After a 38-year veterinary career, Dr. Jan Venclik has made the decision to retire and close his practice at Clearwater Veterinary Services in Sarnia, Ont.
Venclik opened Clearwater Veterinary Services in 1989 and has operated the clinic that primarily treats horses with the assistance of his wife Eva.
"I enjoyed my work and had a nice time doing it, but the time has come to quit and take it easier," Venclik, now 64, said of his decision to call it a career.
While Venclik says he will miss his work with the trainers and horses especially, he plans to stay in touch.
"I think I'll go to the races now more often and meet the people and watch the horses. That's something I never had time for. I would have enjoyed it, but never had much time for it so I'll do more of it now," said Venclik, who has also owned his share of racehorses, including the late great Apaches Fame, and may venture back into the ownership ranks in the future.
But first, Venclik told Trot Insider he will be taking some time to relax and celebrate his retirement with a trip to Europe.
"I'm going to Europe for a couple of months just to relax and unwind. And I have a lot of hobbies that I want to pursue," he said of his immediate retirement plans.
Venclik would like to extend his gratitude to his staff and clients for their business over the years.
"I was a sole practitioner [at Clearwater] with my wife so I have to thank her -- she was a big help with the practice -- and definitely the clients, there's no question there. I would also like to thank everybody that worked for me when I had a mixed practice in Wallaceburg."
Excellent veterinarian, great
Excellent veterinarian, great person. Jan will certainly be missed across southern Ontario. Thanks for your service Jan.