Fulton vet retires after 35 years

Dr. Bruce Robertson retired from Midwest Veterinary Clinic on Friday after 35 years of taking car of Fulton's pets. Some of those pets can be seen on the wall behind him.
Dr. Bruce Robertson retired from Midwest Veterinary Clinic on Friday after 35 years of taking car of Fulton's pets. Some of those pets can be seen on the wall behind him.

After 35 years of taking care of thousands of animals, Dr. Bruce Robertson is ready to retire and take care of himself.

During his retirement party Friday, he said he's confident in those he's left to take over Midwest Veterinary Clinic.

"We have good people," he said.

Robertson plans to spend his retirement playing with his grandchildren and caring for the 80 or so cows on the family farm.

"He has been wonderful to work for," Midwest Veterinary Receptionist Mary Baumhoer said. "This is the one job I've had that I look forward to every day."

Baumhoer has worked for Robertson for nearly 18 years. She said he has always been caring and compassionate with the animals, with a vast well of experience and knowledge.

"I will miss him terribly," she added.

Susan Krumm, of Fulton, was among the well-wishers who gathered Friday to see Robertson into retirement.

"It's been a good place to bring (my pets)," she said.

Robertson grew up in the Columbia area and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Missouri in 1979. He then studied at MU's College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1983, according to his online bio.

Robertson moved to Fulton after graduation and started Midwest Veterinary Clinic two years later. He treated pets and farm animals until 2004, when his practice moved towards treating pets alone.

"We like Fulton," Robertson said of why he chose to keep his practice there. "There's all these excellent people, and in my job, no two days are alike."

He said that 35 years seemed like a good, solid number to retire at.

The clinic's remaining veterinarians include Dr. Cindy Penrod, with Midwest since 2001, Dr. Tracy Royer, a clinic regular since 2011 and Dr. Angela Humphreys.