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Since 1953, Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) facilities have provided a safe haven for pets to stay while they wait to be adopted into their forever homes. Continuing that vision is what brings HHS President JODIE ARQUILLA together with new Chair of the HHS Board of Directors and owner of Lane Veterinary DR. SARAH BAKER (DVM, MPH). “From a very young age, my personal passion has been my love of animals,” says Arquilla, who attended Hinsdale South High School and studied Communications at Western Illinois University. “My childhood home always had one or more family dogs, and instead of Show-Biz Pizza or the playground, my favorite outing with my dad was to see the newly hatched baby swans at the pond in his office complex.” Dr. Baker shares that passion for animals and loves getting to know people and their pets—bringing together both interests in her career as a veterinarian. “More recently I’ve also taken a larger role at the Hinsdale Humane Society,” explains Dr. Baker, who holds a B.S. in zoology, and an MPH and DVM from The Ohio State University. Her practice, Lane Veterinary, opened two years ago and already added a second location. “It’s wonderful to see the difference they make for animals in our community.” For Arquilla, taking the helm at HHS was a dream come true. “I feel immensely lucky, because not many people get the chance to truly do what they love,” she says.
What conversations are you passionate about bringing to the table?
Arquilla: Shelter pets aren’t broken! You can find any breed of dog and cat—purebred or mixed—that need a second chance. At Hinsdale Humane Society, we offer training in behavior and manners for our dogs, extensive enrichment for our cats, and we go the extra mile to ensure they’re medically healthy. We also offer post-adoption support to ensure a pet’s smooth transition to their new home.
What excites you most about the future of your industry?
Dr. Baker: I am hopeful about small businesses taking back a part of our market in the future. In recent years there were many sales to private equity in the veterinary community. I would love to see the pendulum swing back into the direction of small businesses. It means a lot to me as a woman business owner to be so supported by the Hinsdale community, and I hope to continue to grow in the Western Suburbs.
For more information about Hinsdale Humane Society, visit hinsdalehumanesociety.org. For more information about Lane Veterinary, visit lanevet.com. You may follow Hinsdale Humane Society on Facebook at Hinsdale Humane Society, on Instagram @hinsdalehumanesociety, and on TikTok @hinsdalehumanesociety. You may follow Lane Veterinary on Instagram @laneveterinary.
