A Half-Century of Pet Care

On Saturday, clients new and old helped celebrate 50 years of serving pets and people in Farmington.

Plaza got its start in 1961, when Dr. John Richardson opened the practice at its current location on Mooney Street, north of Grand River Ave. He lived in the house next door with his young family.

“Farmington really accepted us,” Richardson said with a smile. He and wife Shirley raised their three children in Farmington and both were active in city politics. He served as a city council member and mayor during the 1970s; she served as council member and mayor in the 1990s.

In the early days of his practice, Richardson said, business was slow and he spent time caring for a flock of sheep near 13 mile and Halsted. He also worked on cattle in Lapeer, testing them for tuberculosis. Business picked up as the area grew, and the family's home on the lot next to Plaza was converted to a pet store. The combination veterinary clinic and pet store was known as the Farmington Pet Complex.

Farmington resident Margaret Jenks has brought her pets to Plaza Veterinary since 1962. Richardson cared for her cats and six shelties through the five decades he practiced. Jenks described Richardson as not only her veterinarian, but a neighbor and friend.

In 1979, Dr. David Carron joined Richardson’s expanding practice. A graduate of Michigan State University and a past president of the Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Carron’s enthusiasm for his four-legged patients is evident.

“We love what we do. It is challenging, pets don’t talk to us, but that is what makes life interesting,”  Carron said.

In 1997, Carron purchased the practice from Richardson, who continued working at Plaza until his retirement in 2004. Dr. Christian Ast and Dr. Tracey Adams, both graduates of the Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine, have since joined the staff.

State Rep. Vicki Barnett, also a Plaza client, was on hand Saturday to present Richardson with a special tribute, which she and State Sen. Vincent Gregory signed.

Plaza’s staff of more than 25, including veterinary techs, groomers and kennel staff, look forward to many more years of service to their four-legged and two-legged clients. Nearly half of Plaza Vet’s staff have been with the practice for 10 years or more.

“We are thankful and grateful to our wonderful clients who have trusted us with their pets for fifty years," Carron said.

For more information visit, plazavet.net