THANXGIVING EVOLUTION LETTER TO MY FRIENDS AND PETS

Dear Friends & Pets,

It was March of 1978 when I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. I had just turned 23 years old. Perhaps that made me the Doogie Howser, MD of chiropractic! I opened my first bipedal chiropractic practice in Long Beach, MS. Mississippi was the 49th state to license chiropractors. Chiropractic licensure occurred in MS in 1973, the same year I graduated from Plum High School, outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The past forty-five years have been incredibly fulfilling for me. Starting with a small, eight hundred square foot clinic for bipeds in January of 1979 and expanding to multiple clinics on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, reportedly the largest chiropractic practice in the state. I sold my practice in 1998 and retired for the first time. My wife, Judy, encouraged me to return to practice in 2002, except this time it was to help quadrupeds at the Winter Classics horse show in Gulfport, MS. I told her, "HELL NO!" as I would need to return to college to become certified in animal chiropractic. Soooo--I attended the charter class at Parker University for animal chiropractic program in Dallas, Texas, and was certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in January of 2004. My new practice evolved into the chiropractic version of James Herriot's sport horse and dog journey, eventually covering seven states. It was a very fulfilling journey; thank you, Judy!

The time has come for me to pass the torch on to another. As of November 1, 2023, I am no longer in animal chiropractic general practice. I have sold my practice to Dr. Don and Rachel Menezes, colleagues for many years, who will continue to serve you and your critters with the same or greater concern and passion that you have come to expect from me. I must admit that I approach this change of life with mixed emotions. While stepping away from chiropractic is difficult (regardless of the number of legs my patients have), I have a few other interests that I look forward to pursuing: teaching, writing, yachting, world travel, reestablishing a relationship with my children, Bryce and Mindy, who were orphaned by my marriage to my practice--and then finding out what would also improve the quality of life for our Australian Shepherds, Brizzie and Ash. I'm also looking forward to investing more time with my family, who are now spread out all around the globe, as well as supporting Judy's interests and career if she's not too horrified by that idea...

Reflecting on the last forty-five years, I realize what an honor and privilege it has been to assist you and your furry family members, and I deeply appreciate our time together. Thank you for the privilege of the relationship that I have had with you and your furry critters for so many years.

All my love,

Dr. Lance

Dr Don Menezes

Champions Health

770.826.4168

Inspired by: "What the Happiest Retirees Know," Wes Moss