10/31/2024
Warning - there is a long post ahead from Dr. Parsons on the retirement of Gail R. Cope, LVT.
It’s hard to find the perfect words to fully express the emotions I feel and what I really want to say about Miss Gail. I think it’s most appropriate to explain who Gail is through my own experiences with her and the character I have personally observed.
Gail has been a staple at Lee County Animal Hospital since the practice first opened in 1981. I didn’t really get to know Gail until I started shadowing at LCAH around 2009. Gail was an inspiration from the start. It was good for me to see such a strong woman doing truly life saving work. I have never told her this, but she was one of the most influential people in my decision to go on to veterinary school - we often forget to tell people what an impact they have made on our lives.
For those that have never worked behind the scenes in a veterinary hospital, it may be hard to fathom what all a veterinary technician does. The role is quite vast and encompasses at least 10 equivalent human medicine roles. One has to be very intelligent, well educated, skilled, and dedicated in order to survive in such a role. For years, I have watched Gail handle it with such grace. There have definitely been very hard days and sometimes weeks (months), but Gail has always been resilient.
Gail took me under her wing as a baby veterinarian fresh out of the nest. She helped figure out how to practice (something they really don’t teach in veterinary school). She walked me through my very first laceration repair and countless other “firsts” as I was getting used to the ropes. Her patience level is truly remarkable. Gail has cried with me after euthanizing beloved pets. She has came in to work in the middle of the night with her blood donor dog, Stazi, to do emergency blood transfusions. She has always answered the phone on a day off when I have inevitably messed up the lab machines and needed help undoing my mess. Gail has came in to run anesthesia for me during emergency c-sections, leg amputations, lacerations, and the list goes on and on. She has always been there when I needed her and never told me no. I could always count on Gail - she has literally dedicated her life to helping animals.
Gail has also become a good friend over the years. She greatly supported me through the transition after purchasing the practice and becoming a solo practitioner - her support there probably has meant the most to me more than anything else. I could go to her with an issue and she would always have the best advice - that was a very difficult time personally and I don’t know if I could’ve survived without Gail.
Gail has also been a clinical educator to countless veterinary technician students during her long career. And she has “trained” more doctors than she would have liked - we are like babies fresh out of the womb when we first graduate and need someone to mother us a little until we get on our feet. She has done that for so many veterinarians. Gail has also played an integral role in training/educating our veterinary students that come through. She has also spent the last year training our girls on taking over after she retires.
I could continue to go on for hours talking about Gail and all she has done for me and veterinary medicine, but I’ll save that for a book one day.
Please join me and the team at Lee County Animal Hospital in congratulating Gail on a well deserved retirement. She has more than earned her time to relax and enjoy peace. Today is Gail’s last day. If you want to stop by and see Gail before she leaves, you are more than welcome to do so. Also feel free to call and give your well wishes.
Congratulations, Gail!!! We love you!!!
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassi
