King is respected by many in Clark County.
The son of the late Gus and Dot King, and brother to Neil and John King, Dana King has lived on the family farm near Enon in Mad River Twp. his entire life. Since the Kings are one of the oldest farming families in the community, he is a cousin to many, in addition to being a trusted neighbor and friend.
Dana King first became interested in animal science while watching Dr. Wayne Enderle during farm calls at the King farm. One day, Enderle asked if he wanted to go to another farm to help and watch. Soon he started spending his Saturdays with Enderle. That is when Dana King knew he wanted to be a veterinarian.
Dana King graduated from Greenon High School and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Science at The Ohio State University. He also played coronet in the OSU marching band.
“I was in the band for four years and went to three Rose Bowls,” said Dana King, who has been a part of almost every OSU Alumni Band since graduation. He only missed one Alumni Day performance, and that was because of his brother’s wedding.
“I told him I wasn’t coming,” he said with a laugh.
For 36 years, Dana King has been an important part of the Clark County community. He started with Enderle at Northside Veterinary Clinic, located at 10 Critter Court just off Eagle City Road near Urbana Road, and became sole proprietor when Enderle retired. He and his brother John own the King Kennels next door to the clinic. Brother Neil farms the land that has been in the family for generations.
According to the MVVMA, Dana King was “selected by his peers for his exceptional service and commitment to the human-animal bond and the Clark County community. He holds numerous large animal vaccination clinics and classes, donates his expertise and services to The Humane Society Serving Clark County, Inc. and works closely with local rescues and law enforcement to ensure the health and welfare of animals in their care.”
Well before he was the Clark County Fair Veterinarian for 15 years, Dana King was a 4-H club member in King’s Kids 4-H club, which was started by his father Gus. He eventually took sponsorship of the club over from his dad and his own sons were members.
One of his fondest memories of 4-H and FFA was getting a calf in the scramble at the Clark County Fair in 1969. The next year, his calf was the Grand Champion Scramble Calf. His brother Neil had the Grand Champion Scramble Calf two years later.
Through his husbandry and animal care clinics for both small and large animals, Dana King has encouraged many 4-H and FFA members to excel. He can name at least five teenage helpers who grew up to be veterinarians on their own.
He and his wife also support local fund-raising efforts for the Wiggley Field Dog Park and the Second Harvest Food Bank and more.
A familiar face in the community, Dana King is involved in many activities and events in addition to his veterinary practice. He has always been a supporter of the local schools. He was very honored when he was one of the first to be named to the Greenon Hall of Fame.
In 2008, he got his pilot’s license and enjoys flying with his wife Judy to the beautiful beaches of North Carolina.
In spite of all these accomplishments, Dana King tells people he hasn’t worked a day in his life.
“I love what I do. It is different every day,” he said. “If you do what you love, it is not work.”
He may not consider his efforts to be work, but his fellow veterinarians recognized him for all that he has done. And I know that Mad River Twp. and Clark County residents are proud to call Dana King their own.
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