I love my job 18. big little thoughts

By Nancy Dewar Veterinarians Dr. John Flood and Dr. Kate Domenico have taken the meaning of “we do house calls” to an entirely new level; sea level! As partners in Island Veterinarian Services based in South Portland, they provide residents of islands in Casco Bay with weekly boat service vet care; meeting them at the public docks to provide routine wellness checks, vaccinations, sick visits and small procedures. The four primary islands they serve are Peaks, Diamond, Long and Chebeague…all about a 30-minute boat ride away.

Dr. Flood came up with this unique idea when he had Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic in South Portland. “We’d watch clients get off of the ferry and tow their dogs up the hill or lug their cat carriers up; and I thought there had to be an easier way for them to get general vet care,” John explained. Island Vet has been making house calls since 2003, and Dr. Domenico joined John as a partner about two years ago. Their shore-toshore services are offered from April through October, and clients call in advance to make appointments.

They go out every Thursday and alternate the weekly trips between the two of them accompanied with a vet tech or assistant. If inclement weather strikes, rain dates are scheduled. It’s an early morning; leaving the marina around 7:00 a.m. and returning mid-afternoon, usually seeing an average of 10 to 12 animals a day. Their floating clinic, a 27’ Eastern named the Rita Joan, was made in Milton, New Hampshire.

Both have interesting backgrounds. John started Hampton Veterinary Hospital in 1979. He and his wife moved to New Zealand in the late ‘80’s where he did post-graduate work in small animal surgery. They moved back to the States a year later after their first child was born, and he opened a mixed-animal practice in Acton, Maine, which he sold to an associate years later. His next venture was Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic which ultimately evolved into his current Island Vet Services. In 2008 John purchased 65 acres in Acton, which was the beginning of Terra Firma Farm, an organic farm he runs with his partner Dane Giallongo. They raise slow-grown, pastureraised organic lamb and chicken on the farm where their loyal dogs, John’s two Brittany Spaniels (Moxie & Mojo) and Dane’s young black Lab named Leo, roam freely.

Kate grew up in Chicago and moved to Maine eight years ago. While a board member at the Maine Veterinary Medical Association, Kate met John’s daughter in law who told her that he was looking for someone to help on the boat. “I jumped at that! I couldn’t think of doing anything better!” In addition to her weekly island visits and her full-time work in emergency and critical Care at Maine Veterinary Medical Center in Scarborough, Kate also is a Veterinary Medical Officer for the National Veterinary Response Team of the Department of Health and Human Services. So, what does that mean, I asked! “Vets are deployed at all large government events to care for the Secret Service dogs. For example, national political conventions. We go where the dogs go.” When Kate hits the sea, her girl River usually joins her…as Labs are right at home on the water.

I love John and Kate’s job! What fun to be on the ocean, visiting islands in Casco Bay and meeting locals with their precious pups. But, oh yeah… I could never stomach the medical part of it. I can’t even look at a needle! However, I’m joining John on the water in this fall and am excited to experience their “island house calls” first-hand. It will be a day to remember, for sure; and I’ll just look away when needed!

By Josh Linker I never had a dog growing up. In fact, for years I didn’t really understand what all the fuss was about. Pets seemed messy, expensive and illogical. And then my wife Tia and I found the smallest Yorkie you could imagine, and I discovered a new partner-in-crime. My little sidekick with a big name… DaVinci. Today, I’m amazed at how much wisdom can come from such a small creature. As this little pup brings joy, he’s also been an unexpected teacher of some important life lessons. We can all learn a lot from this new DaVinci Code.

Shake it Off — After a setback (such as being alone for the last three hours or being jolted from a restful sleep), dogs give a big, full-body shake and then they’re done. They let go of the past and get on with living instead of dwelling on previous injustices.

Treat Everyone Equally — There’s no judgment when it comes to new people. DaVinci doesn’t care about your career path, circle of influence or fashion choices. He treats everyone with the same openness and extends the benefit of doubt. Enjoy the Small Stuff — The simple joy of chasing around a blowing leaf or feeling the wind while running through the backyard is what this little guy lives for. Since his expectations are small, he’s never disappointed. He doesn’t long for what he’s missing; he savors what he has.

Live in the Moment — Rather than wallowing in regret from the past or anxiety for the future, DaVinci lives firmly in the here and now. He’s grounded in the present and can enjoy the high definition of every moment. Explore — This curious creature loves to discover new things. With his nose to the ground, he’s constantly seeking out new smells, tastes and sounds. He realizes that life is an adventure, and new opportunities only emerge when they’re hunted down. He has the courage to lose sight of the house to uncover new fascination.

DaVinci has also helped me further develop my own compassion. I realize it’s not the end of the world when he pees on the rug, and that forgiveness is much more productive than sharp criticism. Empathy trumps abrasiveness. Patience beats anger.

These principles are universal and can help even the most stubborn humanfolk live more fulfilling lives. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of the day, but sometimes reconnecting to the fundamentals can be liberating. Give this back-to-basics DaVinci Code a try for yourself. You’ll find, as I did, a renewed sense of peace and purpose. And as a byproduct, you’ll be happier than a dog with a new bone.

Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, 5-time tech entrepreneur, venture capital investor and jazz guitarist. His latest book,

Drive Oversized Results, is now available worldwide in all formats. (JoshLinkner.com)