The 76-year-old Braat — who made his career choice when he was just 8 years old — enjoys giving back to his community and is also celebrating his 50th year as a veterinarian this summer.

As 4-H club members and their parents unloaded pigs at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, a few of the them had minds of their own and put up a ruckus —squealing like, well, pigs — but Braat just kept smiling.

“This kind of thing doesn’t bother me,” he said.

Braat and his fellow veterinarians are checking to make sure the animals don’t have skin conditions, runny noses or watery eyes. They're also checking to see if they're active, not lethargic.

Born in Amsterdam, Braat was just 8 years old when his family moved to a dairy farm near Newberg. That’s when he began to admire the local veterinarians who took care of his family’s dairy and polled Hereford beef cattle, dogs, cats and horses.

But for a time, the athletic Braat also had a more lofty career in mind.

“I wanted to be a catcher for the New York Yankees,” he said.

Although that dream never came true, Braat was a talented athlete for the Newberg Tigers wrestling and baseball teams. He also wrestled three seasons at Washington State University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1962. He retains the build of an athlete.

Braat went on to WSU veterinary school — Oregon did not have a veterinary school until 1975 — graduating in 1966.

Braat said there were 37 members of his veterinary school graduating class and they are planning a reunion in August in Pullman. “Three or four of us are still practicing,” he said.

Braat worked in Longview, Washington, for a couple of years before joining a friend and fellow classmate, Roger Renne, at the Albany Animal Hospital. In 1970, he struck out on his own and created the Linn Veterinary Hospital.

Braat admits he has always been a bit of a workaholic, routinely putting in 15 to 16 hour days. He still makes five or six house calls every afternoon, mostly horses.

Former Democrat-Herald staffer Steve Lundeberg rode with Braat on rounds several years ago and noted, “He (now) tools around in a cluttered Ford king cab, with stethoscopes hanging from the rearview mirror, assorted papers tumbling about the dashboard, and rubber bands and two wristwatches dangling mysteriously from the truck’s gearshift lever.”

Braat said the watches had quit working, so he hung them on the gearshift.

Cheryl Powell, his office manager for more than 28 years, said Braat “can’t say no to people when their pets are hurting. He’s very dedicated to his clients. Everybody loves him.”

Braat admits to being fond of horses and at one time owned seven race horses.

“I quickly found out why they call it the sport of kings, and I’m not a king,” he said with a hearty laugh.

Fair board member Steve Mote called Braat “one of the most dedicated individuals” he has ever worked with.

“He’s always glad to serve our future leaders,” Mote said. “He has helped at the fair a very long time and day or night, it doesn’t make a difference, he will come out if called.”

Fellow fair board member Kerry Johnson called Braat a “wonderful man. He’s always been supportive of this program and the kids of Linn County. He’s been doing this since I was in 4-H, although I won’t say how long ago that was. He loves the kids and their animals.”

Earlier this year, Braat received the Linn County Sheriff’s Award of Merit for his work with the county’s animal shelter. In 2012 he was recognized as an Outstanding Fair Supporter by the Oregon Fairs Association.

He is treasurer of the Northwest Equine Practitioners Association and honorary board member of the SafeHaven Humane Society.

Washington State University holds a special place in his heart, so in 1994 he established the Ben B. Braat, DVM, Teaching Hospital Operating Endowment Fund there.

“Many of the teaching staff at the School of Veterinary Medicine had a positive influence on my career as a veterinarian,” Braat told the WSU Foundation. “My experience at Washington State University prepared me for my professional career and life in general. WSU has done a lot for me, and I’m hopeful that my gifts will help others.”

His work truck's license plate shows his pride in his alma mater: "1WSU1."

Braat is married to Stephanie and has two stepsons.

Despite his busy schedule, Braat enjoys elk hunting in Montana every year with some of his fellow WSU graduates.

On a recent visit to the Linn Veterinary Hospital, the lobby filled just minutes after doors opened at 8 a.m., which raises the question: Does the local veterinarian have a pet?

“Yes, a Siamese cross cat named Friend,” Braat said.

How much longer does Braat plan to practice?

“I still enjoy working,” he said, “but sometimes the stress does get to me. Maybe I’ll just not work quite as much.”