Change is inevitable, as it’s been said. But that’s little comfort to the FixNation family as we grapple with the departure of Derek Turner, an exceptional and truly devoted veterinarian who recently hung up his surgical scrubs for good. Just how devoted was he? Dr. Turner spayed, neutered and performed emergency surgery on thousands of feral cats at FixNation’s clinic, commuting from New Mexico to Los Angeles two weeks out of every month…for seven years.
That’s one heck of a drive, even by Los Angeles standards. Why do it?
“I was impressed with the quality of care that FixNation offered to feral cats. Not only the spaying and neutering but the medical care, too,” Dr. Turner explained. “I thought it was really neat that they were able to do that, to relieve some pain and suffering of those poor little guys out there trying to survive.”
He was equally impressed by FixNation’s co-founder, Karn Myers, and her dedicated staff. “Karn is just incredible. She really cares so much about helping these cats. I enjoyed the staff there as well. They were the hardest working staff I have ever worked with.”
Caring for animals is second nature for Dr. Turner, who found his calling at a young age while growing up on a ranch in New Mexico. His love of animals and his aptitude for science led him veterinary school at Colorado State University.
When asked about the most gratifying surgery he ever performed at FixNation, Dr. Turner cited a case involving a cat with a severe paw injury. There were two options: amputate the leg or undertake a rather complicated skin graft procedure that might or might not work. He opted for the latter, which turned out to be a complete success. “That was probably my favorite surgery, to see that little kitten keep his paw.”
Another motivating factor behind Dr. Turner’s arduous commute is the fact that FixNation’s humane and highly effective TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs are not available in New Mexico or in many other states.
“A lot of people are desensitized to the plight of the feral cat population. There is a real lack of awareness and care,” Dr. Turner said. “Unfortunately it comes down to economics, just finding the funds to do TNR. We have affordable spay and neutering in New Mexico, but our animal hospitals are so overrun by low-income families seeking veterinary care that they simply can’t offer free services for community cats as well. An organization like FixNation would be a great asset here, that’s for sure.”
Dr. Turner attributes the success of Fixnation’s TNR program to the number of volunteers “out in the field” trapping feral cats. In his words, “FixNation stands out as the flagship organization for TNR because of the sheer volume of cats that it fixes every year.” Indeed, organizations like FixNation are desperately needed in communities across the U.S.; its free TNR programs could significantly cut costs for city governments and enable local shelters to phase out feline euthanasia altogether.
“I can’t say enough about Derek Turner. He has my utmost admiration and respect and he will be profoundly missed,” said Karn Myers. “He may be retiring from FixNation, but he’ll never retire from loving and caring for animals.”
Thank you, Dr. Turner, for your selfless service to FixNation and to the homeless cats of the City of Angels. We will never forget you! MEOW! MEOW!
