Mobile vet moves on
Harford Emergency Veterinary Hospital’s Dr. Keith Frickey gives a whole new meaning to being a “mobile vet.”
After five years working for the 24-hour emergency veterinary facility at 526 Underwood Lane in Bel Air, the top-notch doctor is moving to the next emergency hospital on his travel route. Technically, he’s not really the kind of mobile vet who goes to people’s homes to care for their pets, but he literally does cross-country travels to perform his line of work in the veterinary field, and assists his wife with her endeavors. That may sound confusing, but not for the Louisiana native, or to those who know him.
“I like the challenge and the stimulation and the excitement of fixing things and moving on,” said Dr. Frickey of his attraction to the emergency veterinary industry, adding that he prefers to work on new and interesting cases, which at times can be frustrating but never boring.
He and his wife, Wendy, travel around the country in a “Flumpa” mobile taking her science show on the road, entertaining and teaching audiences of all ages through song, dance and experiments. And, guess who sports the famous tree frog costume? If you guessed Dr. Frickey, you’re right. He not only doesn’t mind being disguised as the “Flumpa” frog during their performances, but he doesn’t mind the long-distance travels either as he averages 60,000 miles a year for the last 14-years since he and his wife began their mobile educational show. Who said kissing a frog that’s turns into a prince is just just a fairy tale? Well, here’s one fairytale that came true as this couple will celebrate their 18th anniversary in November.
From his humble beginnings in a mixed practice vet clinic to when he started his own practice in Florida in the summer of 1985, Dr. Frickey is also a prince to many others who sought his help as a veterinarian at emergency hospitals over the years as he’s saved many pets’ lives locally and abroad. Many thank-you cards are a testiment to his work. Some clients and co-workers alike hold him in high esteem for the work he does, even describing him as awesome.
“He’s wonderful. I absolutely love him. He’s a great doctor and a great friend who saved my dog from having to have surgery or anything worse,” said a co-worker, Melanie Foster.
Don’t be surprised if you see the big white “Flumpa” mobile somewhere as it’s always on the road stopping at museums, festivals, camps, and schools. And, stops at 24-hour emergency pet hospitals too so the doctor can change out of his Flumpa costume and into his doctor’s coat to tend to a variety of emergency cases. You’ll immediately recognize the gigantic, green tree frog on the side of the recreational vehicle with a life-sized picture of Dr. Frickey’s wife. So, if you do, just honk as they hop on to their next stop.
The Harford County 911 Center has become the first in Maryland to achieve accreditation as an Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch. They are also only one of 120 centers nationwide to receive this honor.
If you haven’t heard, April is 
