I would have added more, but ever since I had to euthanize my first dog, here, with her "vet", Dr. Rob, I have gone through a succession of different vets over the years, and they wide in a variety of ways.
Dr. Rob was with me for my first experience euthanizing my "doghter", and this was in 2014. He was kind, compassionate, and very attentive of all my needs. He let me stay for as long as I needed, and didn't insist on paying before or after, just sent a bill with his condolences. Limestone also sent a lovely African Violet, that just recently died, but it was in full bloom for almost 10 years? Dr. Rob stayed for a couple more years, then left. Ever since, I have not found a vet that has the same level of compassion or professionalism as he did.
Over the past few years, though, I have seen changes that I do not like. For one, it seems to have a revolving door when it comes to their veterinarians. Most stay for a few years, then leave. There is no exposition why, no notification, and if you are "invested" in a particular doctor, such as I was with Dr. Rob, this change is overwhelming and heartbreaking. They have also increased their prices, I guess with competing veterinary hospitals in the area, especially the "corporate vet hospitals", that are buying up private practices. But some of the price changes are, at the very least, way too high. A regular annual exam with vaccines used to cost about $100. Now, with fees, exams by nurses or doctors, both of which there is a vast cost difference, vaccines themselves, medication costs, and it's like you're buying a new house!
And don't get me started on their "suggestions" about any kind of lab work or surgeries, especially dentals! They almost insist every year to have your pets get a dental, even if they had one the previous year. And then, to me anyway, they find ways to jack up the bill and go over their estimate given prior to the dental. They find petty, little things, like too much tartar on the back teeth, so they may need to extract. Or they extract the bothersome tooth, and all the teeth around it. Heaven help if the "problem" tooth is near the front of the mouth, because then they remove the teeth, and gives your dog a lop-sided appearance, as they have no support from the jaw.
Grooming?! What a laugh! The grooming services used to be excellent, but, like I said earlier, the past few years this service has severely declined. They would do breed specific cuts, and your animal would look amazing! One of the original groomers left, which shifted all the work onto one groomer. She handled this by herself for a couple of years, then they got an additional groomer. But now they are so over booked, sometimes having to schedule months in advance, and just do one thing: shave the dog. If you have a dog that doesn't shed, instead of cutting to that breed, they shave your dog bald! Even though there are no nots or mats, and you have kept up with brushing, they shave everything off, even the legs! In the summer, ok, I can understand, but when cold weather starts, and they have no hair, you're left with having to buy sweaters to keep them warm! And if you request certain things, like only trimming areas that need it, your dog gets shaved bald. So, really, there is no "grooming" per se, unless "totally bald" is the "look" you want. And god help you if you pick your animal up after the groomers have left for the day. The front desk makes you go in and retrieve your animal(s), instead of calling for a vet tech for assistance!
And, I have never needed the boarding services, so I have no opinion, other than, when I'm driving by, they bring the game on, and let the dogs romp and play with the techs and other dogs. And I've heard the cat boarding is easily the best around.
I do not always have enough money for regular visits, let alone emergencies, or other health issues. I can't complain about that, as they are always willing to work with me and set up a payment plan, which most vet hospitals don't. I do appreciate their kindness in that way.
I would love for this practice to actually try and keep their doctors around for more than a couple of years, to establish a connection. And I would like to be informed that, if you have a vet you prefer, and they leave the practice, to notify you instead of being surprised. I would also like to see grooming go back to its roots, with caring people, who actually spend time on your animal instead of washing, shaving, and putting them into a cage, possible with other dogs! I have many "demands", I guess, but my pets are my children, and like human children, deserve the best care. Money issues aside, though, there improvements can be made to make this a 5 star hospital again. My hope, is that someone reads this, not as a "whine" or "complaint", but as helpful feedback to improve services to animals and their owners. read more
