Loving Paws Animal Hospital

I had posted a review here a while back, but at the time of the review I thought this was a vet ER we had gone to a couple weeks after our trip to Loving Paws. I am changing my review now that I know which vet this is. We were traveling with our Cavalier King Charles/terrier mix dog... She is our Baby Girl!! As my husband and I were about to leave our hotel room for our final walk-through (we were buying our house the very next day!), Daisy had gone to jump up onto the hotel bed... but didn't quite make it!! She fell to the floor and screamed in pain and abject terror (I'd never heard such a frightening sound before), her rear legs obviously bent at odd angles, and unable to move the lower two-thirds of her body. Being from out of town, we didn't know which vet to call, so I Googled the nearest vet; we were directed to Loving Paws (Dr. Karen). First, our dog was paralyzed, terrified, and in so much pain she had WHITE sweat beading along her jaw. Second, my husband and I were almost as terrified as our baby Daisy was, and didn't know what to do other than get her to a doctor immediately. When we got there, they did take Daisy in right away, I'll give them that. Dr. Karen was very concerned, and came to see her fairly quickly. But the staff there, except for one, was at BEST flustered. Dr. Karen did a very quick exam and told us that Daisy needed care that was beyond her capabilities there, and she referred us to a neurosurgeon in Fort Myers. She even called and spoke to him to consult with him about the case. That impressed me, and I was grateful for her kindness. I had asked her to Please help Daisy with her pain, especially since we had to travel 50 minutes to the next vet. She gave Daisy a shot for pain, then an oral pain medication just before we left. (Neither of which seemed to give any relief, much to our horror!) But once we were told we were being sent elsewhere I wanted to run Daisy out to the car and GO... and so I asked if I could pay over the phone or would they please bill me (it had come to less than $90). I was crying and shaking almost as much as Daisy... It was so traumatic... I started to head out but a woman behind the counter said that I couldn't leave without paying. The doctor had told me to go, that they would bill me, but this person said No, it was their policy BLAH BLAH... So I had to stop and wait while they ran my card through their very SLOW system, and then she made me fill out some forms as well. (Really?!??) To this day I am still angry that the one person there was so callous, so cold-hearted, that she HAD to collect my $80-some before letting me leave with my paralyzed dog. Daisy had had a disc explode in her spine when she fell: she had to wait on a hard table while this woman followed policy. It sure would have been nice if she had shown some compassion... Like her boss had. Needless to say, we haven't been back to Loving Paws, nor shall we ever cross their doorstep again. I would warn anyone else looking for a vet to steer clear of this establishment. They seem to be all about Loving Money, not Loving Paws. If this review was helpful for you, please hit Like so that I know what makes a difference. 😊 Read Less

Dr. Karen and her staff make you feel welcome the moment you enter. They are all very professional, caring and listen to what you have to say. Dr. Karen has first and foremost the best interest of your pet/s in mind and will not just administer medication/vaccinations if not needed. She also listens to what you have in mind for your pet in cases of dire diagnosis and does not insist on one specific way of treatment. I can only warmly recommend her. Your pet/s will certainly get the best care there... Read Less

My 2 fur babies Zoe and Barbi have been cared for by Dr. Karen for 13 yrs, since they were 8 wks old. She is caring and compassionate and my 2 Shih tzus love her to pieces. Thank you Dr. Karen and all of her Staff! Read Less

Staff is wonderful and caring. My dog Sadie went being a mess health wise and now doing better thanks to the doctor. My dog Chloé loves staff. They don't over charge you and very helpful. Would recommend to everyone. Read Less

This is a very good vet office. The receptionist, vet tech and Dr. Karen all treat your animals and you with kindness, respect and interest in your animal, as well as taking time to examine and treat your animal thoroughly and explain any questions you might have. Read Less

Stoli and I thank you for a wonderful visit to our first Vet in Florida. We just moved to the area from Michigan and Rosemarie Roy highly recommended Dr. Karen! I have to agree. Your staff is most courteous and no one was in a hurry to shoo us out the door. You listened to our concerns and were very helpful! I think we have found a new home for our dr. visits!! Thank you again. ~Julie & Stoli Read Less

Dr. Karen was absolutely wonderful and kind with my miniature schnauzer and her difficult owner (me). She genuinely cares about animals and it was very obvious with her gentle nature and the way she talked to both of us. She went out of her way to make suggestions and say nice things to me. Her receptionist, techs and office animals were all great too! Read Less

I have been taking my dogs there for about 8 years now. Recently I took one of my dogs to another clinic reccommended by a friend and it made me realize how much better Dr. Karen's clinic is. If I cannot afford a treatment she has other treatment options. They remember my pets and their individual problems, and my pets love going there too. Well, as much as a pet can like going to the vet :). Her bedside manner is great, so calm and gentle. They also do what they can to keep your costs down. Don't be afraid to ask if there are any ways to keep vet costs down, they may have a suggestion for you! Read Less