John W. Whitefield DVM, a 1965 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University began his veterinary career in North Conway, New Hampshire, but soon found his home in the Hudson Valley of New York State. During his career, John received many awards. In 1993, his devotion and competence as a veterinarian earned John the American Animal Hospital Association's Outstanding Practitioner of the Year Award in the North East.

John owned and operated the Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group for more than 30 years. During those years he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues not only for his surgical skill, but also for his integrity and unparalleled willingness to share his expertise. His work ethic was legendary and his reputation grew. John's staff marveled how, after a 90 hour work week, his temper never rose and his smile rarely left him, and admired how he was always wiling to take one more call or see one more pet. Before long John needed to leave the general medical part of the practice to his associate veterinarians so he could devote his time to the thriving surgical referral practice he developed. Soon the practice outgrew the two facilities from which it was operating and for many years, John dreamed of building a new hospital. Finally, in 2003, at an age when most people seek to retire, John purchased another property and began building an 11,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital that now stands as a testament to his dedication and hard work.

On the night of August 13, 2004 while gravely ill, John felt a deep satisfaction when he finally saw his dream hospital open and operating, and housing his work family. Sadly, this would be the first and only time he would see it. He died August 20, 2004. For those who had worked with John, many for over 20 years, it was painful to think that he would never enjoy working there. But, for John, it was enough for him to provide a "home" for his family and to enjoy the fulfilling feeling that the last piece of his life's puzzle was finally put in place.