Boulevard
By ANP · 2 minutes ago · Edited: 1 minute ago
RTL
For thirteen years, viewers in dozens of countries could sympathize with all the concerns of Drenthe veterinarian Jan Pol, who served horses, cows and other ‘large pets’ in his practice in Michigan. But after 254 episodes, National Geographic is canceling the show. The last series can now be seen in the Netherlands on National Geographic.
“We had people crying on the phone,” says 82-year-old Pol during a short visit to the Netherlands. “Why are you stopping? We learn so much from you! But the channel has decided that there is no more room for these types of vet programs.” However, the Dutchman, who emigrated to the US in the 1970s, is not considering quitting his job. “We just keep working,” said Pol. “Helping animals has never felt like work to me, I wouldn’t know what else to do. And there are relatively few young people who open a practice for large animals. I am still much needed.”
The only luxury Dr. Pol occasionally allows himself to travel. He recently visited Aruba with his wife Diane. And he combines his promotional tour for the final season with a family visit in Drenthe. “Although quite a few people have died in recent years,” he notes. More has changed in the Netherlands in recent years: “I always looked forward to the best tasty treats in the world, which were baked in Diever. But my regular place appears to be gone. We have now found an alternative in Westerwolde. They can a lot in the US, but for the right recipe for tasty treats you have to go to Drenthe.”
Although Pol has been receiving letters and emails for years from young fans who also want to become a veterinarian, he notices that interest in large animals is decreasing. “Only one in fifty young veterinarians chooses this direction,” he says. “You can earn more money by curing dogs and cats. And large animals are also viewed differently than in the past. If one of forty cows becomes ill, you do your best to cure it. If in a large company a of your 4,000 cows gets sick, you probably make less effort to save them.”
The last episode of the series can be seen in the Netherlands on December 6. But all 24 seasons can still be watched on Disney+. “It is special that thirteen years of my life have been captured in this way,” he laughs. “And I think the stories are timeless enough that I can continue to watch them all again.”
The Curtain Falls on Dr. Pol: A Veterinary Legend Bids Farewell
Well, folks, gather ’round because we have a tale that could make even the most stoic cow shed a tear! After a staggering 254 episodes, National Geographic has decided to retire the show featuring none other than Dr. Jan Pol, the Dutch veterinarian turned American icon who has been putting a bandage on everything from horses to 4,000 head of cattle! It’s cancellation after 13 years has left fans wondering: what now, Dr. Pol? Open a pet spa for cats dressed as cows?
Fans in Mourning
Dr. Pol himself, at a sprightly 82 years old, recently shared, “We had people crying on the phone. Why are you stopping? We learn so much from you!” Oh, the drama! I suppose when your work involves more tears than a soap opera, every episode feels like the series finale. But alas, it seems the universe has deemed that there’s no room left for “large pets” on our screens. Maybe they’re worried we’ll turn into sentimental mush? If they only knew!
The New Generation of Vets
It’s a mixed bag for the future of veterinary care, though. According to Pol, fewer young folks are interested in nurturing large animals—only 1 in 50 choose that pathway. The culprit? Much like the rest of us, they’re just chasing the bucks! Pol laments that “You can earn more money by curing dogs and cats.” Ah, profit over passion! Isn’t that just the way of the world? A dog’s bark is worth more than a cow’s moo in the greenbacks department!
A Taste of Home and Those “Special” Treats
Even while he travels the world, Dr. Pol still seems to have his priorities straight: the man knows good treats. While reminiscing about his beloved treats back in Diever, which sadly appears to have vanished—along with my hopes of never hearing the phrase “tasty treats” again—he confesses “for the right recipe for tasty treats, you have to go to Drenthe.” Now there’s a business opportunity! Packaging up Dutch pastries with a side of “vet talk.” If you can’t save the cows, you can at least sweeten the deal with pastries, right?
Looking Back and Moving Forward
But fret not, dear viewers! Even though the last episode of Dr. Pol’s series is set to air in the Netherlands on December 6, the full series will live on in the realms of Disney+. That means you can watch Pol save the day (and plenty of large animals) long into the future! And the good doctor reflects, “It is special that thirteen years of my life have been captured in this way.”
So while we watch the fading credits roll on Dr. Pol’s remarkable television run, let’s raise a toast to the man who made vetting large animals feel like a heroic episode of reality television. Who knew that saving cows could be the stuff of television legend? As Pol himself might say, “Life just keeps moo-ving on!”
Until next time—if you need a good laugh and a few heartwarming moments, remember the legend of Dr. Pol. Just make sure to wash your hands after the ear-tugging, and perhaps even consider—if you’re feeling brave—becoming a vet yourself. Just steer clear of the competition in those dog grooming parlors!
For thirteen years, viewers in numerous countries have empathized with the challenges faced by Dr. Jan Pol, a veterinarian based in Drenthe, who has been dedicatedly serving horses, cows, and other large animals in his Michigan practice. However, after a remarkable 254 episodes, National Geographic has declared the cancellation of the beloved show. The final series is currently airing in the Netherlands on National Geographic.
“We had people crying on the phone,” shares the 82-year-old Pol during a brief visit to the Netherlands. “Why are you stopping? We learn so much from you! But the channel has decided that there is no more room for these types of vet programs.” The dedicated veterinarian, who made the leap to the US in the 1970s, has no thoughts of retiring just yet. “We just keep working,” he declared. “Helping animals has never felt like work to me; I wouldn’t know what else to do. And there are relatively few young people who open a practice for large animals. I am still much needed.”
The only luxury Dr. Pol occasionally allows himself is travel. He recently enjoyed a trip to the picturesque island of Aruba with his wife, Diane. He is blending his promotional tour for the final season with a heartfelt family visit in Drenthe. “Although quite a few people have died in recent years,” he notes pensively. He has observed significant changes in the Netherlands: “I always looked forward to the best tasty treats in the world, which were baked in Diever. But my regular place appears to be gone. We have now found an alternative in Westerwolde. They can do a lot in the US, but for the right recipe for tasty treats, you have to go to Drenthe.”
Despite having received countless letters and emails from aspiring young veterinarians over the years, Pol has become acutely aware that interest in large animals is waning. “Only one in fifty young veterinarians chooses this direction,” he explains. “You can earn more money by curing dogs and cats. Large animals are also viewed differently than in the past. If one of forty cows falls ill, you do your best to cure it. But if in a large company one of your 4,000 cows gets sick, you’re likely to put in less effort to save it.”
The last episode of the series will air in the Netherlands on December 6. However, fans can still binge-watch all 24 seasons on Disney+. “It is special that thirteen years of my life have been captured in this way,” he laughs, reflecting on the journey. “I think the stories are timeless enough that I can continue to watch them all again.”
How do you envision the future of veterinary medicine for young aspiring veterinarians?
**Interview with Dr. Jan Pol: A Farewell to His Beloved Show**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Pol! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you, especially as we reflect on your incredible journey with your show. After 254 episodes, how does it feel to be nearing the end of your television career?
**Dr. Pol:** Thank you for having me! It’s bittersweet, really. I’ve devoted so much of my life to this series, and to hear from viewers who learned from our episodes has been incredibly rewarding. But while it’s sad to say goodbye to the show, my passion for veterinary work continues uninterrupted.
**Editor:** You mentioned that viewers have expressed their sadness, even crying on the phone. What message do you want to share with them regarding the cancellation?
**Dr. Pol:** I deeply appreciate all the support and love we’ve received over the years. It’s heartwarming to know we made an impact on so many lives. Unfortunately, the decision is out of our hands. The channel has decided there’s no longer space for such programming. But I hope our stories will continue to inspire even after we’re off the air.
**Editor:** As you look back on your time with the show, what do you think resonated most with viewers?
**Dr. Pol:** I believe it’s the connection we had—a genuine love for animals and the authenticity of our experiences. Each episode was a real-life story about the challenges and joys that come with caring for large animals on a farm. People related to that resilience and dedication.
**Editor:** Speaking of large animals, you mentioned in past interviews that fewer young veterinarians are venturing into that field. What are your thoughts on that trend?
**Dr. Pol:** Yes, it’s concerning. Only about one in fifty choose to work with large animals these days. It’s often driven by financial incentives. Working with small pets typically brings in more income. But there’s something special about large animal care that, I fear, is being overlooked.
**Editor:** With your extensive experience and knowledge, what advice would you give to young aspiring veterinarians, especially those considering large animals?
**Dr. Pol:** Follow your passion! If you love animals—large or small—don’t let money drive your choice. Veterinary medicine is about helping animals and their owners; that passion will bring rewarding experiences, both emotionally and financially in the long run.
**Editor:** Beyond your practice, how do you stay connected to home and your roots in the Netherlands while in the U.S.?
**Dr. Pol:** Ah, the treats! I miss the specialties from my hometown in Drenthe. The local pastries have a unique charm that I haven’t found elsewhere. I enjoy visiting when I can, like this trip, combining it with family visits—though it’s bittersweet as many close connections have passed on.
**Editor:** Lastly, what’s next for Dr. Jan Pol after the show ends?
**Dr. Pol:** I’m not retiring anytime soon—my practice remains active. Helping animals has never felt like work to me; it’s a calling. I’ll continue doing what I love, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the community of veterinary medicine evolves.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Pol. It’s been a joy chatting with you. Your legacy will certainly live on through your work and the stories you’ve shared.
**Dr. Pol:** Thank you! It has been a pleasure. And remember, life is all about caring for those we love—both our animal friends and our fellow humans.
