogs and cats will be his usual patients, May also expects rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, mice and even reptiles to visit his waiting room once in a while. However, he does not treat birds.
``Although this is not an exotic-animal practice, I expect to see an occasional reptile,'' says May, 39, who says he really was asked once to remove a cobra's toxic tongue.
``There aren't too many snakes out there,'' he says. ``Most people with pet reptiles have iguanas.''
The Alabama native has been a veterinarian in Hampton Roads for the last 11 years. He says he recently turned down an opportunity to buy the Little Creek Animal Clinic, where he has spent the last few years working as head veterinarian, overseeing a 28-member staff.
``The timing just wasn't right for me. I was spending all my time making employee schedules and dealing with other administrative procedures.
``But that's not what I want to do. I want to practice medicine.''
And that's exactly what he will do at Smithfield Animal Hospital, a family-run practice where he will be the only veterinarian. May's wife, Yvonne, 37, and one employee will help operate the practice.
It will be housed in the building formerly occupied by Dr. Alvin Rogers, a retired veterinarian.
The Mays live in Yorktown with their two children, Justin, 11, and Christin, 9. Eventually, they say, they would like to relocate to Isle of Wight County. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by ALLISON T. WILLIAMS
Yvonne May will help her husband, Dr. Richard B. May Jr., at their
clinic.
by CNB