The Newsletter of Dwight – Pine Bluff – Lakewood Animal Hospitals
March 2005

 Farewell to a Friend
Dr. Robert K. Gay, 1926-2005

Our clinics lost a talented veterinarian and a true friend when Dr. Robert Gay died on February 14, 2005.

A Full Career
 Dr. Gay graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College and Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph, Canada in 1950.  His first clinic, opened in 1951, was upstairs from Dippon’s Produce.  As the practice grew, Dr. Gay moved to then-Cleary Lumber (now Alexander Lumber) on Old Rte 66.  In 1953, Dr. Gay built the Dwight Veterinary Clinic at its present location, where he would practice for his entire career.
 Veterinary medicine in the 1950’s was vastly different from today.  For one thing, farm animals, such as cattle, were a large portion of the business.  Cats and dogs rarely received veterinary care.  The hours were long and the work was hard and physical.  Stated Dr. Gay in a 1995 newspaper article, “There were work days that ran 14 or 16 hours.  And you knew it was Sunday only because you had bacon and eggs instead of your regular breakfast.”
 By the 1970’s, tractors were replacing cattle and horses, and companion animals were an increasingly large portion of the business.  But Dr. Gay’s practice continued to grow as he fast gained a reputation for high-quality medicine.  He opened Pine Bluff Animal Hospital in 1975 and Lakewood Animal Hospital in 1992.
A Full Life
 Dr. Gay married Betty Zigler in 1952.  In the early days, she was often right at his side helping with a late-night emergency call.  Dr. Gay passed on his love for his career: Dr. R. Todd Gay, his son, now practices at Lakewood Animal Hospital.
 In addition to his veterinary practice, Dr. Gay was extremely active in his community.  He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Blue Lodge in Dwight.  He was on the Dwight Grade School Board of Education for many years.  He was involved with the Grundy County Farm Bureau and was a member of the Flying Farmers and the Flying Veterinarians.
 Dr. Gay will be remembered for his love of animals and his devotion to the people of Dwight.  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.”

OPEN HOUSE!

Come on over to Pine Bluff’s Open House on Sunday, March 13 from 1-4pm.  Many of you have seen our expanded and remodeled clinic, but this is a chance to really go behind the scenes and see all that our hospital has to offer.  From the receptionist desk to the surgery ward, you will see demonstrations and displays of all the technology we use to offer your pet the highest quality care!  Check out our: computerized medical records system – video endoscopy, otoscopy, and laparoscopy – ultrasound – dog obedience classes – and much more!  There will be prizes and refreshments too!  Be sure to come, and bring a friend.

Mark Your Calendar…

The Joliet Junior College Veterinary Technician program will hold its annual Open House on Saturday, March 12 from 1-4pm.  This is a great experience for anyone considering a career as a Vet Tech, or just anyone who loves animals!  For more information or for directions to JJC, call 815-280-2765, or you can speak with a technician at any of our clinics.
 The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will hold its annual Open House on Saturday, April 2, 2005 from 9am – 4pm.  For anyone interested in animals or veterinary medicine, this is a must-attend event!  There are hundreds of exhibits, from cattle care to orthopedic surgery.  Parents, there’s plenty of fun and hands-on for young kids too!  The event is free (the cafeteria will be open for food purchase).  For more information and for directions to U of I vet school, visit www.cvm.uiuc.edu/openhouse/

Can’t Brush?
Home Care Tips to Preserve Your Pet’s Teeth

Did you know that healthy teeth and gums are essential for a healthy pet?  A veterinary checkup at least once yearly is the best way to preserve your pet’s oral health.  However, a once yearly cleaning is not enough to prevent serious dental disease.  Your pets need regular (i.e. daily!) dental care too!
 Tooth brushing with pet-friendly toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease.    However, many pets will not allow their owners to brush their teeth.  Fortunately, we have solutions that should keep you and your pet happy.  Try these:
• Greenie: These green toothbrush-shaped chews are fast becoming one of the most popular dog chew treats ever!  Not only do dogs love them, they are really good for your pet!  Greenies help freshen breath and clean the teeth.  Much better than a generic milkbone!
• CET Chews:  They look like rawhides but they’re so much more.  CET Chews are coated with plaque-dissolving enzymes that slow dental disease.
• Oravet Gel:  This is a wax-like protective coating you rub on your pet’s teeth once weekly.  It seals the teeth to prevent bacteria from setting up residence.
• Mouthwashes:  We offer several different mouthwashes that can kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and freshen breath.  Mouthwashes can be squirted between your pet’s cheek and gums or rubbed on with your fingers.
 Please talk with one of our technicians about a home-care program for your pet!

Welcome Back, Carter!

The clinics welcome back Dr. Stephen Carter!  He will be returning to the practices on March 15, 2005.
 Dr. Carter worked with us for ten years before taking a brief hiatus in June 2003.  Since then, he has been practicing at Village Veterinary Clinic in Western Springs.  We are delighted to have him back with us!
 Dr. Carter will be dividing his time between the Lakewood and Pine Bluff clinics.  Besides seeing dogs and cats, he welcomes “exotic” patients, especially reptiles and amphibians.
 We encourage you to come over and welcome Dr. Carter home.
 
 


 
 

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