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September 12, 2005

Dr. Dave Fowler
Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre, a member of the Brightheart Veterinary Network
1635 17 Ave. SW
Calgary, AB

Dear Dave,

As you know Kelly's [Nine year-old female dog, Wheaton Terrier. Presentation: heart complications.] surprise passing in July came as quite a shock to us. She was such a tough little girl being through so much the past six months and we though we were over the hump. I guess her little heart just couldn't take it anymore and it appeared that she passed quietly in her sleep. Lynne had gone to play golf that morning and came home to find her appearing to be asleep out on our deck at the lake, which was Kelly's favourite place. In the end, I guess it was best for her and she went in a time of her choosing and not one that I had to make.

Dave, I want you and all your staff to know how much we appreciated the medical care and attention that was given to Kelly during her illness. Your reception staff always recognised our name when we called and both Lynne and I remarked at how they all greeted Kelly and called her by name whenever we came to the clinic. Any time we called with a question or concern we were always treated with respect, courtesy and promptness. Our calls were always returned by you, Barb [Western Animal Health Technologist] and Kyna [Western Animal Health Technologist]. While some will say she was "only a dog," the important thing that that all of the staff at your clinic understood, she was "our dog," at part of our family and as close and important to us as any other part of our family.

I can not end this letter without commenting specifically about Barb and Kyna. They are consummate professionals and wonderful ladies. They were so cheerful and helpful at all times during Kelly's illness. We always felt fully informed at all times as to what was happening. While as medical professionals, I know you have to guard against becoming too close and involved to the pets that you treat but the compassion and love they showed for Kelly both before and after was so genuine and appreciated. The personal notes that we received from both of them after Kelly's passing meant a lot to us and gave us some greatly needed comforting. Please share our appreciation and thoughts with them.

While the circumstances that we met you all were not the happiest of times for us, both Lynne and I feel privileged to have done so. While we were disappointed with the ultimate outcome, we are left with only positive thoughts. We would do every over again for Kelly given the same set of circumstances. A lot of clinics and health professionals that treat humans could learn something about patient care and relationships from your clinic and staff.

Now for the good news! We are looking forward to filling the void in our family with a new Wheaton puppy. We have found a breeder who just had a litter two weeks ago, is willing to let us have a male puppy that we expect to have about mid-November. He will be the third Wheaton we have had in our home over the past twenty-one years. While I hope that we won't need your services in the future, rest assured that we would not hesitate to seek medical services from you all.

Best regards,
Rick & Lynne Hewson

July 12/05

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre, a member of the Brightheart Veterinary Network
1635-17th Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta T2T 0E5
(403) 770-1340

Dear Dr. Fowler,

RE: Foxy Lady [Nine year-old female dog, Pomeranian mixed breed. Presentation: cough & heart murmur.]

We would like to extend our appreciation for the service that we received yesterday.

To the staff, we found them cheerful and congenial, with respect. Please convey this to them with our heart felt thanks.

Foxy Lady would like to thank you for your concerning gentleness. You took care.

We would like to thank you for your professional attitude, explanation in layman terms and for your honesty and sincerity. Your bedside manner is a credit to the veterinary association.

Only one word comes to mind - "Remarkable."

Sincerely,
Les & Gloria Wickhorst

Dr. Sue Finn-Bodner,
Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre, a member of the Brightheart Veterinary Network,
Calgary, Alberta

Dear Dr. Sue,

I am writing on behalf of Spot [Fifteen year-old, male dog, Shih Tzu mixed breed. Presentation: ear problem.] to thank you for the excellent care he received last week. Everyone I came in contact with was professional and caring, and from my visits I could tell that all of the animals were receiving the highest standards of medical care.

I must tell you that, when I first brought Spot in, I thought he was a very very sick puppy, which was confirmed during the course of the ultrasound examination - and I feared the worst. However, I soon saw that his treatment plan would be in your good hands, and I was able to rest calmly, knowing that you would do everything possible to help him.

Please pass my grateful thanks on to all of your colleagues who assisted in Spot's recovery. Spot is feeling much better now and would like to give each of them a big wet kiss.

Sincerely,
George Kenda (Spot's dad)
Jan 27/04

Thank you,

To the staff @ the Animal Care Emergency Clinic.

We greatly appreciate the care and attention that you have shown in watching over our little Woody. [Three year-old, male, Texas Collared Lizard. Presentation: jaw fracture.] He means the world to us, and we thank you for treating him with such kindness.

Thank you again,
Reagan & Amanda

[Dear Animal Care Emergency of Calgary,]

With warmest appreciation for all the tender loving care you gave my pet dog Kasey [Ten year-old, male dog, Maltese. Presentation: dog fight injuries.] during a couple of weeks in October. To all the doctors, technicians and receptionists - thank you all so very very much.

You might like to know my "Tripod" is doing great - up and down stairs - didn't see him do the down part and was surprised to see him at my feet in the kitchen - no doubt thinking he was going to get a treat. The balancing act is still a small problem, which will improve in time. He even wanted to go for his first walk today (November, 5.) I'm so proud of my little "TT" (Tripod Trooper.) He has come a long way in 3.5 weeks!

My regular veterinarian called me the day after Kasey's mishap and told me I couldn't have Kasey in a better place and I agree.

Again thank you all for your great care and love you gave to Kasey.

Sincerely,
Joan Hoggard

Dear Caregivers [ACE] for Moses [Ten month-old, male dog, Boxer. Presentation: spinal abnormality.]:

Mike and I would like to express our thanks for all the kindness you have shown us. It is so nice to have so much help and love for our beloved puppy. We really cannot thank you enough for all the help and love you showed him. Know that we are grateful and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Mike & Brandy Tomlinson