Dr. Danger: A Rural Vet Who Saw It All

Life, Death and a Lifetime of Learning

Dr. Art Schatz

When Dr. Art Schatz was just a young boy on a farm near Bow Island, AB, he watched helplessly as his family’s beloved horse, Paint, fell ill.

“I still vividly remember standing beside Paint’s body and wondering,” said Dr. Schatz. “Could a veterinarian have saved him?”

That moment left a mark—years later, it would become the foundation for a remarkable career in rural veterinary medicine. As he turns 80, Dr. Schatz celebrates the release of his memoir, Dr. Danger: Life Story of a Rural Veterinarian. It’s a nod to years filled with challenges, courage and a deep love for animals and people alike.

Back in 1969, Dr. Schatz graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, SK.

“At the time, our professors warned us about the end of government vaccination programs and predicted the decline of rural practice,” said Dr. Schatz. “But, I had noble delusions of helping cattle producers.”

Dr. Schatz’s first job in the field was in Abbotsford, BC, where he quickly learned that real-life cases often mean high stakes and little room for error. A complicated horse surgery early in his career tested both his skills and his spirit.

“It was a defining moment,” said Dr. Schatz. “I learned that preparation is everything. The experience taught me to never take a procedure lightly.”

Soon after, Dr. Schatz moved to Wainwright, AB and began a partnership at the local veterinary clinic. What followed was a whirlwind of calving seasons, cesareans, late-night farm calls and the boom-and-bust cycles of the cattle industry.

“In 1973, our practice peaked. I remember getting back from a 4am call only to find trucks and horse trailers lined up down Main Street,” said Dr. Schatz. “My partner Keith and I worked around the clock from January to June. I don’t know how we survived.”

Eventually, the physical demands took their toll, and Dr. Schatz began experiencing unexplained fatigue and episodes of sudden sleep.

“At first, I thought I was just overworked,” said Dr. Schatz. “But, even after resting, the symptoms persisted.”

Decades later, in 2007, Dr. Schatz was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. After receiving treatment, he experienced a dramatic improvement in his energy and well-being.

“I was finally awake for the first time in 30 years,” said Dr. Schatz. “It changed everything.”

During the discomfort of his illness, Dr. Schatz turned the page to a new chapter in 1987 when he accepted a teaching position at Fairview College. There, he instructed future veterinary technicians in large animal care.

What was meant to be a one-year trial turned into a 23-year career that earned him his nickname, Dr. Danger.

“The students affectionately gave me that name after a few exciting incidents with wild cows,” said Dr. Schatz as he laughed. “They were mostly city kids with no large animal experience, and I’d always try to handle the difficult jobs to keep them safe.”

While teaching, he ran a small non-profit cattle ranch called Westview Ranch. However, Dr. Schatz says age eventually caught up with him.

“When tagging calves became a wrestling match I couldn’t win, I knew it was time to retire,” said Dr. Schatz.

Retirement, though, didn’t mean slowing down. Encouraged by his wife and daughter, Dr. Schatz picked up the pen to finally write his story—longhand, no less.

“I type with the dexterity of an elephant playing piano,” said Dr. Schatz.

With help from a friend and the Fairview Public Library, he completed the manuscript and self-published Dr. Danger in May 2025.

The book captures the highs and lows of a life in rural veterinary care—from funny animal antics to tough decisions in the field. In it, he also reflects upon what it means to serve a community with dedication and compassion.

“I don’t think I lived an extraordinary life,” said Dr. Schatz. “But I hope I provided a valuable service to my clients, my students and maybe even to a couple generations of veterinarians.”

Dr. Schatz strongly encourages other locals to write their stories.

“Farmers, ranchers and tradespeople, we all have history worth sharing. It tells future generations where we’ve been,” said Dr. Schatz.

Today, the doctor spends most of his time enjoying life with his wife in Fairview. Yet, he still feels strongly about the future of veterinary care in rural communities.

“We need to find ways to keep our small towns strong,” said Dr. Schatz. “The shortage of rural veterinarians isn’t new, but it’s still a big problem. Supporting our communities with infrastructure and opportunities is key.”

Despite ups and downs, Dr. Schatz says he would not trade his journey for anything.

“You can’t save every animal, but you can give it your all—and sometimes, that’s enough,” said Dr. Schatz.

By Amanda Hunter | Photography by Bert Reynolds