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A veterinarian goes back to grade school
By Dr. Marty Becker
May 19, 2010
Later today, I’ll be doing a Skype interview with what may turn out to be my toughest audience yet: a class of fourth-graders.
How this came about is an interesting story, and one I thought I’d let the fourth-grader who made it happen tell you. From my new friend, Hannah in Sedona — and this is unedited; she really is that smart!
My name is Hannah Wright and I am 9 years old. I was on Spring Break this year in Sedona, Arizona, and while I was at one of my favorite restaurants, I recognized Dr. Becker from Good Morning America just a few days earlier. I asked my parents if I could go say “Hello”, they said it would be okay after he was done with his meal.
I walked over to his table and introduced myself to him and his family. I was right, and I had just seen him, and I told him a story about my dog that we had just had to put to sleep. He said he would come over to our table and introduce himself to my family. He brought me a note that said I could choose my favorite book from his website, The Pet Connection, and he would send it to me. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I received my book about a week later, and shared it with my 4th grade class in Anthem Arizona.
I sent Dr. Becker a message and asked if he would be willing to Skype with my class, we have lots of pets in our classroom and have lots of questions to ask about caring for them. He said “sure”, and we are now going to Skype with him on May 19th. I am so excited to see him again, and introduce him to my teachers and my classmates.
I feel very lucky to have met Dr. Becker and I now feel like he is my friend.
You bet you are, Hannah!
This morning I did a run-through with the kids to make sure the Skype set-up worked. The kids were so cute, and kept showing off their classroom pets. I promised them that for tomorrow I’d a) shower, and b) replace my PJ bottoms with real ranch pants. I even lifted up my foot and showed them my leather slippers.
I told the teacher and the classroom it’s a blessing and a curse to work at home; you don’t have to shower and get dressed every day, but sometimes you get a little lazy and one day becomes four.
Maybe I should have set a better example? I guess I’ll tell them about the days I spend getting up at 5 AM to fly across the country four times in a week. Of course at their ages, that sounds more like fun than work.
Photos
Top: Hannah in Sedona.
Bottom: Hannah with her dog, Boston.
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I am weak from the utter adorableness of this post. Hannah, you are some great kid. Now don’t forget to ask Dr. Becker some tough questions! He can handle it!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — May 19, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
WTG Hannah! Dr B I have a jeaLous third grader over here!!
Comment by Nancy Freedman-Smith — May 19, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
Yay Hannah!
Comment by David S. Greene — May 19, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
Just to let you all know, I bumped the time on this post to put something else up first, and totally missed that Dr. Becker had said “tomorrow” — which it was when he wrote it — and of course, the 19th is now “today.”
I fixed it (gotta love the “edit” button!) but I wanted to rush in and take the blame so you (and Hannah) wouldn’t think Dr. Becker doesn’t know what day it is. That, I’m afraid, is ME.
Comment by Christie Keith — May 19, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
Hannah is so pretty and she writes very well. I hope you enjoyed the Skype call! That is very cool.
Comment by Ericka Basile — May 19, 2010 @ 5:16 pm
I am thinking that the Skype session will be entertaining for you and educational for the school young-uns, maybe even their teacher, too.
Sykpe allowed me to see my son’s cat, Casey, a tuxedo cat (I love tuxedo cats). It is amazing sound and picture can be sent from a long distance.
You say you might not shower every day. Well, I always see in the pictures that your hair is neatly combed, Dr. Becker, and I do not think that Sykpe is powerful enough to carry odors. You’ll be fine with or without a shower anytime you use Sype.
Comment by Evelyn — May 20, 2010 @ 6:40 am
Holy adorableness, Marty! Good job, and way to pave the future of the profession! What a neat way to connect with your fans.
I am with you on the working from home aspect. Bleary eyes, bunny slippers and my Hannah Montana pajamas, clutching a coffee mug in a death grip. Just the standard image the public has of your classic veterinarian!
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — May 20, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
and my Hannah Montana pajamas
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — May 20, 2010
Too too easy.
Must resist quippy comeback … must … resist.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — May 20, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
Give it, Gina. Just go ahead. I can take it!
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — May 21, 2010 @ 4:54 am
You are the best, Hannah had the best time! Thank you!
Comment by Jennifer Wright — May 25, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
Very nice Hannah! You are so poised and professional. I loved the photos. Give Kona a hug!
Comment by Karin Long — May 25, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Pretty cool Hannah. Bet the doctor thought so too. Way to be alert.
Aunt Jeanie
Comment by Jeanie Stutts Blucher — May 26, 2010 @ 10:50 am
Hannah…How cool! I hope your class enjoyed it. You are a great kid! We miss you!
Comment by Mayra MacKenzie — May 26, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
You rock Hannah. it is so cool how you met Dr.Marty Becker now you can send him e-mails if you have any questions on animals HaHa you rock I love being your neighbor.
Comment by Catherine — August 2, 2010 @ 2:52 pm