In Oregon, Reid Veterinary Hospital in Albany is celebrating its 90th anniversary and stands out as the state's only fourth-generation veterinary hospital. Brothers Harrison and Sawyer Reid are now stepping up to lead the family business, a lineage that began with George Reid in 1934.

The hospital houses a display showcasing its rich history, including a vintage black and white photo of George Reid, alongside old glass syringes, medicine bottles, and a black leather medical bag bearing his name. These artifacts hark back to an era when veterinary medicine was a round-the-clock, on-call profession, with payments often made in chickens and other barter methods. Despite advancements in medical technology and practices, the essence of Reid Veterinary Hospital remains unchanged.

Harrison and Sawyer, succeeding their father Tim Reid and preceding generations, grew up immersed in the family business, starting with tasks like kennel cleaning. Memorable experiences include assisting their father with dog C-sections in the early hours, helping bring new life into the world.

They recall vividly the exhilarating experience of aiding in these surgeries, with Sawyer reminiscing about his eagerness to share these moments at school. This family legacy, spanning four generations, has never been a source of pressure for the brothers. Encouraged to pursue their interests, Harrison initially leaned towards human medicine but realized his true calling lay in veterinary care, a decision inspired by a leadership forum and his brother's passion.

Sawyer, too, found nothing as fulfilling as veterinary medicine. He regrets not being able to discuss the evolution of the field with past family members, particularly as significant advancements like the discovery of penicillin occurred after the practice's inception.

Reid Veterinary Hospital holds the distinction of being the longest-standing American Animal Hospital Association accredited hospital in Oregon and is unique in its multi-generational legacy, as acknowledged by the American Veterinary Medical History Society.

The Reids place great importance on maintaining private ownership to ensure high-quality patient care, a challenge in competing with corporate-owned clinics. However, Tim Reid believes their strength lies in their deep relationships with clients and patients.

Harrison and Sawyer are determined to keep the hospital privately owned, valuing the strong community bonds formed over 90 years. Many staff members have been part of the team for over a quarter of a century, contributing to these close-knit relationships.

Tim Reid, while passing the reins to his sons, plans to continue working as long as possible, driven by his love for the job. For Harrison and Sawyer, taking over the family practice is not just a duty but an honor, signifying the continuation of a cherished legacy.