We just switched to this clinic and are so happy we did. Our last vet was ok but never seemed that in tune with our animals. We ended up putting our 10-yr-old cat, Cadbury, down when in their care. ... Read More
We just switched to this clinic and are so happy we did. Our last vet was ok but never seemed that in tune with our animals. We ended up putting our 10-yr-old cat, Cadbury, down when in their care. I tried explaining how painfully shy he was but that was received as, "Yes, most cats don't like the vet." I tried to emphasize that it was different, but nobody seemed to hear me. After he stayed overnight, he was deeply traumatized. Part of the treatment ended up being to force feed him. I told the vet why it wouldn't work, but it was insisted that we try it. From there on out it went downhill quickly. When it got to the point where he was just sitting in the corner facing the wall, and wouldn't even look at us, we knew it was over. We were asked to bring him in for exploratory surgery and I asked, "Don't you understand it will kill him just to go back?" We ended up having him put down, and at the very least had it done in his home where he wasn't terrified. Since that terrible day, we added a male kitten, Twix, to be with our resident cat (and litter-mate of Cadbury) Truffle. She wasn't at all interested so we decided that the kitten needed a kitten to play with. Our 2nd male kitten, Kit Kat, bonded with Twix, like brothers. Truffle still just walked through the kitten nonsense with a small bat and hiss and never looked back. So, finally jump forward to a couple of weeks ago when she started acting a bit off, lethargic and no longer "talking" in the morning. I thought, "Oh no, here we go again." At that point I decided I couldn't take her back to the other vet, having the same temperament as her brother did, so decided to find a new one. I am over-the-moon happy that we made the switch! When I told the receptionist right out that Truffle was terribly fearful, above your normal "vet trip angst," I was taken seriously. Between the vet tech and Dr. Jennifer and their quick and smooth communication, they worked very quietly and gently, removing the top of the carrier instead of yanking her out. They were in no rush, speaking sweetly, and thoroughly examined her with kid gloves. Everything checked out perfectly which I was thrilled to know, given her age. She was then wrapped tightly in a blanket, so she would feel more secure, when blood was taken and then told what a good girl she was the entire time. When they were done, it was the same gentle departure as had been the entrance and we were out the door and home with hardly any adjustment time at all. Dr. Jennifer called when the blood work was in and, once again, gave her a clean bill of health. Luckily and very happily, we never had to continue with the follow-up care, as I ended up figuring out the problem myself. Having learned that everything was ok with her physically, I started to observe her more than usual. I realized that our 2 new kittens were no longer kittens but cats, now twice her size. While they still always backed down from her, I could tell their presence was weighing on her. I put them in another area of the house for the next couple of days, and finally one morning, she was joyously "talking" again! I really feel I owe her happiness to our new Janesville Veterinary Clinic! While they didn't diagnose anything that was wrong, they DID diagnose what was right...and that was her health. Because of that and the non-traumatic appt, I had the opportunity to observe her with no outside obstacles in the way. So, as it turns out, we just have siblings that need to be separated into different areas of the house!! Alright, so this was a bit long, but I felt the need to include the full story to show the importance of the part our new pet friends played in bringing a little cat's big MEROW back! Remember to trust in what you know about your animal friend and use your voice to give them what they need, in the way they need it, and nothing less! Read Less