Ed Unson finds music in dogs barking and cats purring

Going to the dogs is easy for Ed Unson whose life revolves around taking care of small animals. As a veterinarian, Ed does surgery on cats and dogs; diagnoses even birds; makes house calls; and most importantly, manages his eight branches of the Animal House clinic. To concentrate on his practice and manage his many clinics as they expand are among his current challenges. He gets help from 40 employees taking care of the pets brought by their owners to Ed’s clinic. Animal House clinics have sprung up in New Manila, Pasig, Alabang, Del Monte, Chinatown, SM Megamall, SM Bicutan and Makati.

Our bachelor regularly meets with his patients, most of whom he knows by name. Apart from treating animals, 5’8" Ed spends a lot of time teaching preschool children about pet care. Being a resource speaker for the UP Vet Med keeps him active in the Diliman campus he graduated from. Ed’s musical abilities on the piano and the flute are well known to his many friends.

What sports do you like most?

I love the spinning classes at Gold’s Gym. Going to Gold’s Gym has helped me lose weight; my general disposition has also improved.

On what occasion do you lie?

When people ask me about my age.

Which living person do you admire most?

My father, Gene Unson, but unfortunately he is already dead. He was a very just and a hardworking man who loved life and helped people.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

My two buddies, Sam and Pepper. Sam, my Golden Retriever, inspires me to be playful and loyal. Pepper is a blind Standard Poodle. She is my inspiration to see from inside.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

With family and business, I am pretty much settled so there isn’t too much conflict. But when there is, I observe first.

Where are you most comfortable?

I like clean open air by the sea where it is quiet.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Captain America. He saved the world.

What is your greatest fear?

Dying in my sleep because I have sleep apnea. Exercise and de-stressing have helped me.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Dishonesty. You have to mean what you say and say what you mean.

What is your current state of mind?

Grateful that where I am right now is the result of my hard work and my healing.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Every time I travel, I always visit CD stores.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

"Do your best."

Which historical character would you like to have been?

St. Francis because he bonded with pets. He could talk with them and heal even the birds and the wolves.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

What we have achieved in the veterinary practice. We are making a difference with small animal vet medicine in the Philippines.

Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?

"If you haven’t met your equal, travel."

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Depression. It causes paralysis and self-pity. It’s a state that can break a person.

What is your favorite occupation?

Of course, being a veterinarian. It is challenging. The patient cannot speak and without help, they will just wither since they have been domesticated.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

My being late…

Name an embarrassing moment at work.

A client, who’s an expat, had a pet called Stoeffel meaning "stupid," and I said to her, "Good morning, Mrs. Stoeffel." I often mix up the name of the pet with the owners’ name.

What is your greatest regret?

Not being able to do more recordings, composing and playing my music.

What do you most do with your hands?

These are precious hands because I do surgery with them, play the piano and the flute.

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E-mail babycamp2 @yahoo.com.