Richard Krauss of Preeceville was recently acknowledged for his hard work, dedication and passion as a veterinarian for 50 years.
He was presented the Western Canada Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) - Honorary Life Membership for Outstanding Contribution in March 2019 and previously acknowledged with The Saskatchewan Veterinary Medicine Association (SVMA) - J. J. Murison Distinguished Veterinarian Award in November of 2018.
“I am very honoured to be honoured with both these awards,” stated Dr. Krauss.
The J.J. Murison Distinguished Veterinarian award is the highest level of recognition the SVMA can bestow on a member and is presented annually, stated the SVMA newsletter. The criteria for selection include: service to the SVMA, the profession and the public as well as competency, personality and character. This year’s J.J. Murison Distinguished Veterinarian award was presented to Dr. Krauss in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to his clients and patients, stated nominator Dr. Clarence Bischop, rabies risk assessment veterinarian with Saskatchewan Agriculture.
“I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many of his clients, and I can tell you they were consistently effusive in their descriptions of Dr. Krauss’ tireless work ethic, his veterinary skills and his obvious care and concern for his clients and patients. I am proud to call him my colleague," said Bischop.
The WCABP’s Honorary Life Membership can be awarded to someone over 65 who has made an outstanding contribution to either the association or the veterinary profession. To nominate a potential recipient, members must forward a letter that outlines the nominee’s achievements and why the person is worthy of an Honorary Life membership.
Dr. Krauss was presented the Honorary Lifetime membership by his nominator Dr. Carmen Millham, Outlook Veterinary. The plaque acknowledged Krauss' many years and long standing commitment to veterinary practice in Western Canada.
Krauss was a graduate member of the first class of vet students that were educated at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan in 1969.
"I think I speak for many farm producers and pet owners when I say that we are all very proud of Dr. Krauss and grateful for his unending dedication to all creatures great and small. His service and support over the years will always be appreciated together with his kind nature and humorous personality," stated Donna Parkin of Preeceville.
Dr. Krauss was born in North Vancouver and moved to a mixed farm with his parents when he was five years old. The family farmed in Parry, south of Regina and he attended high school in Parry. Prior to graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan in 1969, he previously had worked with Dr. Harold Struthers in the Omega veterinary clinic for two summers. He went on to work at a veterinary clinic in Burnaby B.C. with Dr. John Maclain for five months and at the Weyburn veterinary clinic under the mentorship of Dr. Wally Nicholson for one year before moving to Preeceville to open his own clinic, The Preeceville Veterinary Clinic on July 15, 1970.
Krauss and his wife Ivy of 50 years have enjoyed being part of the community and raising the couple’s two children in a small community environment.
"I saw the opportunity to set out on my own when Preeceville and area did not have a veterinary," said Krauss. "I have a strong passion for all animals and would never turn away any animal. There have been many challenges and changes in the veterinary world, the biggest being farms are getting larger. The work has transferred from working with dairy cattle, beef and wildlife farms to focusing on beef cattle and smaller animals. “Challenges have been the technology side. Keeping up has not always been easy but with my younger veterinary technicians at the clinic it has made the change a little easier. Over the past years we have had 25 veterinary students at the clinic and I am very proud to say that all are now located all over as successful veterinarians," he said.
“I am now 75 years old and have dedicated my live to helping care for all animals but the time has come for me to retire and step away. I have been trying to seek a replacement but it is very difficult and the clinic has been for sale for the past four years. The clinic has changed throughout the years and can accommodate small and large animals, laboratory testing and x-rays. I have enjoyed my many years in practice and attribute my success where other clinics have folded to my huge client bases,” he concluded.
