After our almost 20 year old cat (Jade) was diagnosed at our local Bloor West clinic with chronic kidney disease, we were torn about the financial burden to ease her discomfort versus an end of life decision. However, our clinic didn't raise any end of life modalities or the need for that yet; rather they played off our family unit and emotions. We invested in costly surgery for our baby and then repeated the process about 6 months later, only to come to the final decision on our own a month or two later to end her suffering. The clinic did little to dissuade us from spending money, and we spent thousands. A year later, we welcomed Jazz into our home, a large male Norwegian Forrest cat. He is trusting and social and fears not the vet (unlike Jade who was a terrified tigress at the vet). Back to our local vet we went for first shots at which point I started questioning what appeared like duplicate or inexplainable charges. At this point, I consulted my sister who referred me to Dr. Paul Westermann. I corresponded with him and he promptly faxed me his handwritten notes on my vet's invoice noting what were unnecessary or duplicate charges and what his rates were. I very much appreciated his honesty. We then decided to take Jazz to Dr. Westermann for next shots, neutering and declawing his very deeply (almost embedded) polydactyl sixth front claw on both paws. Jazz was so comfortable in his care, and we felt at ease with Paul's (no pretenses with him) patience, layman's explanations, thoroughness, care, compassion, sincere interest and love of animals. You can tell he loves his job! While there, we discussed our previous experience during Jade's decline. Paul didn't play off our emotions; he compassionately but straightforwardly laid out in real terms what he recommends to pet owners in such crisis. While a hard pill to swallow in coming to terms with the end for any pet, we still would have appreciated his guidance during that time. For us, Paul is worth the drive! We actually look forward to taking Jazz there and know we won't be taken advantage of. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming and interested in their "patients". Jazz is very much at ease during his visit with Dr. Paul! It is too bad the clinic is not closer for us as any emergency needs still have to be dealt with locally. But we do now question our vet on necessary treatment and what appear to be unnecessary charges now. ...something we don't ever feel the need to do with Paul or the Stouffville Veterinary Clinic. I don't know of a clinic worthy of a higher rating! Thank you Paul and the Stouffville Veterinary Clinic for making our visits stress-free and enjoyable! read more