Looking back on 45 years of canine dermatology

In June 2018, I was honored (and flabbergasted!) to receive the Kennel Club Charitable Trust's Lifetime Achievement Award for research in the field of canine health, sponsored by Vernon and Shirley Hill of Metro Bank, and administered by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. I entered the arena of veterinary dermatology in 1971, a graduate of the University of California, Davis. I retired from Cornell University as the James Law Professor Dermatology Emeritus in 2016. During my 45-year career in veterinary dermatology, I worked with all species, especially dogs, cats, and horses, eventually authoring or co-authoring 694 publications including 12 textbooks. For this personal view I will limit my comments to canine dermatology. I was asked to make this article 'a more reflective piece on my lifetime's work'. This is not at all comfortable for me, as my upbringing encouraged me not to 'toot my own horn'. However, 'toot' I must. Hence, indulge me as I share these very personal views on where we were, where we went, and some of my own dabblings along the way. If I fail to mention one of your favorite remembrances, I apologize. Don't let it get under your skin!