From 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. on May 31, cars and pickups were pulling off Highway 2 just west of Zurich, keeping traffic busy at 41270 US-2. This is the new location of Aiton Veterinary Service, where Owners Larissa and Brock Aiton held their open house last Friday.
Curious people from Turner, Chinook, Harlem, Zurich, and other surrounding communities converged on the location to see all of the renovations that the old Spa Bar building had undergone, transforming it into an animal hospital. Food and drinks were sponsored by Merck, a research-driven animal health company that develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of veterinary medicines and services.
Besides coolers of water and soda pop, meat and cheese trays, nacho cheese dip and chips, cocktail smokies in barbecue sauce, and a variety of cookies were available for visitors. Flowers, balloons, and party favors added to the festive atmosphere. These included coffee mugs printed with Aiton Veterinary Service and filled with candy, a pen, and a business card.
Vet Tech Jennifer Skoyen gave tours, taking groups through the facility's surgery room, x-ray and lab room, kennel room, large animal surgery space, storage area, living quarters for potential interns, veterinarian's office, and two examination rooms-one for cats, another for dogs. People visited and reminisced in the large waiting and reception room, recalling the building's history and telling stories. They also signed up for three different prize drawings: two pet medical services and a soft-sided cooler filled with a medley of items.
On a day-to-day basis, along with Dr. Aiton, Skoyen will work at the facility, and Zeena Mooney will serve as the receptionist. Aiton's wife, Larissa will keep the books and perform payroll services for the business.
The Aitons expressed pleasure at the project's completion, thanking Sam Aiton, Brock's father, for his vision and talent in redesigning the building. The couple looks forward to serving the Hi-Line communities in the years to come.