Merrick Animal Hospital in Brookfield is one of those refreshing care providers that doesn't get caught up with "Image" (which equates, of course, to pricing, too). When I moved to a more affluent suburb, I elected to return to Merrick because of the gentle care the doctors (Dr. Kasper) always gives my Shepard. I have never been let down. And, when my other 6-m.o.puppy died suddenly early one morning, they opened their doors for me to lay him down and say my goodbyes. While it was a very painful & emotional experience, Merrick handled this sudden door-pounding with support and empathy. I would stack this hospital up against any others in the surrounding areas of La Grange, Western Springs & Hinsdale because of the quality, the unpretentiousness, and genuine friendliness of the staff. An example of the pricing? Dental cleaning in the affluent 'burbs-- $300 including anesthesia. Merrick charges $154 for same.
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