When my dad considered someone as having marked excellence in their field, he called them a “crackerjack”. I am lucky enough to have three such professionals in my dogs lives. The first is Dr. Leslie Griffith, owner of Sage Veterinary Alternatives. I first became Leslie’s client when an overwhelming number of my dog pro and other friends consistently raved about her, all giving her their “hosanna in the highest” praise. Although I had worked in area veterinary medicine clinics, I had not had any real experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine or any other veterinary “alternatives”. From my first appointment to present, going on over two years, I have been absolutely floored by the quality of care my dogs receive at Sage Vet, and even more profoundly by the abiding compassion and integrity Leslie personifies. My granny corgi Pager, at age fifteen and a half, gets routine acupuncture and supportive TCM, and her 3-legged daughter Brook, a cancer survivor, gets TCM and chiropractic work, at Sage. They adore Leslie, and look forward to their appointments, as do I. You can find details on Leslie and her services at http://www.sagevet.com
For a traditional western medicine clinic, after having tried several in the area and not quite finding the right fit, I was lucky enough to finally be referred to Dr. Ruth Loomis. Dr. Loomis, formerly with Blue Sky Vet, just started her own brand spanking new clinic, complete with cutting edge diagnostic equipment. Brookswood Animal Clinic (www.bendanimalclinic.com) will open in November 2014, on 19550 Amber Lane. Look for them on FB too for info on their grand opening!
Finally, for those times when a board certified, deeply experienced veterinary team is called for on a referral basis, you cannot do better than our local Bend Veterinary Specialists (www.bendvetspecialists.com) Dr Mark Parchman and wife Dr Sue Dougherty are as good as they come. My 11 year old girl Brook, a Heart Dog Deluxe for me, needed a repeat surgery for a soft tissue sarcoma, having already had a limb amputated for the initial cancer occurrence a year earlier. It was the tail end of the year, a time when vet clinics are typically both trying to wind down, and wrap up existing cases, for the season. BVS got me in for an appointment quickly, and even more promptly scheduled surgery. Again, from start to finish, my confidence in the team at this clinic was established and strengthened with each additional contact. A huge shout out also to the staff at the Animal Emergency Clinic, who allowed me exceptional access to Brook while she was in recovery and spending the night under their care.
Finding the right fit for your dog’s health care is both a technical and highly personal endeavor. I feel thrice blessed that I have found three veterinary health care resources that serve me and my corgis so exceptionally. And for those of you who know me well, I CAN be just a tad particular about this….Be well, at peace, and love your dogs…..Lisa
