San Benito Lifestyle

Local veterinarian hangs up stethoscope after 29 years in Hollister

From treating pet mice to handling Great Danes, Jerry Leroux has seen a lot in nearly 50 years of practicing veterinary medicine.
Staff at the San Benito Veterinary Center, formerly called the Hollister Veterinary Clinic. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.
Staff at the San Benito Veterinary Center, formerly called the Hollister Veterinary Clinic. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

After more than 29 years practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Jerry Leroux has sold his Hollister Veterinary Clinic to fellow vets Lindsey and Arthur Sanders. Though the name of the clinic has changed to San Benito Veterinary Center, the Sanders family plans to carry on Leroux’s close relationships with patients and their owners.

Veterinarian Jerry Leroux enjoying his retirement cake. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.
Veterinarian Jerry Leroux enjoying his retirement cake. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

“I have treated many different kinds of animals over the years,” Leroux said. “Cats, dogs as large as Great Danes, tortoises. I even had a little girl bring me her pet mouse with a fractured femur.” When asked how he treated the mouse, he said, “I splinted it with a paper clip and it worked, the mouse lived for a couple of years after that.”

Mona Holguin with a patient. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.
Mona Holguin with a patient. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

Leroux officially retired on Nov. 13 after almost 50 years in medicine, the last 29 at Hollister Veterinary Clinic.

“He has been taking care of our cats for a long time,” said Hollister resident Meg Groeling. “We have been bringing our pets here for over 20 years and they have always done everything they possibly can for them.” 

The Sanders family now operates San Benito Veterinary Center seven days a week and has added veterinarian Mary Ruth to the weekend care team. Lindsey Sanders told BenitoLink that she and her husband are excited about their new practice and hope to keep the same trusting relationships Leroux had with clients. 

Veterinarian MaryRuth. Photo courtesy of Bree Koehler.
Veterinarian Mary Ruth. Photo courtesy of Bree Koehler.

Melissa Casillas of rescue group Cat Crew of San Benito County said they will be working with the new vets and are happy to have local care for animals in need.

Cat Crew kittens. Photo courtesy of Bree Koehler.
Cat Crew kittens. Photo courtesy of Bree Koehler.

“We rescued over 300 animals this year,” she said. “We have to drive to Salinas on Saturdays and Sundays, and it is wonderful that we don’t have to do that now. In rescue, minutes count.”

Clinic Staff Manager Bree Koehler said she will miss Leroux, but that he is leaving his practice in good hands. She said the Sanders are “amazing” and looks forward to continuing to provide good veterinary care.

Leroux will miss the work, the clients, and the patients, but after decades in veterinary medicine, he said, “It is time.”

 

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Carmel de Bertaut

Carmel has a BA in Natural Sciences/Biodiversity Stewardship from San Jose State University and an AA in Communications Studies from West Valley Community College. She reports on science and the environment, arts and human interest pieces. Carmel has worked in the ecological and communication fields and is an avid creative writer and hiker. She has been reporting for BenitoLink since May, 2018 and covers Science and the Environment and Arts and Culture.