BARRHEAD- The County of Barrhead honoured three veterinarians for their work in supporting local agricultural producers.
On May 5, during the municipality's Rural Lifestyle Expo awards banquet at the Barrhead and District Agricultural Society's Bablitz Exhibition Hall, Coun. Walter Preugschas presented three founders of Barr-North Veterinary Services, George Long, Gary Muri and Ed Doornenbal, with the Outstanding Commitment to Local Livestock Industry Award.
Preugschas said that in 1972, two friends, Long and Muri, came to Barrhead to establish a veterinary clinic, which they did on Main Street, in what is now Leon's Carpets.
Initially, he said the duo treated mostly cattle and horses, adding that Long and Muri sometimes ended up treating animals in the back alley due to space limitations.
Back then, Preugschas said most agricultural producers operated mixed farms instead of the specialized operations farmers have today.
"Besides grain, many had dairy, beef, pigs, chickens and even sheep," he said.
However, as farming operations became larger and more specialized, the duo knew they needed to expand their practice and look for a veterinarian who specialized in treating swine.
Long specialized in treating cattle, while Muri's specialty was beef and equines.
Eventually, Long and Muri settled on the Doornenbals, who would later become a partner in the practice.
He would also expand his specialization to include exotic pets and alternative livestock, especially elk, buffalo and ratites (flightless birds).
"[Doornenbal] was known worldwide for some of these things," Preugschas said, adding he was fortunate to have Doornenbal as his veterinarian.
He added that the connection between his family and the Doornenbals would go beyond their professional relationship, saying they even lived in the same house the Doornenbals had.
"These three hard-working veterinarians were on call day and night. They sacrificed their families. They sometimes even had to hire drivers to get some sleep between going from one farm to the next and doing cesareans in the spring," Preugschas said.
He added that while Long, Muri, and Doornenbal brought different skill sets and personalities to the Barr-North, the thing that united them was their commitment to the community.
"Together, George, Gary, and Ed represent over four decades of community-oriented service supporting generations of farmers, building lasting relationships and helping countless animals, often under challenging conditions," Preugschas said. "Tonight, we thank you not only for the years of work but also for the compassion and leadership you've brought to the community."
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
