I have been a client at First Regional Animal Hospital for 13 years and counting and have received nothing but the most stellar care from well-informed doctors and technicians. First Regional is top-notch when it comes to both regular day-to-day care and emergency care. I have also grown to adore the front office staff who has ""seen it all"" and can handle any situation, including the most difficult, to which I was most grateful. \r
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I first sought out First Regional when I moved to AZ in 2000, mainly for well-exams for my two cats. We saw Dr. Joyner for years who is always up to date on the latest treatments and I have been especially impressed with his knowledge of more homeopathic remedies. Dr. Joyner takes a ""less-is-more"" approach except when he is certain that additional tests are needed or has information that leads him to believe that more tests/treatments are necessary.\r
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That brings our journey to internal medicine, where I believe I have seen the number one specialist in veterinary medicine. Dr. Babyak is ""second to no one"" in her knowledge in treating complex diseases and her bedside manner with both my ""babies"" and this baby (me!) is amazing. It was so nice to know that an expert in complex treatment was right there and that Dr. Joyner could consult with her and pass me over to her when the time was right.\r
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I must say I have had some pretty stressful times as my two cats aged and were terminally ill. It's scary and sad and I wanted to make certain that I did the right thing but not put them through too much for too long for my own benefit. Dr. Babyak and Dr. Joyner both were caring advisers, assuring that I understood exactly what was necessary or maybe when it was becoming too much but still leaving the decision to say goodbye with me. \r
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The techs......AMAZING! I have met so many as the visits became frequent at the end. Elana, Dr. Babyak's lead tech is unbelievably good at what she does and is so knowledgeable. She has worked with Dr. Babyak for so long she is almost like an extended limb which is so comforting. Dr. Joyner's techs are equally good and have also been with First Regional for as long as I can remember.\r
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Ultimately I ended up putting both of my babies down in late '08 at the age of 14. Dr. Babyak was right there with me and the staff was so gracious knowing how incredibly hard that was for me (I was a basket case). They sent me a card after the passing of each of my boys and all signed it with a note to me that I still have on my desk today. They also sent along two little cards that they put together for me with their paw prints.....so special.\r
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Recently (2010) I adopted two elderly cats from Friends For Life with the purpose of giving two older and less adoptable cats the ""best rest of their life possible"". They ultimately have both developed illnesses....diabetes and a pretty major lymphatic gastritis. Dr. Joyner continues to treat my diabetic cat and Dr. Babyak is now treating the other. \r
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What I do know is that I could not provide them the ""best rest of their life"" with any other vet than First Regional. I say this from my heart. They are hands-down the absolute best choice in veterinary care......without question!
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