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Assistant Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD For East Springfield Veterinary Clinic's owners, staff, and clients, its recent renovations were more than just physical improvements. They represented a renewed commitment to continue what has taken place there for over 20 years, and to do it in the neighborhood that has welcomed them during that time. The clinic is where many have gone, since 1980, to make sure their family pets had the best care. Until 1998, that care was provided by Dr. Richard Hersman. When Hersman died that year after a battle with leukemia, his grown children were faced with a difficult decision. His daughter, Amy Hersman, was working in the insurance industry. His son, Andrew Hersman, was an environmental engineer. Neither of them lived in the greater Springfield area. They were moved by the number of people who admired their father and who were saddened by his death -- many longtime veterinary clients and friends. "He had 20 years of building relationships with people," Amy said. Hersman's estate left his three veterinary clinics to them: the original clinic, East Springfield Veterinary Clinic; one in Chicopee; and another in Hampden. Amy explained that she and her brother decided to combine the Chicopee Clinic with East Springfield Veterinary Clinic since they were only two miles apart, and to sell the Hampden clinic. "I was running the estate anyway, and I realized this was an opportunity to run our own business and carry on our father's legacy," Amy explained. Carrying on his legacy also meant that Andrew would make a career change and become a veterinarian as well. "My father always wanted me to be a vet, but I wanted to do my own thing," he said. Several years later, he said he realized what a special career it is. Andrew said it was after his father's death in 1998 when he told himself, "If I'm going to make a change, I'm going to do it now." He attended veterinary school at Tufts University and served his internship in medicine and surgery at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. While he was away studying, back at East Springfield Veterinary Clinic Amy told the many longtime clients who stayed on despite the loss of their father, "There will be another Dr. Hersman here someday." And someday turned out to be last August, when Dr. Andrew Hersman joined the other doctors and staff at East Springfield Veterinary Clinic. The Hersmans said they are still surprised by the support they receive from long-time clients. "I'm constantly amazed at how loyal they are -- that they hung on," Amy said. She added that the East Springfield Neighborhood Council has also been very supportive in their decision to stay and renovate. "I would have had a hard time walking away from this location," Amy added. In addition to many loyal clients and staff, Dr. Hersman said the clinic has also seen several new clients who drive in from East Longmeadow and Longmeadow. "It's right off the highway [Rte. 291], so it's convenient," he said. With expanded hours and a complete renovation that took place between January and March, they also have the capacity to accept new clients and provide more services, he said. Just a few of the improvements include a larger reception area, larger exam rooms with sinks, a surgery suite, a complete range of oral health treatments, and ultrasound. East Springfield Veterinary Clinic is located at 525 Page Boulevard in Springfield and may be contacted by phone at 739-6389. | ||||||
