The Jefferson Pet Clinic was founded by Dr. Duane Huwe over 40 years ago. He dedicated his professional life to veterinary medicine and provided quality, competent and compassionate care of pets throughout Morton, IL, and its surrounding communities. The passing of Dr. Huwe in 2007 resulted in Dr. Michael Sanborn and his wife, Alexandra, purchasing the clinic from Dr. Huwes children. The Sanborns renamed the clinic Heartland Veterinary Clinic to better describe the area it serves.

After Dr. Sanborn graduated from the University Of Illinois School Of Veterinary Medicine, he was uniquely qualified to carry on the clinic tradition, having worked as Dr. Huwes relief veterinarian for 4 years. There have been several changes through the years and many advances in veterinary medicine but the principles upon which the clinic was founded have remained the same.