Retirement Party for Herrin Animal Hospital, Dr. Louis A. Herrin, DVM – Bloomington, Illinois
Post by David – Cathy and David Photographers
I could say that there have been a lot of photographers out there that have influenced how Cathy and I run our business. We’ve had a ton of help from a lot of amazing people out there, who’ve been kind enough to offer their advice and share ideas. That said, there has been no influence on our business that even comes close to my step-dad and how he runs his veterinary hospital. Herrin Animal Hospital has been in business in Bloomington, Illinois for over 30 years and has served thousands of clients. Lou and my mom, Lori, have run this business with one business model: Clients are part of your family. Treat them like they are a family member, always do everything you can for them, always be understanding of issues that your clients have, no matter how big or small. Do these things and people will continue coming back to you and your business.
I’ve looked at the clinic as the basis of our business. Everything I do for our clients is because of the example that Lou has given me. I still remember seeing how happy people were to see my family at the clinic when they came in, not just because they knew their dogs and cats would be safe with Dr. Lou, but because they were genuinely excited and happy to see him. He was, and always will be their friend. People come up to him at restaurants and give him hugs, they wave to him when he’s driving one of his cars, and they send piles and piles of Christmas cards.
A few months before they were to retire, my mom decided to plan a surprise retirement party and put a small ad in the newspaper inviting all of their past and current clients. I gave a call to Terry Mautner out of Indianapolis to see if he could DJ the event (Terry has become a good friend since working Danielle and Lucas’ wedding because of the awesome job he did for them). So, the food was prepared and the event was set. The question was, would anyone come?
Boy did they. Over 300 people showed up that afternoon, all piling into the room we’d rented to await the arrival of Dr. Lou (who had been tricked into thinking he was attending a friend’s birthday party). As soon as he rounded the corner to enter the room, we all yelled in unison, tears already forming in our eyes, “Surprise!” A flood of people rushed at Lou, forming a line for the chance to congratulate him, coming with stories, tears, and hugs for him and my mom for taking such good care of their pets. Seeing these people, these ‘clients’, many of which I’ve known for years, it was honestly hard to tell them apart from the family members of mine that came. It was like seeing people from our family, far off relatives that I’d never met, that Mom and Lou had known for years. My goal in my business is to have that kind of relationship with our clients and peers. We do our best to extend the same kindness and love to everyone we meet, and it’s what we strive for.
Congratulations, Lou and Lori (Mom)! We are so excited that you guys can finally enjoy the freedom of retirement. We love you both and can never thank you enough for the example of love and kindness that you have given us.
That said, on with the photos.
DJ: Terry Mautner
Location: The DoubleTree, Bloomington
The Clinic: Herrin Animal Hospital – now Bortell Animal Hospital.
Some of the details.
My Aunt Barb and Uncle Mark trains seeing eye dogs. This is their current student.
This client made this quilt for the clinic by hand. It had lots of pictures from the clinic on it!
My Aunt Grace, Uncle Keith and Aunt Barb.
Luigi was a bit overwhelmed when he walked in, it was a surprise, and he had no idea how to react.
This room was COMPLETELY full. We think it may have been a fire hazard. Oh well!
It was too much for Lou.
My mom made it through her speech without crying too much, but Lou didn’t make it.
My sister recounting childhood memories.
Dr. Bortell, the new owner and Lou’s associate of more than 10 years, and his kids showing a poster they made for him.
This line for Lou, went around the outside hall, back through the room and all the way to the back.
Just so everyone knows, I have the cutest cousin on the planet. Sorry, you can’t top Jacob.
My favorite shot of the night of Mom and Lou as the event was coming to a close.
When we got home this pile of cards was waiting for us. This was HALF of them.
A special thank you again to Terry for playing some great music all night long, and to all of the clients who came to see my step-dad and mom and wish them luck in their retirement. On a side note, Luigi surprised Mom with a trip/cruise to Costa Rica for Christmas. I am so excited for them, but honestly, I just wish I could just go with them to take pictures.
Thanks for reading. – David.
Indianapolis Wedding Photographers | Cathy and David Photographers Blog | Wedding Availability Inquiries | Contact Us
show hide 15 comments
Dad - Wonderful photos and an incredibly well written article. Really enjoyed it. I’m sure Lou and Lori will enjoy their retirement as well.
Lori Herrin - Seriously….words cannot even begin to express all the emotions Lou and I had when reading the words and seeing the photos of Lou’s retirement party. Tears were shed once again.
You guys perfectly captured the essence of the day. I am just speechless and wish that I could put in words, that you guys seem to do to easily, just what this day meant to Lou and I and how happy we are that our son and daughter-in-law (C + D) are such fantastic photographers. You did this day PROUD! Thank you so much! Love you lots! Mom and Lou
Angi Davis - Totally sorry we missed this event, but we don’t get the paper, so we didn’t see the “invite.” However, reading the words here and seeing the photos, we feel like we were there! Many congratulations to Lou and Lori, and we hope to be walking through the doors at Bortell Animal Hospital for many, many years to come. :O)
Cathy Crawley - What a beautiful story! I had tears reading it and then looking at the photos. You are so good! Thanks for sharing David xxx
Brooke - Oh! I just love Lou from seeing these pics! Wonderful!
ashley folkema - Wow, how awesome and an incredible story!
Christine Mueller - Cathy and David : you really made your Mom proud today with all these pictures and words. (of course Lou too) there couldn’t have been a more deserving man to have been given such an honor. Isn’t FAMILY GREAT !!! Love you guys! Christi
Rob Hyatt - Top notch effort David, for two great people. My prayer for a long and happy retirement!
(Man am I jealous…)
Kayte Gildner - Lou – We are so thankful to have gotten so close to your family. You are an amazing vet, but overall, just an amazing person. We love you! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE RETIREMENT!!! Cathy and David – you all did an AMAZING job with the photos!
Bob and Joanne Hyatt - Joanne and I missed the party, but were honored by spending New Year’s Eve with Lou and Lori and our family…then visited their home on New Year’s Day, the first official day of their retirement. We cherish our infrequent visits with Lou and Lori and wish them a long and fulfilling retirement. I enjoy photography…when I see work of the level and quality of David and Cathy I feel like a blacksmith making a computer chip. We send our very best to Lou and Lori and all their family and many friends. Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Rachel Jacobus - What a wonderful experience you got to capture!
Larry & Denise Bee - Hello Lou and Lori,
Congratulation on your retirement!
-do you really ever retire? My Dad’s is retired and I need to take a number or wait my turn in line to see him and my Mom.
Seriously, I hope for the best as you start your new life!
(without clocking in).
It’s a new chapter of your life. Make it the best days.
Hope you even remember who I am. I’m Rob’s best friend. We went for a joy ride in your Ferrari.
Enjoyed knowing you for as little as I have. Rob always keeps me up to date with your going-ons. Good and bad. (Kidding)
Love you and God Bless.
Larry Bee
Kari and Tom Miller - We were so happy we were able to come to your party! What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man! I hope your retirement finds you out here in the great southwest we’d love to see you! So glad you are both part of our family. We love you guys, Kari, Tom, Dani, Zack, Jake and Sam.
AKEIATH AND GRACE METZGER - WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE PARTY FOR LOU!!! WITH THE MANY
PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE, IT WAS A GREAT TESTIMONEY OF HOW
MUCH LOU’S CLIENTS THOUGHT OF HIM. HE WILL BE GREATLY
MISSED BUT KNOW HE AND LORI WILL HAVE FUN, FUN, FUN
IN THEIR RETIREMENT YEARS. WE LOVE YOU BOTH!!
AUNT GRACE AND UNCLE KEITH
Jerry- Chicago Wedding Photographer - Great job capturing emotion!