With a delicate touch and soft voice, one would swear veterinarian Danny Larson could talk to animals.
His demeanor and knowledge of animals last year earned him "Best Veterinarian" in the Nevada Appeal's "Reader's Choice Awards."
Larson said he regrets to tell the community he is retiring from his Carson Silver Sage Veterinary Clinic practice, effective today. He and his wife, Deb, are moving to Cape Coral, Fla., where they have family.
"I want to pursue other interests while age and ability are on my side," Larson said. "My wife and I have been talking about the move for several months.
"I like doing what I'm doing. There's no good time to leave, it just feels like the right time."
Larson, 54, has been in Nevada since 1960. He's been in practice in Carson City 16 years.
"I'd like to thank my clients personally for giving me the honor of taking care of their pets," Larson said. "Their confidence in me to take care of their pets and be a part of their families has been great."
Larson has more than 2,000 clients and 3,000 "customers."
"The humans are the clients; animals are the customers," he said.
Carson City resident John Ross sat in the waiting room Thursday with his 16-week-old kitten, Missy. Ross said that, after having some bad experiences in California with vets, he was happy to find Larson.
"He's wonderful," Ross said. "It's a shame he's leaving. I've been coming here since I moved to Carson City 10 years ago."
"From the first time I came in, he's been super," said Jim Castor of Jacks Valley. "He's great with pets."
Office Manager Debbie Bess will stay with the practice and prepare for the arrival of Dr. Becky Nowotny. The office will be closed next week.
"She's worked here previously as relief for Dr. Larson," Bess said.
"We'll be adding a second examination room. We really need it."
Two poster boards in Larson's examination room are overrun with pictures of his clients' pets. He still remembers the name of his first customer: Bosco Nelson.
Larson said although he will not open a practice in Florida, he would like to open a doggie day care or no-kill animal shelter.
He will soon have a farewell and thank-you gathering for his clients and asks attendees to bring a picture of their pet for his poster boards.
"I'm taking them all with me," Larson said with a smile.
