Editor,

Reporter Kira Erickson’s coverage of Dave Parent’s retirement was a treat for me to read. I would like to add a couple of important community services Dr. Parent provided that I know of, but did not read.

I’ve taken injured wildlife to him more than once and was never charged. The clinic encouraged contribution to a charity that supports wildlife, and mine is Whidbey Audubon Society.

Second, I was able to go into the operating room while he treated a kingfisher I rescued from unsecured dangling fish hooks on a docked fishing boat.

During treatment, Dr. Parent was accompanied by a number of assistants and interns to whom he explained his diagnosis and treatment, as well as to me.

I was struck by his willingness to share knowledge which he did so comfortably that I assumed it was another regular practice of his.

Mary Hollen, Purple Martin Greenbank