July 2020
Animal adventures Park Rapids veterinarian reflects on 45 years in practice
Sharing what he has learned about caring for farm animals, Haroldson and his senior students at the State Fair Miracle of Birth Center gathered around a newly arrived calf.
By Lorie Skarpness lskarpness@parkrapidsenterprise.com
veterinarian,” he said. At the time he was in veterinary school, about 80 percent of veterhen veterinarian Kevin Harinarians went into the agriculturoldson took over as owner of al field. “The pet industry wasn’t Back Roads Veterinary Clinic, locatlike it is today,” he said. “People ed near Itasca State Park, in 1988 had pets, but they weren’t treated he didn’t know his clients would like people.” include wolves, tigers and beavers. Back then, dairy farming was a “Kevin has been a practicing vetbig industry in the state, and the U erinarian for 45 years and is still of M was leading the way in teachgoing,” wife Judy said. “At 69 ing how to rectally palpate cows to years old, he is still practicing in a figure out where they were in their field that involves a lot of physical pregnancy cycle. strength and endurance. He can put “If you don’t have a pregnant cow, his arm up 150 cows in a couple of you don’t get milk or your little beef hours to tell if they’re pregnant, and calf next year,” he said. he received the 2016 Veterinarian Working with exotic animals was one of Haroldson’s first job took him to of the Year Distinguished Service the adventures veterinarian Kevin Har- New York state to a practice that Award from the Minnesota Veteri- oldson never expected when he moved to wanted someone with that training. nary Medical Association. I’m very the Park Rapids area. When Deer Town Next he took a job in Pennsylvania. asked him to be their veterinarian, he said proud of him!” playing with the baby animals was one of That’s where he met Judy. The couJudy left her career with the his favorite memories. Submitted photos. ple married in 1978. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Haroldson returned to his home Administration and said moving here was the best state, working at veterinary practice in Watkins for decision for their family and one they never regretted. 10 years. Chuck Fuller was the owner of Back Roads VeteriThe journey to Back Roads nary Clinic at the time. “He was advertising in veterHaroldson grew up on a farm south of Mankato and inary journals that he had a clinic up here for sale,” received his veterinary training at the University of she said. Minnesota. “I knew from sixth grade on that I wanted to be a
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3 Balancing isolation and COVID-19 risk 4 Are you storing your medication safely? 5 Easy & savory antipasti salad 6 Protecting apples from worms 7 Can I stop Social Security if I go back to work? 8 Do you have your affairs in order?
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