Dr. Robert Reese Sr.

PHOTO PROVIDED
Dr. Robert Reese Sr. checking on one of his many furry patients.

LOCK HAVEN –In a career spanning more than 60 years in veterinary service, Dr. Robert Reese Sr. of Pine Creek Veterinary Associates has seen and cared for creatures great and small–from cats, dogs and dairy cows, to horses, pigs, sheep and more.

On Wednesday, June 12, Pine Creek Veterinary Associates, 2161 Woodward Ave., Lock Haven, will host an open house celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. to honor the accomplishments and achievements of Dr. Reese, who is now 86 years young and still enjoys working part-time at the clinic.

In June of 1959, Reese Sr. graduated from veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania and began his practice in Lock Haven. Born in Factoryville, Pa., he fell in love with the beauty of the Lock Haven area.

“As I was travelling to Penn State, I noticed a beautiful farm along the Island Road,” Reese said. He eventually bought the farm and still lives there today with his wife, Sandy. Together they have five dogs, too many cats to count, and raise quarter horses-many of which have gone on to earn national and world championships. “The animals keep me busy, but I enjoy it,” said Reese.

When he first came to Lock Haven, Reese Sr. was mostly working with dairy animals. “I have always appreciated farmers and enjoyed working with them,” he said, adding, “I like the people. They know we take good care of their animals.” After sixty years in practice, Reese has built many strong relationships with the people and animals in the community.

The building that is now the Clinton County SPCA, 33 Mill Hill Rd., Lock Haven, was his home at the time. He practiced small animal veterinary medicine out of his house and made farm calls.

“At the time veterinary medicine was much different,” Reese said. “There were not a lot of veterinarians who handled small animals only, and there were no specialists.” Over time veterinary medicine has changed significantly, with an increasing number of canine and feline patients. By 1974, Reese Sr.’s practice had outgrown his home.

“The animal hospital was built in 1974 because the small animal practice just kept getting bigger and bigger,” the elder Reese said. Not only were the patients changing, the medical advances were significant. Susque Valley Animal Hospital now known as Pine Creek Veterinary Associates became the first small animal veterinary hospital in the area. When Reese Sr. first entered the field of medicine, veterinary practitioners did not have access to blood work, nor x-rays. Technology and medical advances have come leaps and bounds. Currently, Pine Creek Veterinary Associates has an in-house laboratory, digital x-rays, ultrasound, laser surgery, laser therapy, and chiropractic capabilities on site.

There are now three veterinarians at the Pine Creek location, with Dr. Robert Reese Jr. who now operates the family business. “My son graduated from veterinary school in 1990 and now I work for him,” the elder Reese said with a laugh. There are two full-time doctors, Dr. Patrick Dubbs and Dr. Reese Jr. who provide care to the area’s furry family members six days a week.

In addition to practicing at Pine Creek Veterinary Associates, Dr. Reese also works two days per week at the Clinton County SPCA, treating and vaccinating stray animals. Reese shared that the Clinton County SPCA currently has over 40 cats-all in need of adoption, as well as donations to cover their care. “It costs a lot to keep the animals, but they receive really good care, and that’s what matters,” Reese stated.

After 60 years in practice and a career that has come full circle-starting his clinic at what is now the SPCA and today, treating the community’s animals with the greatest need, Reese continues to do what he loves and has no intention of slowing down. Because, for him, veterinary medicine is more than a career. It’s a way of life.

For more information on the Pine Creek Veterinary Associates visit pinecreekvets.com or call 570-769-6088.

Their regular business hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and closed on Sunday.