Leading edge technology and Doctors combined with best in class care and compassion. Our dog Riley was like a child to us. He became very sick very suddenly and after many test could not conclude the cause our Vet suggested we see the Animal Specialty Center (ASC). ASC immediately saw us but unfortunately Riley was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was devastating for our family to hear the news but being at ASC in our time of turmoil with expertise and caring of ASC was a great comfort. The level of caring immediately was evident. The tumor had taken Rileys’ sight so he was scared if it was quite. I brought a radio for Riley when he was staying overnight but the nurse told me Riley would be ok that they played soft music for the dogs since studies showed it helped healing and Riley could stay where he would hear people walking.\r
I immediately started a search across the US and even into Europe for top experts and the best care possible. I found top research programs in the brain tumor area at the University of Minnesota and UC Davis. I consulted both directly and with the help of Dr. Richard Joseph from ASC. These top experts confirmed for me that Dr. Josephs’ leading edge CyberKnife was the only viable treatment path. In fact, it was one of the only few practices with such technology and expertise in the country.\r
Unfortunately, god had other plans and Rileys’ tumor was too aggressive and fast for him to stabilize enough for the procedure. For my wife, children and I it was one of the most devastating times of our lives as Riley was only five. Dr. Josephs and ASC did everything possible for Riley. At each decision point they clearly outlined multiple alternatives and the cost with each alternative. ASC never pushed us to spend extra money and in fact as the inevitable was clear and I refused to acknowledge it, I spent more money on treatments than what ASC recommended. We were in a very vulnerable state but ASC kept Riley and our interest as top priorities and help inform us and guide us for good decisions.\r
I cry as I write this but the day all too quickly came for my wife, daughter and son to give Riley final hugs and kisses. This was a devastating day but ASC helped us through with love and dignity. Though Riley was very sick they had him comfortable on cozy blankets and pillows. We had a lovely room to talk with Riley, hold him, kiss him and love him. The ASC staff constantly came in to give Riley treatments. Riley needed to go back to the treatment room. We decided Riley was moved enough so we went to him in the treatment area. I was very scared to see what it would be like but was shocked at how great it was. It was bustling with staff attending to many animals. It was high tech and gorgeous. Riley was in intensive care but made so comfortable. Every staff member even in their busy routine stopped to check on Riley and support us. I could not imagine a more loving and secure environment. \r
So should you go to ASC – YES. It would be easy for me to be bitter but what I have in my heart is love and thanks for the care and extreme measure they took for Riley. This has been extremely difficult for me but I find great comfort knowing Riley was in the leading edge care of the entire country and everything that could have been done was. I also take great comfort knowing that ASC showed Riley the love and attention he needed to be happy in his final days.\r
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