Barrington Animal Hospital marks 80 years

BARRINGTON – Building her veterinary legacy, Barrington Animal Hospital owner Barb Stapleton said she never realized how special her career was until the practice began to celebrate its 80th anniversary this year.

At 216 S. Northwest Highway in Barrington, the hospital serves cats and dogs while catering to concerned pet owners and families. Stapleton purchased the hospital in November 1991 and continues to lead the practice, working with two other veterinarians – Dr. Kimberly Ford and Dr. Alison Duke.

Balance has led to excellence, Stapleton said.

"Our doctors work about 34 hours each week to ensure they are never burnt out," Stapleton said. "I only hire friendly, personable people who love and care about animals."

The hospital staff treats regular patients and emergency cases. Appointments include wellness screenings, dental work, surgeries, weight management, lab tests, small dog boarding, flea and tick prevention and vaccinations. An on-site pharmacy and family waiting room allow for convenience, Stapleton said.

Stapleton said her staff treats 18 times the patients they did 20 years ago, with clients traveling from as far as Oswego and Elmhurst.

Patti Ann Overom has been a receptionist at the hospital for two years.

Overom said the practice has come full circle from its true beginning, in 1906, in a Barrington home.

"Barb has really brought up the standards of care," Overom said. "It's quality medicine."

Treatment-wise, Stapleton said the hospital has become known for its dental department but she prefers it be recognized as "Barrington's hometown veterinary hospital."

Stapleton said her most common cases are ear or skin infections, allergies or urinary tract infections, with spring being the busiest time of year due to heart worm.

The hospital stands out in the community with its unique diagnostic department, Stapleton said.

"We uncover the problem and we give our clients answers, not just pills," Stapleton said.

Emergency clients are seen during business hours Monday through Saturday. Stapleton said her most serious case was a dog that had been struck by a train.

"It was gruesome, but we were able to stabilize him," Stapleton said.

Barrington resident Tanya Pierni has been visiting the hospital more frequently since her 10-year-old yellow lab, Duncan, was diagnosed with diabetes two months ago.

Pierni said the staff has been friendly and helped her overcome her fear of giving Duncan his daily insulin injections.

Dennis Ricky, of Palatine, called to schedule a Tuesday afternoon appointment for his 1-year-old Golden Doodle, Riley, and was seen 15 minutes later. Riley had a rash in his rear leg, Ricky said.

Having visited the hospital about six times now, Ricky said the professional staff and quick service keep him coming back.

An anniversary celebration June 14 drew about 400 people to the hospital, Stapleton said, noting the amount of clients the practice has gained over the years.

Barrington Animal Hospital founder Dr. Albert Gieske (1877-1951) opened the practice in his home, at 312 Grove Ave. in Barrington in 1906. About 28 years later, in 1934, Gieske built the hospital on Northwest Highway where it stands today. Various managers led the practice after Gieske's retirement before two doctors bought out the practice, each in 1945 and 1957. Stapleton took over and eventually remodeled the building in 2004.

Duke, who will take ownership of the practice within the next five years, said she most enjoys helping community members build better relationships with their animals.

Stapleton said she looks forward to retirement because she knows the hospital will never become corporate.

"We can just be ourselves," Stapleton said. "We treat a wide ranges of cases instead of being specialized and it's more fun that way."