MEMORIAM
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Dr. Julie R. Butler posthumously honored for 31 years of animal care in Harlem
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Marisol Rodríguez
interviewed Dr. Julie R. Butler just one month before her passing. The following photos on this page were taken in early March and statements from Dr. Butler are from that interview: Dr. Julie Butler opened the doors to the 145th Street Animal Hospital on April Fool’s day 1989 and for 31 years she provided “professional care
my children where my people live. It was very important for me to be in a neighborhood like Harlem so that I could attain both of those goals,” she commented. Dr. Butler was drawn to veterinary medicine through her love for biology and life sciences. As a child she watched Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, a television
her cat Suki from an appointment when she was interviewed. Frazier, who hails from Texas, first met Dr. Butler 20 years ago when she was a graduate student at Columbia University and brought in her dog Oddie to the hospital. She has recently moved back to New York and is working on her thesis towards a PhD
(Left to Right) Claude Howard, Dr. Butler, Zachery Butler-Jones, Kylie Lang
Dr. Julie R. Butler, DVM
program on air from the 19601980s about wildlife and nature. Dr. Butler emphatically stated, “Anything that had to do with life sciences I was reading it.” She greatly enjoyed the diversity of species she worked with and the variety of skills she utilized as a veterinarian. “I don’t have to be subject to one specialty--- I can be an internist, I can be a surgeon, I can be a dentist, I can be a cardiologist, I can be whatever I want to be depending on the case that comes in,” said Dr. Butler. A graduate of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Butler brings both an ivy league education and over 36 years of experience to clients like Francine Frazier, who was picking up
in Educational Leadership at Columbia’s Teachers College. Supporting black business is just one of the reasons she has stayed a loyal client; she also recognized Dr. Butler’s excellent care. “It’s nice to see a family business that is black owned, it’s just positive all around, that’s the blessing of being in Harlem.” said Frazier. “I know when she tells me something, it’s the best, I don’t doubt her, I don’t second guess her, I know it’s quality because she’s quality,” said Frazier. A typical day for Dr. Butler included treating dogs and cats, but she also served reptile, bird, rodent and rabbit patients. Her office provides preventative care, including annual exams with vaccina-
Harlem Community Newspapers | May 21. 2020
with a personal touch” in the Sugar Hill district of Harlem until her passing in March 2020. Harlem Community News had planned to honor Dr. Butler on March 19th with a Women Business Owner Award at this year’s Harlem Community Newspapers’ Uptown Women Business Owners Luncheon, an event rescheduled due to COVID-19. This award is presented to women who have demonstrated courage and perseverance by maintaining long-standing businesses in Harlem. Being a black woman business owner and resident of the Harlem community is something Dr. Butler did not take for granted. “I always wanted to work where my people live and I always wanted to raise
Dr. Butler examines Suki’s x-ray at the 145th Street Animal Hospital
tions; behavioral consults; pediatric and geriatric care; orthopedics; diagnostics, including lab work, radiology and electrocardiograms; as well as cardiology and simple oncology, such as tumor removal. Dr. Butler’s seasonal tips for pet owners include: (1) Make sure to give your dog heartworm preventative medication to prevent heartworms, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. (2) Keep a vigilant eye on what is going into your pet’s mouth, especially during the holidays like Easter when chocolate, plastic Easter eggs and lily plants can cause fatal damage to your dog or cat. (3) Be mindful of your pet’s diet. “We see a lot of obese animals, owners should measure out the food rather than just pouring food in the bowl, hoping your animal will self-regulate itself,” said Dr. Butler. Dr. Butler raised her two creative children: Alex, a chef and Zora, an actress/writer, with her husband Claude Howard, the office manager of the Animal Hospital. Her nephew Zachery Butler-Jones started volunteering at the hospital as a teen and is now a Veterinari-
Dr. Butler at the examination table with Suki an assistant there. ler served the community she One of Butler’s former learned to be confident in hervolunteers, Dr. Erika Gibson, self, even when she received has become the first Afri- negative criticism: “When I can-American board-certified first got here I felt like I had to veterinary neurosurgeon. Dr. please everybody and over the Butler knew Gibson was spe- years I realized that’s imposcial when she decided on her sible...I decided I was going own to create a drawer filled to be me and that’s who I am with supplies to treat animals and my clients are just going to in an emergency situation. “I have to accept that. This is not was like okay, she’s going to a cookie-cutter-type place. Evbe a veterinarian for real, that eryone has their own individreally impressed me,” she ual problems and challenges commented. and we approach that animal Over the 31 years Dr. But- and client in that way.” 13
