Dr. John Violette, DVM, The Granby Drummer’s “Animal Talk” columnist, wins award
Dr. John B. Violette has been a practicing veterinarian at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital (SBVH) in Granby for 37 years. His column, “Animal Talk,” commenced in The Granby Drummer soon after he joined the veterinary practice. Pet-loving Drummer readers have appreciated his sage advice on companion animals for 36 years. In January 2025 he passed column authorship to colleague Dr. Monique Fitzpatrick. We say goodbye and thank you to Dr. Violette. We welcome Dr. Fitzpatrick who is currently writing a series about exotic pets.
In the Connecticut Press Club’s 2023 competition, Dr. Violette won a third-place award in the Columns category. His prize-winning article, Lessons on leashing your pet, emphasizes the importance of dog owners teaching their pets to walk politely on a leash.
SBVH began providing curbside service during the COVID epidemic. Violette observed that technicians who led dogs away from their owners into the hospital experienced differing behaviors. “Many of our patients had no problem walking on leash away from their owners.” Others were not comfortable on leash. They would pull away, setting up the risk of possible aggression or of becoming free by slipping out of ill-fitting collars or harness. Violette noted: “Successful leash training resulted in a more confident dog who could handle this stressful situation.”
“Lessons on leashing your pet” can be read by either clicking the link, or by visiting our archive for the April 2023 issue. The article is on page 11.
Shirley Murtha’s tribute to Tom Wutka a winner
“Most Granby folks today remember Tom Wutka sitting on the porch at Lost Acres Orchard, peeling his apples for the many delectable ways they would be used in the family bakery, including his own specialty, Tom’s Dried Apples.”
Shirley Murtha’s reminiscence, published in the February 2023 issue of the Granby Drummer, begins with this warm recollection. Her words touched many Granby hearts. And they proceeded to shine brightly in the Connecticut Press Club’s 2023 annual state-wide competition. Murtha received a first-place award for her praise of Wutka as a kind and gentle person who served his community in extraordinary ways.
Murtha became a staff writer for the Drummer in 2001. She subsequently served as copy editor for 10 years, continuing to write. From among the hundreds of articles she has submitted over 24 years, “Remembering Tom Wutka —a man of many talents” is among her favorites. “It came straight from my heart and was easy to write.”
“Remembering Tom Wutka —a man of many talents” can be read by either clicking the link, or by visiting our archive for the February 2023 issue. The article appears on page 19.