Dr. Albert Pontick owes his interest in veterinary medicine to the encouragement of his brother-in-law and anatomy instructor, Malcolm E. Miller. Raised on a struggling farm on Long Island during the Depression, Pontick was attending Temple University on an athletic scholarship when an injury required that he reconsider his career options. Like many other Depression-era students, Al worked his way through veterinary college, even sending money home to assist his family. After a brief period of small animal practice in upstate New York, Dr. Pontick returned home and developed a general practice on the South Fork of Long Island. As the small animal clientele in the Hamptons grew over the ensuing two decades, he and a colleague established a flourishing small animal hospital in nearby Southampton. During his practice years, he treated pets of many New York City celebrities. Now in his 96th year, the ever-optimistic Dr. Pontick continues to enjoy painting and reminiscing on a life that provided many personal and professional blessings.