05/20/2026
Update: for anyone following… I just posted funeral arrangements….
For anyone who hasn’t heard yet…
Last week, our friend and beloved vet of 40 years, Craig Elbel, passed away.
I have never encountered another vet who spoke ”animal” the way he did. His fingers were as accurate as any x-ray machine and I trusted his gut more than any blood test he ever ran.
He taught me to pull calves, to pull horses off the ground and to their feet with a belt, and a hundred ways to save a floundering puppy.
Mostly, he taught me to think like an animal and listen with my heart. Thank you, Doc, for all of my animals you helped and saved. Sooooo many and for all the lessons you taught that 23 year old in the fields and pens. God Bless! 🙏 You will be missed by this entire community, me, my family & my kennel.
His wife and partner in their business, vet Leslie Degan has been a Godsend the last few months. We could not have survived without her, in his absence. She took us under her wing and rose to the huge challenges we bring as a kennel. Such a strong woman, a great vet and through all the chaos she often offered jokes and laughter. She held it together far better than I could have. Doc chose his wife and partner well. We are thankful for her.
Keep everyone at Bulverde Bexar Vet Clinic in your thoughts and prayers. All of your puppies are strong and well because of their love & care and everything they taught me for the last 4 decades.
Rest in peace my friend. 🙏
