Excelsior Springs Animal Clinic Veterinarian Pete Rucker retired in May 2023 after 45 years serving the community. Time spent on Dr. R.E. Hertzog’s family farm and volunteering at his animal clinic in Lee’s Summit, Mo., Rucker decided he wanted to become a veterinarian. In 1974, he graduated from University of Missouri with a degree in Zoology and continued towards his goal, receiving a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1978. “The primary goal of a veterinarian is to provide health care for all animals, reducing suffering for the injured and the ill,” Rucker said. The young vet started his career working for Dr. Ed Piepergerdes in a mixed animal clinic, providing livestock and small animal care, including 24-hour emergency services. In 1981, Rucker was able to purchase half of the animal clinic and in 2008 bought the remaining portion of the business when Dr. Piepergerdes retired. “Working with livestock in a mixed animal practice meant working outside in the elements,” he said…