Doug Nesler, DVM – Founder and Mentor
In Loving Memory – Doug’s Story
What started out as a whim – Doug strolling home from the movies with his wife, Margaret in 1975, nonchalantly musing that he might make a good veterinarian – became a rewarding life long career and a rich legacy that he has now left in our hands. When Pyramid Veterinary Hospital first opened in 1982, Doug only had two employees and he and Margaret were expecting their second child. That was a tough year indeed; business was slow and finances meager, but over the years his practice grew and he brought on new veterinarians that shared his vision and his passion. He was a mentor to many young doctors – teaching everything from precise surgical technique to the art of compassion. Doug knew he owed it to every pet to use whatever tool he had to heal – a certain medicine, a scalpel blade, or even just his gut feeling. He was meticulous in his work, but never above scratching a dog’s ear and murmuring silly endearments of reassurance. Each person to join Doug’s team was expected to excel at medicine, keep patient care a top priority, and work hard as a team. Eventually, this made us more like a family, with Doug as our cornerstone.
Doug often reminded us of the Golden Retrievers that he loved – fiercely loyal, goofy, and a bit obsessed with his ball, in particular golf balls. He always said you can have fun doing anything, no matter what it was. Medicine can be emotionally demanding, but Doug knew how to keep us light-hearted and laughing. He might be singing during surgery or teasing someone without mercy. His smile always brought encouragement even on the hardest of days. Always young at heart, Doug hit the ski slopes, dominated the dodgeball court, golfed many a course, hosted annual sledding parties, traveled abroad, and spent hours playing with his grand kids. Doug believed in hard work, but he also believed in playing hard.
Pyramid Veterinary Hospital exists because of Dr. Doug Nesler’s passion for animals and commitment to their care. We miss Doug everyday, but we are committed to preserving his vision for this hospital. He taught us many lessons over the years, most of which you will never find in a text book. He shared not just his medical experience, but this laughter and his heart with each of us. Every day we will strive to practice veterinary medicine with his attention to detail and his commitment to quality and caring. By sharing in his memory, Dr. Doug Nesler will forever be he heart and soul of Pyramid Veterinary Hospital.