Rooted in Ada. United by Compassion.
At Thornwood Veterinary Clinic and Kennel, we believe veterinary care is about more than just medicine; it’s about community, connection, and continuity. Located on 23 beautiful acres of farmland in Cascade Township, our clinic is a peaceful haven for pets and their people. With a backdrop of Highland cattle, a bright red barn, and views that change with the seasons, we’re hard to miss on Buttrick Avenue.
Our practice is more than a veterinary clinic; it’s a piece of Ada’s living history.
A Legacy Nearly Two Centuries in the Making
The land that is now home to Thornwood Veterinary Clinic has deep roots in the Ada community. The original deed dates back to April 1836, before Michigan became a state. Originally an 80-acre homestead, the land included what is now Thornwood, as well as the Summerfield Airport, the old horse farm at Buttrick and Grand River, and the Loral Pines development.
In the early 1900s, the land became Thornwood Farms, a working dairy farm. The barn you see today once housed a milking parlor and brick milk storage room. A photo of the Thornwood Farms delivery truck still hangs in the Ada Historical Society Museum, which also features one of the original Thornwood milk bottles a reminder of our longstanding ties to the community.
In the 1950s, the Buttrick family converted the dairy barn into a dog boarding facility. By the late 1960s, a veterinarian was practicing on-site.
Then, in 1972, Dr. Raymond and Marilyn Leali officially founded Thornwood Veterinary Clinic & Kennel. For decades, Dr. Leali treated everything from cats and dogs to cows, pigs, horses even the occasional boa constrictor! His stories are the stuff of local legend, and his commitment to care continues to shape the way we operate today.
While Dr. Leali is now retired, the Leali family still lives on and helps maintain the property, including a small herd of Highland cattle, chickens, a large garden, and beehives that keep the farm buzzing with life.
Meet Dr. Kyle Grusling
Today, the clinic is proudly led by Dr. Kyle Grusling, who continues the Thornwood legacy with the same values of compassion, integrity, and excellence. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Animal Science (2007) and a DVM (2011), Dr. Grusling trained at top facilities across the country including a rotating internship in small animal medicine at Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles and a surgical internship at Veterinary Surgical Centers in Virginia.
After years in emergency medicine, she returned to Michigan to focus on general practice, where she combines her surgical expertise with a passion for preventive care. Dr. Grusling loves forming lifelong bonds with her clients from first puppy or kitten visits to end-of-life care. She lives in Ada with her husband Joe, their two sons Mason and Beckett and two Golden Retrievers Agnes and Walter.
Care That Comes from the Heart
Our clinic culture is rooted in teamwork, empathy, and deep respect for animals, for clients, and for each other. We treat every pet like a member of the family and every visit as an opportunity to build trust and comfort. Whether you're here for a routine wellness exam or a surgical consultation, our focus is always the same: compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.
Upcoming Events
Catch us out and about in Ada! We’re proud to be active members of the local community:
Ada Chamber of Commerce Events
Supporting our fellow businesses and the vibrant Ada economy.
Community Connections
We believe in supporting others doing good in the world. Thornwood Veterinary Clinic is proud to partner with:
Supporting Student Wellness Through the PRIDE Pups Program at Forest Hills Public Schools
At Thornwood Veterinary Clinic and Kennels, our commitment to community goes beyond caring for pets; we’re proud to support the well-being of people, too. That’s why we sponsor four therapy dogs as part of the Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS) PRIDE Pups Program, which launched in 2023 to provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to students and staff.
Each year, Thornwood fully funds the veterinary care for four PRIDE Pups, ensuring they stay happy and healthy as they do their important work in the schools. These support dogs play a vital role in fostering positive school environments, reducing stress and anxiety, and helping students feel a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
Meet Two of Our PRIDE Pups
Sunni – Serving the students of Thornapple Elementary
Kai – Supporting Central Woodlands
Two more pups will be joining our sponsored pack soon. Stay tuned to meet them!
We are honored to be part of a program that combines compassion, connection, and community in such a meaningful way. For us, it’s not just about animal care, it’s about the powerful impact pets can have on people’s lives.
Thornwood Proud, Pet Focused.
With nearly 200 years of history behind us and a passionate, forward-thinking team leading us, Thornwood Veterinary Clinic & Kennel is committed to remaining a fixture in Ada for generations to come. Whether you’re visiting for a check-up, boarding your dog on our peaceful farm, or stopping by just to say hello, we’re honored to be part of your pet’s story.