Submitted
Jeannie, Connor and William Bystrom celebrate
Connor's graduation.
If there's a special place in heaven for those of us who love and care for animals, then veterinarians will be first in line at the pearly gates. And it's equally special when caring for those animals becomes a generational legacy.
The Island Animal Clinic was purchased by Dr. William Bystrom in 1989 from retiring Dr. Henry Stevens. Prior to owning the Island Animal Clinic, Bystrom started the Palma Sola Animal Clinic at 6116 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton in 1984. He currently offers veterinary services in both locations.
Although Bystrom is not native to Anna Maria Island, coming from Nebraska, he found his way to Florida via Pass-a-Grille where his grandparents had a home. After receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1979 from the University of Missouri, he worked for the Animal Medical Hospital and Animal Emergency Hospital in St. Petersburg for five years. He was introduced to Anna Maria by his godfather who lived there and decided this was the place for him.
Bystrom's wife, Jeannie Holmes Bystrom, was born and raised in Holmes Beach. They have three sons Logan, Connor and Trevor, all of whom live on Anna Maria. Connor is the newest Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the Bystrom family, graduating two weeks ago and starting work in his father's practice this week.
Connor attended St. George's University in Grenada and Auburn University and graduated in the top 20 percent of his class. While in school, he worked at both of his father's animal clinics, as well as observing surgeries at the Sarasota Veterinary Hospital. He's glad to be home and excited to get started helping the community's animal population.
The Island Animal Clinic, which is the only veterinary clinic on Anna Maria Island, offers a wide range of veterinary services including annual check-ups, surgery, dentistry, boarding, day boarding, micro-chipping, grooming, and pet supplies. It now has three full time veterinary doctors, Bystrom, Dr. Ashley Gardner and the newly minted Dr. Connor Bystrom, as well as Dr. Emily Murphy, who will continue on a part time basis. In addition, Bystrom has a large staff of over 15 people to help run the two locations. All doctors will cover both locations, enabling them to have more flexibility both on the island and in Bradenton, as well as the ability to add new patients.
Bystrom has been an active member of the Anna Maria community serving on the board of directors for the community center and Little League, as well as working for over 20 years with the Southeast Guide Dog organization. Both he and his wife are active in "Don't Cut The Line" seabird rescue, a particular passion of Jeannies. Weekly you'll find them cruising up to the Skyway Bridge in search of pelicans and other seabirds in danger. They also have recruited volunteers to monitor the birds in the rookeries by the Cortez Kitchen and at the north end of Anna Maria.
Needless to say, Jeannie and Bill Bystrom are over the top proud of their son's hard work and accomplishments. The addition of Connor to the staff will mean less wait time for your furry friends, and like the sign in Bystrom's Palma Sola Clinic says, "Doctor will be with you in a minute, sit-stay" only now the sit-stay will be shorter.
ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC
5343 Gulf Drive, Suite 900, Holmes Beach
941-778-2445
www.Islandanimalclinic.com
islandanimalclinic@gmail.com
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday – Closed
MasterCard, Visa, Discover accepted