Gloucester Veterinary Hospital, Ltd., located on Route 17 south of Burleigh Road, held a 50th anniversary celebration last Wednesday afternoon. Present and former staff greeted many residents who stopped by to enjoy refreshments and drawings that were held for prizes.

Dr. David E. Birdsall started the practice and was joined several months later by his brother, Dr. Alton Gilbert Birdsall; they are both retired. Dr. Robert H. George joined the practice in 1973 and still works there part-time.

Gloucester Veterinary relocated to its current site in 1979. The present partners in the practice are Drs. Jacque Schuder, Samantha Stinson, Amy D. Perkins and Giniaro Ortiz. All work there full-time and are assisted by a staff of 20.

Alton “Gil” Birdsall said their present building has 5,400 square feet, much larger than its former quarters. The practice treats pets from throughout the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck, Peninsula and even some from South Hampton Hampton, David Birdsal...