Our Story

The Bethany Story

Berni and Russell Schelkopf grew up in rural Nebraska and began their life together while Russell pursued his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. He graduated in 1958, and shortly afterward, the couple moved to Elburn, Illinois. In 1959, they purchased Haxby Veterinary Clinic on Route 64 in Sycamore, marking the beginning of what would become a multigenerational family veterinary practice.

From 1959 through 1979, the practice operated as Schelkopf Veterinary Clinic on Route 64. In 1978, Russell and Berni’s son, Michael, earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. He and his veterinary school classmate and future wife, Deborah, joined the family practice soon after. In 1979, they relocated the clinic to its current location on Bethany Road and renamed it Bethany Animal Hospital. Michael’s brother, Charlie, joined the practice as a veterinarian in 1981.



In those early years at Bethany, the practice cared for both companion animals and livestock. Deborah focused primarily on companion animal medicine, while Mike and Charlie cared largely for the area’s livestock. Through the hard work, dedication, and commitment of Berni, Russell, Mike, Charlie, and Deborah, Bethany grew from a small family veterinary practice into the trusted community cornerstone it is today.

That same spirit of dedication has continued through the generations, not only within the Schelkopf family but among the many employees who have devoted years of their careers to Bethany. Some of Bethany’s longest-serving current team members include Dawn Felix, who has been with the practice for 60 years; Dr. Carlos Dominguez, 26 years; Dr. LeAnn Gruber, 25 years; Erin Murphy, 25 years; and Jodie Jeskie, 18 years. Their longevity reflects the strong sense of family, community, and commitment that has been at the heart of Bethany Animal Hospital since its beginnings.