On this Thanksgiving, I feel so much gratitude for the thirty-one years (more or less) I knew Dr. B — this magnanimous man and vet — almost larger than life, whose dedicated, caring, and gifted veterinary skill managed the health for all my many doggies and rescues. We started with him in North Miami and followed him through his practices. Even traveling, with emergencies in other cities, I’d phone him ... or the emergency vet would, and he’d never fail; he’d get the picture immediately, confer with the vet on call and be sure all was handled properly. If the news wasn’t promising, he’d talk to me and break the news — after so many years, he knew how to tell me. My dogs are very much at the heart of my life, so their vet plays a huge role in my life and even well being. The likes of Peter Birzon will not come again — he was rare with such multifaceted gifts it’s hard to speak of him as nothing will ever be sufficient. I have know only two others I can speak of in this way—each was magnificent and each day, I remember. Now Peter has joined those ranks. I keep imagining Peter saying, he has to make an urgent house call, isn’t sure when we’ll see him, but later. Catch you later, guys. He was tremendous.
To Dr. B’s family, his daughters, in particular, he often mentioned you and his eyes would light up. You were the sun, moon, stars, and all between for him. He will always be with you in spirit. I am so very sorry, he was taken so young and while you too are so very young. I liked the Rabbi’s words yesterday: he lived a long life though we cannot translate this to years. He lived fully and earnestly in the moment. Please take care of each other. Your dad was a great man. Cherish all he taught you and cherish each other. My deepest condolences.
