Stories from Pet Parents

The lab with the ‘Sunny’ disposition

by Motokubota Family

The lab with the ‘Sunny’ disposition

by Motokubota Family

Dear Dr. Blake and Dr. Huber, and all the staff at Animal Specialty Group,

Thank you very much for the great care that you provided to our very special dog, Sunny. Sunny was a very strong and positive dog even through her last moment.

Dr. Huber skillfully amputated Sunny’s rear leg due to osteosarcoma, and Dr. Blake provided her with post-operation chemotherapy. Sunny was able to live another 2 and 1/2 years full of happiness thanks to Dr. Huber and Dr. Blake’s extremely professional, great care. Sunny was indeed a very special family member for us, and she impressed us with the way she always overcame her hardships and moved forward. She was a very strong and positive dog.

Thank you very much again.

Sincerely,

Motokubota Family

The Golden Boy

by Dan and Sandy Bane

The Golden Boy

by Dan and Sandy Bane

We were the proud “winners” of a beautiful little golden-doodle puppy at a charity auction in June. Among the reasons we loved the little guy was his easy-going temperament and placid looks. Little did we know he was very sick.

We had him exactly one day and found that he was having trouble breathing and did not want to eat or drink. Fortunately, a previous experience with our daughter’s cat caused us to know that we should rush our new puppy, Taylor, to Animal Specialty Group. We took him in immediately.

Taylor was quickly tested and determined to have full blown parvo disease. We were briefed that this disease was probably going to kill him. There were things that could be done, however, and the wonderful doctors and staff at Animal Specialty Group set out to do them. Over two weeks time Taylor was in isolation due to his infectious nature and received unbelievable care. A few transfusions, some continued feeding through a tube and some loving care during two weeks saved Taylor’s life.

Today, only a few months later, our puppy is not so little any longer. He is a strapping, growing, healthy golden-doodle with a story, an appetite for all foods and a playful spirit.

We thank all the people at Animal Specialty Group for delivering another “Miracle.”

With fond appreciation,

Dan and Sandy Bane

2,000 miles from Mochi

by Christine A. Ohama

2,000 miles from Mochi

by Christine A. Ohama

Words cannot convey my thanks and gratitude to the doctors, technicians and staff at ASG Hospital. While on my way to the East Coast, my precious little Mochi was viciously attacked by a much larger dog. When I found out the heartbreaking news, she was already in the hands of the experienced and caring doctors and staff at ASG, out of surgery and resting.

Of course, the next 48 hours were critical and although I was more than 2,000 miles from home, the doctors checked in with me on a regular basis by phone. They always took my calls, which I usually placed as soon as rounds were completed and they would call me with an evening update. Whenever I called, all I had to say is “Mochi,” and everyone seemed to know her.

In addition, ASG graciously allowed Mochi’s “aunties” to visit her and to meet with the doctors until I was able to return to L.A. Equally impressed with ASG, they assured me she was in the best place possible and getting the best of care, which was a huge relief.

It’s hard to believe that a week ago she was literally on death’s door. And today, she is resting at home and getting back to living her life. I am so very grateful for ASG and thankful that my little Mochi is on her way to a full recovery. Thank you ASG for giving her a second chance at life.

Most sincerely,

Christine A. Ohama

Graf Whiskers Von Knipper, III

by D-G Dauphinee

Graf Whiskers Von Knipper, III

by D-G Dauphinee

It was over 6 1/2 years ago that my little boy Whiskers III was diagnosed with a malignant tumor on his left rear leg. The nature of the situation was such that it was beyond the scope of the services offered by his primary care vet. Whiskers’ doctor referred us to Animal Specialty Group for treatment. Dr. Huber determined the best means of fighting the cancer would be to remove his leg below the hip. With that, the surgery was performed. He did so well following surgery he was released the next day. He went on to become a living testimony to the knowledge, skills and impeccable work of all those at Animal Specialty Group.

It is with a heavy heart I write that Whiskers passed away on June 20, 2011. Operated on at the age of 8, he went on to live a long 14 years and 9 months…and was his gentle, happy self ‘til the end. Thank you ASG.

With Whisker’s’ death comes the end of a 43-year long story of love. The first Whiskers came from Rushworth Kennels in Minneapolis and arrived at Cleveland Hopkins Airport in 1967 when I was a boy of 7. Whiskers II also came from Rushworth and arrived at Washington Dulles Airport in 1986. Though no longer breeding, Ed Rush helped me find Whiskers III in 1996.

In spite of losing his leg, he was with us longer than any…still walking and lifting his “leg” until the end! Just as with Whiskers and Whiskers II before him, I am grateful for all the fun times that I, and his buddies Roscoe, Grrrl and Wolfgang had with the gentle ‘lil guy. He is now back home and in a special place with his predecessors Whiskers II, Roscoe and Grrrl.

With gratitude to all and for all you do,

– D-G Dauphinee