Mindscapes: The Forest Gump of Dominica

The Forest Gump of Dominica
Rick Stobaeus Doesn’t Miss a Chance to Promote NMH on his Rounds of the Nature Island of Dominica
Wayne D. King ‘73

Anyone who knew Rick Stobaeus back when he was taking care of Mr. Leavitt’s lab animals and helping to revitalize the farm program at NMH back in the ‘70s won’t be surprised to learn - if they didn’t already know - that he has carried that love for animals into his professional life. He has also carried his love and affection for NMH along with him.

Two months ago I had the pleasure of visiting Rick at his home in the “Belles” area of the “Nature Island” of Dominica (aka Dominique) he now calls home. The Belles is in the highland rainforests of Dominica a land of pure mountain springs and rivers, hot springs, boiling lakes, and crystal cascades.

On my very first day there Rick took me to a hot spring where I witnessed him buttonhole at least one family of tourists to tell them about NMH - though it was probably a good 8-10 years before their child would be old enough to attend. The only competing interest for Rick - besides his four-legged and winged patients of course - is his new home.

In just about ten years, since he closed his animal hospital in the states and moved to this Caribbean nation of fewer than 100,000 people, Richard Stobeaus has become a fixture on the island and the “go-to” guy for whatever ails the pets and the livestock on the island of Dominica. Part guru, part gadfly, part politician, Stobaeus crisscrosses the island daily on his rounds, treating goats, spaying and neutering cats and dogs, educating and cajoling farmers on the best way to keep their animals happy, healthy and productive and acting as the cheerleader-in-chief for the island of Dominica.

I joined Rick for a day of rounds that took us all over the island from beautiful long stretches of sandy beach to a chocolate shop where they grow their own cocoa right on site, to the markets of Roseau, the capital city, where just driving through the city with windows down brought shouts of “Dr. Rick! Dr. Rick! Dr. Rick!” Rick seems to revel in the attention. In fact, in the entire time I was there he never once was seen without his green doctors smock - unless he wore no shirt at all. It wasn’t just his uniform it was his flag.

In the car as we went from farm to farm, he alternated between telling me stories about his adventures at NMH, his love of Sacred Concert, the International touring he did singing with fellow NMH students. When he wasn’t reminiscing, he was describing his hopes for the island. His big dream is to start a Veterinary college on the island. With already-existing infrastructure, in the form of a recently abandoned Medical school, and the support of the political establishment on the island, it appears that he is well on the way to realizing that dream.

Rick would love to hear from old friends and new ones, but, fair warning, he will probably try to convince you to move to Dominica - as long as you send your children, and grand-children to NMH.