Testimonials
letters from our clients...

 

 



YOU'R E ALLOWED TO GRIEVE THE LOSS OF YOUR PET!

We love our animals so much, and it's so hard to let them go.  The loss of any beloved pet has a drastic impact on our lives and is equal to or worse than that of losing a human family member.  Losing a little one causes extreme anguish and sorrow.  This is a natural reaction when you lose a loved one, whether it be human or animal: and the stages of mourning are the same.  Grievers feel the identical shock and denial, anger and guilt, sorrow and depresssion.

Yes, it's okay to cry! It's okay to grieve over you loss.  You have the right too grieve because you've lost a loyal companion and a best friend.  You've lost a family member who gave you unconditional love and acceptance..  You've lost the one who loved you no matter what you did or didn't do.  You've lost the one that came to greet at the door when you came home.

Anger and guilt are natural, but you must allow yourself to go through all the reaction stages of death: denial and disbelief, anger, guilt depression and finally, acceptance.  There is no order to these stages.  Be sure each person in the family, including children, is allowed to share their grief.

If it bothers you to see your pet's belongings, you might want to put them out of sight so you are not constatnlly reminded of your loss.  After a while, when you are feeling stronger, you can bring them out again.

To help yourself overcome the sorrow and grief you are feeling, have some kind of burial ceremony to say goodbye to you dear angel.  If you have other pets, they are most likely grieving also.  Let them be a part of it all.  Write a eulogy to say how much you loved your little one and tell about all the good times and happiness you shared.  Talk about your pain and loss to someone else who  will understand what you are going through.  Other people who have also lost a pet are the ones most likely to offer you their comfort and support because they know the horrible pain it causes.  In times when the pain feels unbearable, focus on all the good memories.  Use pictures and some of your little one's favorite belongings to create a special remembrance.  Use your angel's tags as a necklace, or put them on a key chain.  Go for a walk or call a friend on the phone to fill the time you usually spent with your precious one.  Do something you think your sweet baby would like for you to be doing at this moment.  Look through the pictures you have of your darling and remember all the love and happy times you shared.  Remember, too, that our little loves are waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge.

After the tears have dried and you are feeling somewhat normal again, consider getting another pet.  Nothing can ever replace the precious little life you've lost, but another pet can become a dear friend to share your love and your life.  Our cherished ones give so much love and happiness to us in their lifetimes that I feel we are obligated to pass that love on to other animals who desperately need homes.  Who knows? One of those furry little babies might just fill a small part of the huge hole in your heart.

Our pets are a gift from heaven, but we don't get to keep them nearly long enough!


Doctors and Staff

I want to thank you for the professional and courteous service you provided for Poochie, Monday 2/14. The compassion and understanding that you all offered during this delicate situation was very comforting. I feel very confident referring your office to my clients. The fact that you care about your animal friends and their families as much as I do means that you run a very special practice. I look forward to working with you in the future.


Thank you for everything:

Dear Dr. Smith and Associates:

Thank you all so much for the wonderful care that you have given our pet Bearded Dragon, Ace.  You always take the time to listen and your care and concern mean the world to us!  Our family feels so fortunate to have found such a loving, knowledgeable place to care for our pets!

Many thanks!

The Sehlin Family (Jan 10, 2006)


To the staff of Ark

I just want to say thank you for the wonderful job you all do. Since my first visit with 10 week old Roscol, you have been great to us. Your kindness and patience has been greatly appreciated. These qualities were also present during the duration of my "fostering" of the litter of kittens I became parent of. Your guidance was a tremendous help in keeping them healthy until good homes could be found. The additional financial help also has been a blessing. I look forward to a long relationship with you all.


To Everyone at Ark

Thank you so much for the wonderful care you gave to Miss Mouse on her recent illness. Your quick diagnosis, treatment, and follow up care has made all the difference. The compassion shown to our pet by the staff of your hospital was wonderful. I know you will have continued success because of your caring attitude.

Thank you so much,

Wayne and Barbara Cousins


Subject: Millie's recent surgery.

I know that since Millie joined my family, we have had many visits to the Ark Animal Hospital.  While I have said thank you, many times, it just never seems quite enough.  You are all so kind, gentle and obviously LOVE your work environment.  I am certain Millie senses your kindnesses and actually likes visiting you all, on a regular basis.

Recently, Millie spent a week with you for surgery and after care while I was away.  It was not easy knowing she was undergoing surgery and I was literally NOT a phone call away.  I was comforted though, just knowing she was in good hands and you were all treating her as you would your own pets.

For your patience with me as a fairly new dog owner and with Millie, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Sincerely, Denise DiFiglia and Millie

DINKIE LOVES YOU!

All of our lives are so busy that sometimes we forget to take the time and thank the people who really help you and care about you in life. We can not thank you enough for being the kindest/sweetest most knowledgeable people who know. Since the beginning, Dinkie has just been the light of our lives and we are so lucky to have her. Without all of your help, we wouldn't have gotten her to where she is today. Although not fully recovered, she is the most loving and sweet pug you will ever meet! Thanks to you, for helping us to make her life easier and more comfortable. Like you said, Dr. Smith: "even though we paid for her, we rescued her from that terrible breeder" and we wouldn't have been able to do it without you. We love everyone at Ark, we ALWAYS feel at home and DINKIE LOVES GOIING TO SEE The Drs.!! The staff is so friendly, and that makes a huge difference. Even when other clients look at me like the "crazy dog lady who dresses her pug", the staff always comments on how she feels better and doesn't scratch unil she bleeds with clothing"...it's just all so comforting. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Congratulations and thank you Dr. Smith!

Congratulations, Dr. Smith on your wonderful achievement of being voted top veterinarian by two sources!  I'm very happy for you as you are very deserving of this recognition.  It's been a pleasure being clients of your for the past 5 (almost 6 ) years.  Thank you for the wonderful care you've given oour 4 greyhounds (and occasional fosters) over those years.  Keep up the good work!

Debbie and Ed and Dabney, Reo, Karli (and our angel Sweetie)


Keebler, the Hedgehog's last days

Thank you for making Keebler's last days with us as painless as possible.  Not just for him, but for us.  Thank you Dr. Smith for taking care of him and for helping us to make the right decision for the sake of Keebler.  He went so peacefully and ending his suffering at his old age was sad, but a blessing that he would no longer live in pain.  Thank you for all of your words of comfort and for the sympathetic hug.  Thanks to all of you for your kindness, support, and for the sympathy card which was appreciaated more than words can express.

Peter and Tammy


Diesel thanks you for the memories...

To the wonderful staff of Ark Animal Hospital:

There are so many memories that continue to flood our minds and hearts when we think of Diesel.  We remember the private moments from in the home, memories playing over and over in our heads:  Diesel mischievously stealing food no matter what height the food was perched - only the top of the refrigerator was safe!  The 120-pound boy cuddling on us unexpectedly; he was completely unaware that he was not a lap dog - he was heavy, but we loved it.  His little "Maple Leaf" butt shaking gloriously as we came home tired, but happy to see our best friend.  And his big goofy smile as he would bound across the lawn, no doubt narrowly missing the elusive squirrel or the Fed-Ex/UPS truck once again...not that his repeated failures to capture his targets ever stopped him from trying again and again...And then there are the memories that occurred outside of our home.  The memories we have of the Ark to thank you for ...Ahhh, the car rides to Ark.

Perhaps only equaled by the promise of a treat was the excitement brought out by the announcement of a very special ride: "Wanna go to the Vet?" we would say, in our high-pitched 'this is going to be great!' voices, to try and make it seem like the Vet wasn't going to have to take his temperature...back there.  "Oh joy!!!  Endless Joy!"  thought Diesel sincerely.  "Now I get to see all my friends!"  And you were his friends.

There he was, every visit, striding  confidently through the door - in all of his shiny black and mahogany glory - like he had stock in Ark Animal Hospital, part ownership, for sure.  And his grand entrance was quickly followed by a frantic flurry from the other patients, picking up their precious poodles and Pomeranians, and shielding their little ones from this obvious, threatening monster.  He was oblivious to all of these prejudices - he had only a few lofty goals in mind and could not be deterred.  Get behind that desk.  Find the treat stash.  Get petted for hours.  Have all humans talk in high-pitched voices forever, because that's usually followed by more treats.  You, the entire staff, loved him.  And he loved you back.

We thank you for your unwavering support during the difficult times.  We thank you for your exceptional care of our baby.

Diesel thanks you for the memories, and the treats.

You helped make his life great - one any animal, canine or human, would have been envious of.

Warmly, Mike and Catherine


News from Huesman House

Kanta-chloe is proud to report that he's been doing much better with the vitamin's recommended by Dr. Smith.  It's made his life so much better.  He is jumping on  the table, going outside 3 times a day, and being mischevious, which is pretty good for a 20 year old cat.  He has no problems with his toiletries any longer, thanks to some suggestions from Kelly.  Of course, he has his younger sister Jig looking after him as well.  We just discovered she is the tender age of 18.  She had been claiming to be only 16, but girls will be girls and you might think she was still a kitten based on her looks, energy and dancing skills.

All thanks to you , the great staff at Ark Animal Hospital

Much love from Leona, Terra, Chibi-chacha, Bunny, Kanta, Jig, Don and Junko


 

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