Members of Morgan Animal Hospital’s staff, from left, are Amanda Walker, technician; Paige Breland, receptionist; Chuck Gill, DVM; and Casey Gill, office manager. Not pictured is technician intern Morgan Ward. | Clif Knight

Hartselle native Chuck Gill, DVM couldn’t be happier about his current state of affairs. He’s back at home with his wife Casey and their two-year-old son, Tripp, and building a practice in small animal veterinary medicine.

Gill opened Morgan Animal Hospital at 1887 Hwy. 31 NW (former location of Oliver Printing Co.) July 30. Previously, he was an associate with two established veterinarians in Sheffield for two years.

“I learned a lot from both of them,” Gill said “but I looked forward to returning home and opening my own business.

“This location fits our needs,” he pointed out. “We’re in a high traffic zone and are the only animal hospital on this side of town.”

“We offer high quality medications and up-to-date procedures for dogs and cats,” he added. “Our focus is on education and customer service.”

Gill is assisted by a staff of four. His wife is the office manager, Paige Breland is the receptionist, Amanda Walker is a technician and Morgan Ward is a technician intern.

A 1999 graduate of Hartselle High School, Gill received a B.S. degree in economics from UNA and a DVM degree from Auburn University.

“I didn’t realize I wanted to become a veterinarian until after I graduated from UNA,” Gill stated. “I was challenged by many science courses in the School of Veterinary Medicine. That’s when I realized that my high school teachers did a good job of preparing me for what I would face in college.”

Gill said he has been impressed by the warm welcome his family and business have received from the chamber of commerce, business owners and the community as a whole.

“It feels good to be back home and have the opportunity to renew acquaintances and friendships with the folks I knew and respected when I left home for college,” he said.

Business hours for the Morgan Animal Hospital are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Emergency calls are accepted after hours.

Veterinarian Chuck Gill performs a dental procedure on Buster, Elizabeth McCutcheon’s rescue dog. | Clif Knight