He travels around the world as a consultant to numerous zoos and other animal facilities. He serves as a mentor to residents from around the world. And, currently he is in Spain visiting one of the many who have benefited from his knowledge and generosity. While zoopathologist Mike Garner appears to be a man of few words, those who know him say otherwise. The son of a veterinarian who fought at Normandy, Dr. Garner is incredibly family oriented has 2 daughters and a wife. His greatest love after that has to be music. This multifaceted man is an incredibly accomplished guitar player. He also plays piano, bass, mountain dulcimer, harp, harmonica, Native American wood flute and maybe a thing or two I'm forgetting. He's an amazing singer/songwriter. Although not a ferret owner, Dr. Garner says ferrets are a large part of his practice. Just how did he get to this point? Dr. Garner obtained his DVM degree from Washington State University in 1987. He practiced four years in a companion/exotic animal clinic prior to entering a pathology residency at the University of Florida. After becoming board-certified, Dr. Garner founded Northwest ZooPath in 1994. Dr. Garner has authored or co-authored several articles on the pathology and medicine of non-domestic species and is a member of numerous veterinary organizations. He is also an adjunct associate professor of pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University. He also did an internship at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., home to another of our favorite pathologists×, Bruce Williams. Coincidence? The rain in Washington might be what keeps most people indoors. He plays soccer in an indoor soccer league. Dr. Garner also likes to venture into the great outdoors. He loves working outside in the yard and he loves baseball Those who know him are also incredibly loyal. When asked for a funny story or two, a friend replied, "You know, initially I thought, oh, yeah I definitely got s ome dirt on Mike... but the truth is, while Mike is an incredibly funny guy... most of the funny stories I have about him would probably be inappropriate to share." Want to know more? Why not ask him who his favorite baseball player is to start a conversation with this funny guy? And, just maybe, you will get your own dirt on Dr. Mike Garner. I know that I am certainly going to try! To learn more about Dr. Garner and his practice at Northwest ZooPath, visit their website at http://www.zoopath.com. You can email him at [log in to unmask] While Dr. Garner is pleased to examine specimens, he states that all questions regarding the health of your ferrets should be directed to your local veterinarian. [Posted in FML issue 5245]