Spokes of the Wheel: Don Shaffner DVM

In honor of my Father's birthday on 18 November 1919.

The majority of his life was spent as a veterinarian. Although ranching was his 1st love,

he enjoyed his work as a veterinarian.

He was good at what he did, he mentored many and served his profession in many organizations.

Even today when faced with a problem or issue, I think WWDD!

Returning from World War II and the benefit of the G. I. Bill, Don knew that Veterinary School was something he could do. Growing up on the ranch gave him knowledge of working with animals and while ranching was in his blood; he knew it wasn't possible to ranch with his brother and his father. The ranch just wasn't large enough. He was discharged from the Army on the 23rd of June 1945. I am not sure when he applied for Veterinary College but his letter of acceptance was written on August 30th. I wonder when he physically received the letter. It didn't give him much time to report to college by the 17th of September!

He was accepted to Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine.

One of courses he had to take was anatomy.

They worked on embalming and on embalmed horses

Because of Don's knowledge of animals, he told stories of how he would teach the class on how to

lay a horse or a cow down on the ground with a ropes.

After 4 years, Don graduated in May of 1945

Attending Don's graduation was (L to R)

Estella Shaffner, Dean Shaffner, Della Shaffner (his mother), Don (in graduation gown), Calla Lloyd (Mom's mother), George Shaffner and John Shaffner (his father)

and in front, Donnee Shaffner

(Don & Helen were married in July of 1946)

In order to practice in Montana, he had to pass the exam.

His license number was 177.

I was fortunate enough to accompany Dad to his 50th Veterinary College Class reunion in 1999.

Each veterinarian told of their career and accomplishments. Each had amazing stories and many told how much receiving an education with the G. I. Bill meant to them.

Someday I will try and write his story, but without his twinkling blue eyes telling the story, not sure I can do it justice! Let's just say, it was a tad different than those who were bragging!

Don and Helen returned to Dillon in 1949 where he went to work at the Dillon Veterinary Hospital. He was able to purchase the hospital in 1961 and sold it in 1979. He continued to

maintain his veterinary license for several years because obtaining his education and license was

very important to him.

My sister & I spent many hours working along side Dad, both in corrals and the Veterinary Hospital. As I write the stories, there are tons of memories; but I can still smell the inside of the clinic; the odor of medicines, vaccines, Nolvasan, Clorox and animals!

Tattoo pliers for Brucellosis ID

1945-1975

The pliers were even welded to keep on working!

They saw lots of cow ears and green paint!