History of Argay Cat Clinic
Dr. Henry Dykehouse and Jill Dykehouse
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Dr. Dykehouse attended Western Michigan University where he obtained a double major in Biology and Agriculture and was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in 1968.
Acting on his lifetime desire to become a veterinarian, he attended Michigan State University where he was honored to serve as president of his class and graduated with high honors with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree.
In 1976, he established the first practice devoted to the care of cats only in the state of Oregon. His special interests include dentistry, general surgery and geriatric medicine.
After practicing veterinary medicine for 53 years, it is with a mixture of sadness and joy that Dr. Dykehouse has announced his retirement on February 1, 2025.
Jill is an original founder of Argay Cat Clinic. As a child, she grew up on Plank Road Farm – a farm animal entertainment experience located in Wayland, Michigan. During that period, she had pet rabbits, a pet lamb, cats and many dogs.
Specializing in cat care exclusively since 1975, Jill graduated from Michigan State University’s veterinary program in 1974. Always focused on cat care, she was termed the “cat lady” even back then. The animal-human bond holds strong interest for her. She has adopted and fostered many kittens, cats, and dogs that owe their very lives to her. Her specialty is dental teeth cleaning and polishing. She is the first person to be called upon for help during difficult blood draws, especially on obese patients.
Her other interests are quilting and gardening. Jill lives with her husband Henry and their feral cat Bruiser. She just celebrated her 20th anniversary after surviving cancer and participates in the annual charitable Susan G. Komen for the Cure. After decades of devotion to the care of pets and their owners, Jill has announced her retirement from Argay Cat Clinic.
Argay Cat Clinic Changes Paws!
Tucked away in Argay Square, the Argay Cat Clinic has been a cherished part of the community since 1976 when it was established as the first feline clinic in Oregon. For 49 years, Dr. Henry Dykehouse and his wife Jill have provided expert and compassionate care to countless furry family members while supporting their human companions through moments of both joy and sorrow. With heartfelt gratitude for their decades of dedication, we announce their retirement and the sale of the practice. We warmly welcome Dr. Melinda Barkley as the new owner of Argay Cat Clinic and are grateful that the ever-cheerful and efficient vet assistants, Linnea and Yara, will continue to be part of the team.
– Parkrose Neighborhood Association
Morgan, Hospital Manager – Another Exhausting Day!
Morgan’s stellar career as “hospital manager,” and resident silver Persian, began when he came to us at about one year of age. He was severely injured when he was hit by a car. His pelvis was broken in numerous places, he had a paralyzed tail, and almost all of the skin of his back had lost its circulatory supply. When his hospitalization approached several weeks, and it became apparent his skin problems would require several months of care, he was given up for euthanasia or adoption. We decided to adopt him. Slowly and gradually, his problems began to heal. His pelvis knitted and his back, although severely scarred, healed well. You’re probably asking why we didn’t euthanize this poor guy? Well, Morgan was a very exceptional patient. He never complained. He never gave up. He was just a gentle soul, and we rapidly fell in love with him. Today, seventeen years later, he lives on. His spirit, occasional goofy antics, love of tuna, and gorgeous looks can be appreciated by an ever growing fan club at the Argay Cat Clinic!
A sad post-script: Morgan succumbed from cancer of the liver on August 7, 2013. He is missed but will never be forgotten.