Three Generations of Vets Keep Downers Grove Pets Healthy

Downers Grove residents may disagree on politics, social services, parenting and sports teams—but we tend to reach consensus when it comes to our pets. We love our dogs, cats, birds and gerbils unconditionally; they’re members of our families.

Although the economy has tanked and people have largely cut back, pets and their needs are viewed as necessities rather than luxuries. And they still receive the love, care and doting they deserve.

It’s evident—in a town that has successful businesses including pet boutiques, doggie daycare and animal chiropractics—that our pets truly matter. Thankfully, the community has what is likely the oldest local family owned business to entrust with the care of our precious pets. Downers Grove Animal Hospital & Bird Clinic, currently run by the second and third generations of Drs. Merkin, has been a caring and healing presence in the community for 65 years.

DG Animal Hospital was founded in 1946 by Dr. Victor Merkin, who grew up in New York City. Shortly after graduating from college, Dr. Victor was drafted and stationed in Anchorage, AK, where he was in charge of caring for the Army’s sled dogs. At the end of the war, Dr. Victor decided to come to Chicago, ending up in Downers Grove and purchasing the land on which the animal hospital still stands.

The practice, for many years, focused predominantly on large animals. “When he started the practice, this was primarily farm country," said Dr. Robert (Dr. Bob) Merkin, Dr. Victor's son. "Downers Grove, Hinsdale, other small communities: they were farm country. People did not take a dog to the vet unless it was dying.” 

As homes were increasingly built in the area, household pets became more common and the animal hospital shifted its focus accordingly. Dr. Bob, and subsequently his own sons, Dr. Graham and Dr. Max, spent much of their childhoods helping out at the DG Animal Hospital.

“When I was a small child, I rode along on farm calls and was expected to help my parents with chores around the hospital,” Dr. Bob said. “Like me, both of my sons helped out. They hung around and started employment as kennel and janitor staff members long before becoming teenagers.”

Dr. Bob bought the practice from his father in 1979. Dr. Victor practiced for 33 years, Dr. Robert is on his 36th year, Dr. Graham is on his 12th year, and Dr. Max on his second. That adds up to more than 80 years of veterinary medicine in the Merkin family.

 “I started working here when I was a kid, same as my dad," Dr. Graham said. "I’ve done every job here. I’ve worked the front desk, surgery as a tech I’ve plowed the lot and mowed the grass.”

The decision for the Merkin sons to follow in Dr. Victor’s professional footsteps was relatively easy. Dr. Bob was briefly torn between wanting to work on cars and wanting to care for animals. He was told that studying veterinary medicine was one method of securing deferment for the draft during the Viet Nam War, and so enrolled at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Dr. Bob believes it would have been his ultimate choice regardless of the deferment. “The education is different than any other education in the world. It requires you to know anatomy, physiology and infectious diseases for a tremendous spectrum of different animals,” he said.

Dr. Graham recalled that he always knew that he wanted to be a doctor, and the diversity of veterinary medicine appealed to him. “I could be a neurologist one day, and treat a parrot the next,” Dr. Graham said. 

Downers Grove Animal Hospital’s practice has grown significantly through its history, with multiple building additions and renovations on the original site at 635 Ogden Ave. At least one of the hospital's customers has been with it since it opened.

“She’s always had a dog, and always come to us,” Dr. Bob said.  The practice also has many second and third generations of families who have been loyal customers. In addition to veterinary care, the animal hospital also offers grooming, boarding and training services. Many employees have worked there for 15 to 20 years.

The practice is always changing because of the dramatic advances in veterinary care, " Dr. Bob said. “That’s one of the things that’s so great about this profession. There’s a constant continued effort to further our education and keep up with advances. There are ultrasounds, digital radiology, CT scans, MRI’s, it’s endless, the advances in technology."

Because of the medical advancements and efficacy of vaccinations, “I see increased longevity,” he said. “Animals are living longer and healthier lives.”

Part of the appeal of a veterinary practice is the constant change. They have no idea what to expect when they enter the doors each day, Dr. Bob said. “There is not a typical day.”

He cited a day during which there was only one appointment scheduled. “We thought it would be slow. But all day we ran around like crazy, with animals coming in with injuries, needing x-rays and lab work.  It’s rarely boring with nothing to do.

While veterinary medicine is not recession-proof, Dr. Graham said most people in this area will continue to seek care for their pets despite financial woes. “We might see people three months late on their appointment, or we may see someone that wants to skip a test and treat for what’s most likely. But people in this community, for the most part, want to take care of their animals, and often will sacrifice a lot to do it.”

“People love their pets," he said. "Back when my grandfather practiced, pets weren’t considered to be family members like they are now. But in my practice life, that’s the way it’s always been.” 

Dr. Bob concurred. “The majority, the vast majority of our customers look at their pets as members of their families. They want to provide them with the longest life and healthiest life possible.”

Columnist’s note: My own dogs are patients of Downers Grove Animal Hospital.  Shaggy, my sweet and lovable wheaten mutt, suffers—and I do mean suffers—from seasonal allergies. During the summer months, he tends to chew on his nether regions—partly because of the itch, and partly because, well, because he can.

The first time I took him to Dr. Bob, he prescribed an ointment that I was to apply three times daily. I half think he told me to do so, just to see if I actually would. Which I did. I bought rubber gloves, and when I donned them faithfully three times daily to rub in the ointment, Shaggy would roll over on his back and yell, “I’m ready!!!”  I swear I saw him light up a cigarette afterwards once. 

When I took Shag back after three weeks of ointment applications, Dr. Bob said, “Continue that for one more week.”  I’m sure I only imagined his guffaw when I agreed.  

I know with complete certainty that Shaggy is now completely loyal to me. I am his girl and he loves me. A lot. The funniest is that to this day, when I put on rubber gloves to do housework, Shag smiles in anticipation and rolls over onto his back.