Meet Our Staff

Dwight Home

A Tribute to our Founder - Dr. Robert K. Gay
    Dr. Robert K. Gay, the founder of the Dwight Veterinary Clinic which evolved into the Dwight-Pine Bluff-Lakewood Animal Hospitals, LLC, passed away on February 14, 2005.  Our clinics lost an extemely talented veterinarian and a true friend.  Dr. Gay was a renowned mentor to many young veterinarians and set up the partnerships which would keep the practice going.
    Dr. Gay graduated form the Ontario Agricultural College and Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph, Canada in 1950.  He opened his first clinic in Dwight in 1951, followed by the Pine Bluff Animal Hospital in 1975 and then the Lakewood Animal Hospital in 1992.
    Dr. Gay is survived by his wife Betty, 3 sons and family and many friends.  Dr. Gay's middle son, Dr. R. Todd Gay carries on the tradition of Veterinary Medicine at our Lakewood Animal Hospital.
    Dr. Gay will be remembered for his love of animals and his devotion to the people of Central Illinois.  In his own words, "I don't know what I would have rather done and I don't know a place I'd rather have done it in.  It's been a wonderful life."
    Farewell, good friend.
 
 

Dr. Louis W. Cronin - DVM
    Hello, I am Dr. Louis Cronin.  Welcome to the Dwight Veterinary Clinic, the founding clinic for the Dwight-Pine Bluff- Lakewood Veterinary Clinics.  I began my education with a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas in 1970 and worked in pharmacy until my wife, Lynne, graduated with her pharmacy degree in 1971.  Lynne worked as a pharmacist while I pursued my love of animals and completed my veterinary degree from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975.
    Lynne and I moved to Dwight in 1975 where I began my career at Dwight Veterinary Clinic.  Lynne worked many years as the Director of Pharmacy for the Fox Developmental Center.  We raised our three children in Dwight and have enjoyed watching them grow and mature.  Curtis graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 and continues his career in the navy.  Curtis is married to a medical doctor.  Our daughter, Julia, received her undergraduate degree form Benedictine University in Lisle and her juris doctorate degree in Law and master degree in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University in 2005.  She currently works for Jones, Day, and Associates in Washington, D.C.   Andrew, who designed this website, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 and is currently in medical school at Dartmouth University in New Hampshire.
    I have enjoyed my career at Dwight and Pine Bluff Veterinary Clinics and the excitement of watching our services grow and expand with the addition of Lakewood Veterinary Clinic.  I believe service is one of the most important parts of veterinary medicine.  It is very rewarding to be able to provide optimum care for family pets and service to their owners.  Dwight Veterinary Clinic has expanded our services as the years progressed and we have recently increased our service to include expanded dental care.
    One of the enjoyable parts of our career is that we have been able to work with many rescue groups and especially with the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue (GABR) whose headquarters is here in Dwight.  Also we enjoy working with the Helping Paws Training Program at the Dwight Correctional Center as well as the humane societies in our area.
     When I'm not working our hobbies are traveling aroung the country to be with our children and camping and hiking in the great outdoors especially our many beautiful National Parks.
    Our pets at this time include three cats, Mr. Whiskers, Oro and Esclapeus, and a cockatiel, Beaker.  We have had a variety of other pets and miss our Golden Retriever,  Shadow, who was a long time faithful companion.
 
 

Deb Dunlap - Practice Manager
Hi:
My name is Deb Dunlap.  I am the practice manager/business manager for the Dwight-Pine Bluff-Lakewood Animal Hospitals.  I started here with the practice on January 2, 1976 as a receptionist.  My current position allows me to travel to all 3 of our hospitals and co-ordinate and assist in maintaining continuity of daily operations and communication between all the hospitals and staff.
My family includes my husband Cy, our children David, Dan, Dennis, Jill, and Beth and our granddaughter, Kailey.  We have 1 four legged friend - "Molly" (our long-haired cat).
My interests include being a proud spectator and supporter of our children's academic, sporting, and musical events.  I like knitting, walking, traveling, and most of all shopping.
 

Sue Jorstad - Receptionist/Office Manager Hi!  My name is Sue Jorstad and I have worked the last 28 years in the medical field, of which 15 years have been in veterinary medicine at the Dwight-PineBluff-Lakewood Animal Hospitals.  My main duties are in the reception and financial areas. I live in Ransom, Illinois with my husband, Doug, who works for the Illinois Department of Transportation.  We have four children.  Kristen is Fiscal Manager of the Western General Area on Aging.She resided in Quincy with her husband, Drew, and 17 month old daughter, Morgan.  Katelyn is a Senior at Aurora University and majoring in Social Work, and is completing an intership at the Department of Children and Family Services in Aurora.  Eric is 20, and works at Menard's in Joliet, as a First Assistant Manager in the outside yard and recieving department.  Our youngest, Kelsey, is a Freshman at Aurora University and majoring in Criminal Justice. We also have a houseful of pets, including "Mugsy" our 11 year old Border Collie, "Lady' our 12 year old Australian Shepherd Mix, and cats, "Patches",  "Hampshire",  "Snowball", "Jersey", "Maddie", and "Gramma's Cat."
 

Mary Gschwendtner -Receptionist/Office Manager  Hi!  My name is Mary Gschwendtner and I have worked at the Dwight Veterinary Clinic for the past 18 years.  I work mainly in the front office but also assist in all areas when needed.  I live in Dwight, Illinois with my husband, Jim.  We have one son, Bradley who attends Dwight High School. We have a 6yr old yellow lab - Charlie, and 2 cats, "Baby," and "Sassy."  My hobbies include walking, swimming, and following my son's sporting events.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dorlene Appleton - Veterinary Assistant/Inventory
Hi:My name is Dorlene Appleton.  I live in Braidwood with my husband of 19 years, Keith.  Keith works as a full-time farmer for Dave Hauschild.  I joined the Dwight Veterinary Clinic in 1983.  My current duties are:  veterinary technician, inventory control for all 3 hospitals, and maintenance supervisor.  I love helping and taking care of pets.  Keith and I operate a small farm of corn and beans, custom square baling, and clean the Mount Olive Cemetery in Braidwood.  For fun we like to cookout with friends and family, canoe, and snowmobile.  We have 2 cats named Sam and Jetta.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sarah Halpin - Certified Technician/Puppy Training

Hi!  My name is Sarah and I have been working at the Dwight Veterinary Clinic since 1995.  I began working at the clinic as a groomer and began training as a technician about a month later.   I ran my own grooming business for five years, concurrently with my job at the clinic.  Training as a technician made me realize how much I enjoy working with animals and I recently passed the National Board Exam certifying me as a Veterinary Technician.

My husband, Scott, and I also have a dairy and grain farm.  We enjoy spending time with our three children Ty, Grace, and Cale who are growing so fast.   My pets include an American Bulldog "Chance", a cat named "Tom."
 
 

Sherry Statler - Veterinary
Assistant/Pet Care

My name is Sherry Statler and I have worked at the Dwight Veterinary Clinic for 13 years.  I am a lab technician/groomer among other various duties.  I enjoy riding motorcycles and outdoor activities.  I have a yellow lab named "Tanner."  I live in rural Buckingham.
 
 
 
 

  Lori Marques - Certified Technician
Hi, my name is Lori Marques, I stared working at the Dwight Veterinary Clinic in May 2001. I am a Certified Veterinary Technician.  I received my degree from Joliet Junior College in May 2003.  I became certified in August 2003. I live here in Dwight with my husband, Jason.  We were married on July 17, 2004.  My hobbies include water skiing, camping, playing softball, and playing with my pets.  I have three dogs; two Yellow Labradors named "Angel" and "Cami", and a Beagle named "Buddie."  I also have three cats named "Tigger," "Nala," and "Pudge."
 
 
 
 
 
 

Michelle Anderson - Certified Technician/Receptionist
Hi! My name is Michelle Anderson.  I am a  graduate from Joliet Junior College with a degree in Applied Science.  I began interning when I was a Senior in high school and have been working here since January 2001.  I am also a pet sitter and have cared for many animals including: horses, ducks, and even a turtle.  I have 2 dogs; "Roxy" who is an unknown mixed breed, and "Jayden" who is a Border Collie/ Corgi Mix.  I also have 3 cats - Zeus, Patches, and Trina.  I have several aquariums as well, which are home to many African Cichlids.  I enjoy gardening, shopping, and traveling.  I have recently bought my first home, and keep busy renovating, decorating, and painting.
 
 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Dwight Home






















































see dr. cronin at the top of the page