I moved here in 1985. For for the first decade, I took my pets to one of the most honored vets in the region. When Bill retired, I asked him where to take my retriever and two cats. He suggested Jim Nelson at PVPH.
Bill knew I wanted access to my vet, that I needed to learn more about animal behavior and wellness with each visit. When my Golden, Murph, was born, Bill ordered a set of dental tools for me, and taught me how to scale Murph's teeth.
Bill also knew I valued a frank, human relationship with my vet and clinic, that I was a pet-owner who expected treatment options, and wanted to work with someone who had animals in his blood -- and a sense of humor, too.
So, I've been with Jim Nelson's clinic ever since, and have recommended 12 friends and associates, who valued PVPH as much as I did.
As a volunteer for a division of U of M's College of Veterinary Medicine, and a former volunteer for area humane organizations, I became well-acquainted with our vet community. It is impressive, and as varied as one would expect.
I knew some vets had people skills -- and knew how to educate humans as they tended to pets. I found that some were married to certain treatments and drug regimens, that some were alopathic and rejected holistic medicine; that some flatly rejected augmentation with homeopathy, that a few thought environment played a more limited role in pet health than I did.
As a surgeon, Jim has extensive knowledge, experience and confidence. In all, he has performed nearly ten surgeries for my animals, and triaged two TPLO surgeries to his superb colleague, Dr. Levine.
PVPH works beautifully for a few reasons other than its vets. Jim has assembled some of the most well-educated, compassionate vet techs and associates in the area. In addition, his network of specialists is extensive. He refers clients on the basis of need, location and track-record; and I have never been disappointed. My old Golden's two TPLO surgeries have served her well since age 4 without complication. She can STILL RUN, even at 13.
The clinic's urgent care service is a blessing to those who, after hours, need effective, cost-conscious alternatives to the costly urgent care centers out here. I'm also grateful that, in an emergency, my pet goes to a familiar place for treatment, and that it's accessible from five major thoroughfares.
If you're about to adopt a pet, or need an alternative to your present clinic, you'd err if you didn't investigate Jim and his team. He and his staff (including the amazing Jamila,) have been stewards of two generations of animal companions here.
These good people have taken them through routine exams, ACL problems, arthritis episodes, lipomas and more suspect tumors, auto-immune conditions, therapeutic food selection (always spot-on,) acute and chronic infections, eye and ear issues, esophageal conditions, heart murmurs, recovery from poisoning, removal of skin lesions, paw problems, hip concerns, intestinal obstructions -- and more.
ALL of my pets under the care of this clinic lived, and still live, full lives, chronologically and qualitatively. ALL of my pets have become accustomed to the clinic and its staff.
As a bit of an obsessive man, I always study the drugs, compounds and other treatments the clinic recommends, but I cannot outsmart them. They are too good.
Please add this clinic to your list. I'm writing this because of the hundreds of ways they've served my animals, and those of our friends. I am grateful my canine and feline friends have been in great hands these past 14 years.
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