ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

There is nothing quite like the bond between an owner, a beloved animal, and their veterinarian, a relationship so profound that clients often show their appreciation with gifts to the College. Sometimes the bonds of friendship are so strong that the gift goes the other way as well.

Faculty and staff at the OVC Teaching Hospital recently paid tribute to some very special clients: Jack and Don McNiven of Ingersoll, On.

"The veterinarians and staff at the OVC Teaching Hospital have long valued their interactions with the McNivens and respect their dedication to the health and welfare of horses," said Dr. Dan Kenney of the Large Animal Clinic, who along with hospital executive director Wayne Coveyduck, visited the McNivens recently to present a special gift.

The McNivens, whose Killean Acres farm has been in operation for more than half a century, have announced plans to downsize their breeding and foaling operations. Highly respected in the Standardbred industry — Jack has been nominated for induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame — the McNivens have also been clients of the OVC hospital for many years.

Kenney and Coveyduck presented the McNivens with an original print, made from a photograph taken by Dr. Peter Physick-Sheard, on behalf of personnel at the hospital and the Department of Clinical Studies. The framed print includes a plaque bearing the inscription, "Presented by the Clinicians and Staff of the Ontario Veterinary College Large Animal Clinic to Jack & Don McNiven, Killean Acres, in recognition of their lifetime contributions to the Canadian Standardbred Industry and their support of the Teaching Hospital."

photo: (Don McNiven (left) and his brother Jack (centre), with Dan Kenney