The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Bonnie Johnson, The Quill Staff
Upon arrival at the Schar Vet Clinic, you can tell how much this professional team likes animals because of the three contented cats sitting in the windowsill watching people coming and going.
The afternoon of this interview, Dr. Schar had just put a small animal to sleep, not only affecting the owners but also Dr. Jon and wife Lorrie. The compassion these two people show is just overwhelming.
Dr. Jon Schar was born and raised in the Stronghurst/Olena area and is a graduate of Southern High School. Jon has been interested in animals all his life and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian when he watched Dr. Josephson work on the animals on his family farm.
After high school graduation, Jon went to Western Illinois University and then transferred to the University of Illinois to complete his veterinarian degree.
Upon graduation, he went to work at the Roseville Vet Clinic with the doctors whom he had always admired and who had such a great influence on his decision to become a veterinarian.
A young, attractive lady named Lorrie came to Stronghurst to work for the Farm Bureau of Henderson and Warren Counties. She had just graduated from the Iowa State University with a degree in Agriculture Business and Public Service Administration in Agriculture. With the help of "good friends", Lorrie and Jon became acquainted and began dating and eventually married.
They have two children, Spencer, who is 3 1/2 years old and Emma, who is 2 years old and these two young children keep both parents busy. This is one reason for building their new veterinary clinic close to home at the south edge of Olena. This gives both parents a chance to be close to their family.
Jon and Lorrie make a really good team and enjoy working together to aid in the health of the animals as well as help the owner understand the animal's need.
Jon says, "The veterinary business has changed greatly over the years. There are new procedures as well as medicines to treat the animals.
"We take continuing education courses to keep current with the changing technology and advancing science. People are compassionate towards their small pets and value the friendships of these animals; this is another factor that has made the veterinary clinic grow. When small animals become ill, they are brought in for treatment, as well as routine examinations. "
Dr. Schar works on large animals also, aiding farmers with maintaining health of their production farm animals. Area farmers know they can rely on Dr. Schar, whether to pull a calf, assist with routine herd health, reproductive services or just answer a question.
The Schars are grateful to their customers who have been so supportive of their business. The community has a lot to offer and they want it to continue to grow in order to keep the young people here. They enjoy the community and hope to be a part of it for many years to come.