Michael A. Obenski, DVM

Michael A. Obenski, DVM

Born and raised in Hatboro, Pa., Dr. Michael A. Obenski wanted to become a veterinarian at age 11. He accomplished it in 1972 by graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He previously earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from Pennsylvania State University. In 1978, Dr. Obenski opened the Allentown Clinic for Cats, where he still practices.

Dr. Obenski started penning dvm360's popular and award-winning column "Where did I go wrong?" in 1976.

Articles by Michael A. Obenski, DVM

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Last week, sensing that spring was in the air, I realized that it was time for my annual visit to our old friend and colleague, Dr. Leonard D. Hardway. As you may recall, Leonard is a stressed out veterinarian who now resides at The Cold Ember Home for Burned Out Veterinarians, located in Rope's End, Wisconsin.

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He was only about 18 inches tall and seemed completely motionless. I wanted to get up close and take his picture, but I was afraid to approach him. Then, one of his eyes flicked open. I jumped 30 feet. The crocodile was only 12 feet long.

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I have known Puzzle for years. Furthermore, I enjoy seeing the little pooch now and again even if his owners are a little wacky. (Aren't they all?) However, his most recent visit to my office did not go as smoothly as usual.

ith little more than a glance at the first X-ray, Flora knew the diagnosis. Still, she took a few minutes to study both views carefully just as she always instructed her students to do. She knew all too well that her years of experience had not granted her immunity from mistakes. Then, satisfied that the films showed no evidence of less obvious problems which would prove to be embarrassing if discovered later, she headed for the privacy of her office to make the phone call. Many of the other staff members shared offices, but as a perk of seniority, she

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It was a strange phone call, indeed. At least, that's what my secretary thought. "Doctor," she said. "There's a man on line one who keeps yelling the number six." I asked her if that was all he had said, and she replied that his exact words were: "Six! Six! Get Obenski to the phone. Tell him that I have a classic six!"

From the editor: In January we invited readers to submit their own versions of "Where Did I Go Wrong" in the second Mike Obenski Writing Contest. More than 200 entries poured in and among them Mike Obenski found four worthy of appearing with "the master." This month, Dr. Mark Peter's entry, "The Terminator," garners second prize. Next month the third prize winner will appear; in September, the honorable mention.

From the editor: They kept coming and coming and coming. Every day during January and February I would get an exasperated look from the mailroom guy as he brought in my mail. Some days he had to carry it with both hands. Most days it wouldn't fit in my in-box so he dumped it on my table.

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I used to have a handle on life, but it broke. At least that's what my friend, Arnie, says. If your practice suffered greatly from the February doldrums and you had nothing better to do with your time than to read my column, then you may recall what he said about me last month.