I just wanted to share one of the best memories of Michael that will demonstrate what a beautiful, kind and caring man my friend was.  I grew up with Mike.  I am one of those Bayou Boys.  We played baseball on the same little league team and our friendship never faded.  Even when years had pasted, the moment we re-connected it was as if we saw each other yesterday.  Mike had a place setting in our house every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for many many years.  We were Bayou Brothers!

The greatest story I can share happened about 15 years ago.  I had a little cocker spaniel that had shattered his front leg at the bend.  I live in Tallahassee so after taking the dog to our vet, I called Mike to get his opinion on what my options were with the plus and minus of each option as well as expected costs.  Needless to say this was a very expensive injury.  My local vet was kind and very helpful and sent Mike the x-rays to review.   When I talked with Mike, he said the best option for the dog and my wallet was to simply remove the leg at the shoulder.  Then he did something amazing and mind blowing.  He said bring the dog to me Saturday morning and I will do the operation for free!  That's right he said free.  He said I need the practice and  you are my brother. I'm not charging you anything.

Ormand Beach is a four hour drive from Tallahassee so I got up very early and met Mike at his clinic around 7AM.  He pulled in with Lisa and we went inside.  I asked him were his staff was and he gave me a lough and said this is a freebie brother and I am not paying my staff.  Go to the sink and scrub up.  lol  He and Lisa work on my puppy for hours removing the injured leg.   Afterwards he gave me all the pain meds for the puppy to give until I got back home where my local Vet helped with the after surgery care.  That puppy lived five more years as a tri-paw and never missed a beat.

Mike and Lisa were amazing.  I will miss Mike for the rest of my life.  

A wonderful special veterinarian and an awesome humanitarian is who we lost last month. 

You have heard when we get to heaven we will be reunited with our families and our pets. Can you imagine the four legged receiving line Mike had from the beautiful cats and dogs Mike cared for and saved?

God made Michael Burke very special. 

I can recall on a few occasions while showering the home phone ringing at 7:15 (that's A.M.)  It wasn't a scammer or shyster,  it was Dr. Burke calling to give us results of a blood test or simply asking how our dog was feeling.  Who does that?

I'm told Michael would arrive at the office and hour before his staff every morning. That way the employees couldn't get blamed for waking up the entire family. 😅 His early morning calls were invaluable to us and gave us a lot of comfort. 

We had a rare breed of dogs (Affenpinscher) also referred to as "Monkey Dogs" . It was a new challenge for Mike. He actually bought a book on the breed. He learned about the different colors and how the black and tan was the rarest. Our first one "Stevie" was a black and tan. I'll never forget him saying "I fixed her didn't I " 😅🤣😂

Dr. Burke and the staff gave all three of our "Monkey Dogs exceptional care and service.  Thank you Ormond Beach Vet Clinic.

All of us remembering Mike are the beneficiaries of sharing our lives with a rare special man. 

We're not saying goodbye Michael, we're saying see you later. 

John and Zoom.

Mike was a kind, sweet, loving, and caring person who loved life, his family, and his friends.  I'll always remember Mike being there over the years from the time he was a small child just to hang out -- or for our many Palermo family gatherings on holidays and special occasions.  We considered him part of the family.  Our hearts are broken for his devoted family and we deeply feel your loss.  

Elaine, Debbie, Pam, and Patrick provided a wonderful tribute to their brother and allowed us the opportunity to remember and cherish the time we all had with dear, sweet Mike.  Thank you for sharing this lovely celebration of his life.  God bless you all and may you find comfort in the many fond memories and knowing how much he loved each and every one of you.