Old Hatchie Veterinary Clinic Celebrates 70 Years and a Retirement
Old Hatchie Veterinary Clinic celebrated in a big way on Saturday, August 26, 2023, as the clinic recognized 70 years of veterinary service in Hardeman County and the retirement of Dr. Jerry V. Wilhite. From the moment the doors opened at 1 p.m., when the celebration began, a steady flow of family, friends, and owners of pets Dr. Wilhite has served over the years, continuously entered through the door, and were graciously greeted by his wife, Carla, with handshakes and hugs.
It did not take long for the Dr. R.E. Wilhite Exhibit Building to fill with well-wishers making the event a true celebration. The Wilhite family has been synonymous with veterinary care since 1953 when Old Hatchie Veterinary Clinic was founded by Dr. Richard English Wilhite, Hardeman County’s first veterinarian. His sons, Jerry and Frank, have continued the family business, and this past July Frank’s daughter, Whitney Wilhite Jones, joined the clinic as an on staff associate veterinarian.
“It has been awesome to come back and learn from my Uncle Jerry and my dad, and Dr. Pulse. It seems like it is a big family. It is awesome to be the next generation. I love to teach people and I love what I do. I know it sounds cliché, but I love animals,” said Whitney who has wanted to be a veterinarian, just like her dad, since she was five years old. “My Nana always says that when I came home from kindergarten, I always said I was going to Auburn University and be a vet like my dad, and here I am. I went to Auburn University, and I am a vet.”
Whitney continued sharing that she only questioned her career path one time and that did not last long after she went on a call with her father “in the middle of nowhere” to deliver a calf that was not breathing when it was born.
“He (her dad) helped resuscitate it by doing CPR, nose to mouth, on the cow,” said Whitney who noted the calf survived. “I just broke down in tears and knew this is what I wanted to do. I want to be the person who saves animals just like him.”
Whitney continues the Wilhite legacy as Jerry retires after 40 years as a veterinarian.
“I think it is great and wonderful,” said Jerry about Whitney joining the clinic. “It has made it easier for me to step aside.”
Whitney sees a lot of potential for the clinic and several ways as to how it can continue to best serve the community. She is hoping the clinic expands and that a few more veterinarians are added.
“I am really hoping we expand some and bring on a couple more veterinarians to continue to serve like we have over the years. Hardeman County is a big area, and we have a lot of clients. I think another doctor or two in the clinic will help serve the demand, because there is a large demand here.” said Whitney who also attributes the success of the clinic to the staff and community. “We wouldn’t be anywhere without our staff, and without people continuing to bring their animals to us and supporting us.”
Dr. Jerry V. Wilhite already has plans for retirement that include spending time with his grandchildren and working on his farm. He and Carla are both looking forward to traveling and already have an upcoming trip planned. Dr. Jerry V. Wilhite is leaving the clinic in good hands with three staff veterinarians, Dr. Frank L. Wilhite, Dr. Kerry D. Pulse, and Dr. Whitney L. Wilhite Jones, and a supportive staff.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
