New San Juan Capistrano Vet May Have You Seeing Double

Story by Jessica Burger

Animal patients of Dr. Randall Bondurant, who recently took over the veterinary practice of Dr. Jack Mannix, and their owners are forgiven if they end up doing a double take.

“He is the spitting image of Jack,” said Liz Mannix.

She should know. She’s Mannix’s widow.

Bondurant acknowledged has big shoes to fill. Three months ago, he was chosen to take over San Juan Animal Hospital. Mannix, the previous owner and a beloved vet in San Juan Capistrano for more than two decades, died unexpectedly on the job in December.  His memorial service was attended by both two- and four-legged admirers.

Since then, Bondurant has made a smooth transition, according to the staff, patients and clients.

“It’s gone exceptionally well,” said Bondurant. “It’s very ironic that our personalities were very similar, our practices were very similar.”

The selection was meant to be, said Liz Mannix.

“I feel like Jack is watching over me,” she said. “I cleaned out his briefcase just the other day and in it [and] I found Dr. Bondurant’s card.”

What’s remarkable about the find is that the two vets only met once, just a few months before Mannix passed.

Bondurant is a fairly new transplant from Atlanta, where he practiced for 23 years. After moving with his wife out to California to be closer to his two oldest daughters, Bondurant said he met Mannix last September at a meeting for vets and the pair immediately seemed like kin.

“He was extremely kind and supportive,” said Bondurant. “I kept saying how hard it is to leave your practice, and I just remember he kept saying, ‘You’re gonna do fine.’ ’”

While staff, pets and clients are understandably saddened by Mannix’s absence, the community has given him a warm, encouraging welcome, Bondurant said.

When asked about the best part of his new job, Bondurant answered quickly it’s the clientele.

“The clients love their pets, take great care of their pets and want to do what’s best,” said Bondurant. “I know that not everybody can do that for their pets, but again, this is an area that can.”

“I think Dr. Mannix did that well, taking great care of pets and their owners. And that’s what I do,” Bondurant said.