Sharon Welcomes New Veterinarian

Sharon's new veterinarian has come here for reasons many people will find familiar.

Dr. Gerald Eichinger says he has family in the region. In addition, "I lived 15 years in Manhattan, and I used to come up in the summer and vacation in Rhode Island. So I liked the area."

Eichinger assumed ownership of the Sharon Veterinary Clinic on South Main Street on Feb. 29. He took over the practice from , who founded it roughly 40 years ago. Segall has retired.

Eichinger says he has practiced small animal medicine and surgery for 30 years, the last 10 in Los Angeles, Calif.

"The opportunity arose. It seemed like an extraordinary opportunity," Eichinger says of moving to Sharon.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to make. Good location. Good practice. Had a strong reputation in the community."

The Sharon community met Eichinger at an open house he hosted Sunday.

Eichinger says his childhood in Iowa inspired him to become a veterinarian.

"I've always loved animals, even when I was very young," he says.

"There was a large animal vet who started a practice down the street from where I lived. So I had a chance to work with him. It was a great opportunity, and a lot of fun."