James Bay’s new vet clinic

By Rita Button

“No boring days” is Dr. Patrick Benloulou’s description of his work at the James Bay Vet Clinic located at the Five Corners, just beside the Bent Mast.

A busy man, he made time for me between the animals who needed his help and expertise. 

Arriving in Canada in 1997 from South Africa, he was successful not only in being invited to write the final veterinary exam but also in meeting Canadian credentials which gave him the right to practice in Canada. 

Today, he is a part of two clinics: one in Cadboro Bay and the newly established one in James Bay. He started The Cadboro Bay Clinic in 1998 as soon as he was certified in Canada. Practicing in Cadboro Bay, he met many clients who encouraged him to open an office in James Bay. Seeing the need, Dr. Benloulou agreed, but finding the right space was the problem. However, he persevered, for he loves James Bay, noting the ease of walking most places, the friendly people, the number of people who would be well-served with a veterinarian closer at hand as reasons for expanding his practice into James Bay. 

Currently, he and Dr. Pemble divide their time between James Bay and Cadboro Bay, being able to keep both clinics open six days a week.

I was surprised that four rooms occupy the seemingly small space: the front office, the consultant room, the kennel and the surgery, fully equipped for all eventualities. The stainless steel surfaces gleam germlessly. Cardiac equipment waits silently, close at hand. It was easy to see that patients undergoing any kind of procedure would be receiving the best care with the most contemporary equipment. 

But the best care also arises from Dr Benloulou’s love of animals. Because I had been eavesdropping on conversations in the waiting room before I was able to interview Dr. Benloulou, I knew when I asked him the question of what he likes most about his work; his answer would be the animals. He absolutely loves them. I gleaned this prior knowledge from a conversation between his receptionist, Debbi, and a client who had just come out of the consulting room. After the client commented on how thorough Dr. Benloulou had been, they started talking about pet food. Food, Debbi suggested, is often a part of the bigger picture of which the current complaint might be a symptom. By giving the pet the food that meshes with his/her needs, both pet and owner will be able to enjoy a fulfilling life together. 

Wondering what kinds of food were available, I suddenly realized that the bags of pet food lining the wall had been created with specific needs in mind: gastrointestinal health, mobility health, renal health, and skin support are only a few of the available options.

The concept of pets and their positive connections to people is clearly seen in the large black and white photographs smiling from the walls in the waiting room. Children and adults with their pets create an immediate feeling of comfort. Debbi adds to that feeling with her friendly greeting. 

The idea of owning a pet is a privilege, asserts Dr. Benloulou. He sees his work as making sure the pets are healthy, thereby creating a happy owner.

But having asked about the bright side of his work, I finally asked him about the darkest part. The worst part for him is having to “put down” a pet. Dr. Benloulou talked about having to deal with the owner’s, the pet’s and his own emotions when the time came. These comments made me understand the strong connection and empathy Dr. Benloulou has with animals and their owners. I am sure that Dr. Benloulou would love to be able to ensure that all pets have pain-free, carefree lives. That is what he does with those who are lucky enough to be a part of his practice. 

By the end of the conversation, I could see that Dr. Benloulou has no boring days because each animal challenges him to find a way to optimum health.

He is the dramatization of the bumper sticker he told me about at the beginning of the meeting: The vet, your other family doctor.