Member Spotlights CLIENT’S UNUSUAL RECOGNITION OF FVMA MEMBER
A 10-YEAR TRADITION IN SEBRING
DrS. Larry & Bill Jernigan
Dr. William Lawrence “Larry” Jernigan A grateful client in Sebring, Florida displays her satisfaction and thanks to her veterinarian in a novel way. She has set aside a special day each year to publicly honor her veterinarian for the care he and his colleagues provide to her pets and countless others in her community. It’s now established tradition in Sebring for Theresa Daisey to hold “Jernigan Day” in honor of Dr. Larry Jernigan, who she first visited with her pet in 2003. The last “Jernigan Day” was December 16, held for the tenth time since the first celebration, which was called “Dr. Larry Jernigan Day,” back in 2005. Sebring is a city in Highlands County, Florida, and Theresa Daisey has been resident there for fourteen years. Sebring is also home to Sebring Animal Hospital, operated by Dr. Larry Jernigan, his father, William H. Jernigan, DVM, who was its original owner, and a staff of 18. Dr. Larry Jernigan has practiced veterinary medicine for 33 years, while his dad, William, has practiced for 52 years. They have both been members of the FVMA since beginning their careers in veterinary medicine, in 1982 and 1963 respectively. Theresa Daisey brought three dogs with her in 2003 when she relocated from Placid Lakes, New York to Highlands County. Looking to get the best care possible for her beloved animals, she looked, and settled on Sebring Animal Hospital due to the excellent service provided to her pets. She is reported as saying that she has received the best care from Sebring Animal Hospital, and it was an easy decision for her to hold 4 | FVMA ADVOCATE
Dr. William H. Jernigan the special day of recognition “out of appreciation.” On “Jernigan Day” in 2015, she brought along a flag she got specially made for the occasion in 2014, catered sandwiches and snacks, and enough Italian dishes prepared in her own kitchen to feed the entire staff. The Flag, emblazoned with the words “Today is Jernigan Day” and decorated with pictures of her pets that have been cared for by Dr. Larry Jernigan and his staff, was there for the first time on “Jernigan Day” in 2014. It was there again on December 16. Dr. Larry Jernigan is a 5th generation Floridian and native of Sebring, Florida. He attended the University of Florida as a plant science