Coming home to Troy was always in the back of Steve Barron’s mind.

Although he was doing what he loved, he was on the road far too often. He wanted to have more time to spend with his family.

“I wanted a life,” Dr. Steve Barron, said with a smile.

Barron is a veterinarian and became a partner with Dr. Robert Hawkins at Troy Animal Clinic in October. The clinic was started by Hawkins’ dad, Dr. Doug Hawkins, and Barron said he is fortunate to be able to work at an animal clinic with such an outstanding reputation.

“This opportunity was a Godsend,” Barron said. “I was born and raised in Troy. I went to Charles Henderson High School and Troy University and then Auburn. I worked in Troy with large animals for five years and in Enterprise for five years and Montgomery for three years.

“I truly love veterinary medicine and I love Troy. This is where I wanted to raise my family. This is where I wanted to live and to practice veterinary medicine. We lived in Troy but it seemed like I was always on the road.”

Barron said he believes everything happens for a reason.

“I was in Enterprise and Montgomery for a reason,” he said. “The eight and a half years I spent there enabled me to sharpen my skills in veterinary medicine and to learn about small animals and about people. But I was on the road back and forth all the time. Like I said, I wanted a life. It was a long time coming but this opportunity came at the perfect time for me.”

Barron and Hawkins rotate their schedules, which allows them a day off each week.

Barron cherishes the time he has to spend with his family, his wife, Missy, and two sets of twins, Clay and Trevor, 11, and Luke and Alissa, 4.

“In my ‘free’ time, I enjoy playing ball with the kids, fishing, hunting, just anything outdoors with the family,” he said. “And, I enjoy being at work. I grew up on a farm and I’ve always loved animals, all sizes. I’ve had eight-plus years experience with small animals and love working with them. I couldn’t be happier than I am to work with Robert and Doug Hawkins. I’d seen a lot in the field of veterinary medicine and still have a lot to see. This is the best place for me to learn. This is a permanent move for sure.”

Barron said Troy Animal Clinic is an outstanding practice.

“This is a progressive practice that is on the cutting edge in veterinary medicine, in orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries and internal medicine,” he said. “This is the place that I want to be. It is a Godsend to be able to do what I love right here at home.”