Being a Veterinarian: The Successes, the Challenges and Everything in Between

~ Natalia Radcliffe~

Being a veterinarian is never boring. You always have new patients to treat each day, and new experiences to go through. For Dr. Robert Miller, this is especially true. In his long career as a vet, he’s treated all sorts of animals, and has worked with some animals of well-known celebrities of the time. Today, we will delve deeper into these stories and gain a more rounded understanding of what it’s like being a veterinarian. 

One of Dr. Miller’s favorite aspects of being a vet is saving lives. It’s the opportunity he has to help animals who need his aid. If he can do that, he’s content. He’s come a long way since he first came to Thousand Oaks. Just the other day, he and his wife were driving in the area, and she pointed out a veterinarian practice that was near their house. There were none when they first moved to this area. 

Originally, Dr. Miller was looking to join a group practice, but ended up creating his own, after being encouraged by some locals he’d talked to when exploring the town. The owner of one of only two pharmacies in town even gave him a stethoscope to help him open his own vet practice. Dr. Miller eventually founded the well-known and very successful Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital, which is still in service to this day. 

Being a veterinarian can give you the opportunity for some interestng stories to tell. This can be especially true when settling in California, the home of Hollywood. 

Back in the beginning of his career, Dr. Miller had many famous clients, including singer, actor and television host Roy Rogers as well as various well-known western stars. Dr. Miler also had the opportunity to treat one of Ronald Regan’s horses, back when he was just a famous actor.

Not only has he had an eclectic group of clients, he has also treated a wide variety of animals. 

Don’t believe it?

Well, how’s this, for example. 

He’s worked with lions, rhinoceroses, porpoises, camels, zebras and horses. One time, he treated a hummingbird and a whale in the same day. 

Dr. Miller with one of his many patients he’s had. Photo courtesy of Debby and Dr. Miller.

Dr. Miller with an elephant patient. Photo courtesy by Debby and Dr. Miller

What animals hasn’t he worked with, then?

An aardvark. An opportunity had come and he was fully willing to treat one, but then it never happened. Unfortunately, he’s never had another opportunity since then. 

Being a vet can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges just like any other career. 

Body language is one such challenge. Animals can sense your intentions or emotions from just the nonverbal signals you give off, including the way you carry yourself. It’s very important to convey a calm, non-threatening demeanor when approaching an animal. That will result in a far more positive and smoother interaction. 

However, interacting with animals is only half of the equation. Dr. Miller states that being a happy and successful vet requires you to get along with both animals and people. If you don’t succeed in this regard, you’ll have a much harder time. 

From a boy growing up in Arizona, to a young man who graduated from vet school and was off to explore the opportunities of California, Dr. Miller has led a long, vivacious life. He gave the once small city of Thousand Oaks his services as a veterinarian, treating any and all animals. He established his own group practice, which turned into a thriving, successful establishment. He championed a new perspective of training horses, and sought to treat any creature he came across, whether it be animal or human, with respect and kindness. The man sure has done a lot in his lifetime. 

And he’s not stopping yet.