12/1/2008 The end of our fourth year and we are still amazed at home much we learn. We have seen the passing of some great animals along with some great owners. There are many people and animals that have left memories on us. There are three clients that we will dearly miss. Sandy Camby, Jack Stack, and Deborah Glenn. These three stand out in our minds because of there extreme devotion and love for all animals. These were not just clients to us but friends. They will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Every year we see the passing of beloved animals. One that sticks out in my mind and must be talked about is “BO” Bodiddle Axelrod. If there could be a life story that we would want to put into print or a movie it was this one. His story is not great because of his will to live through multiple cancer treatments and surgeries. One surgery he had while awake that we had to do local anesthesia because he was too frail for general anesthesia. His story is great because he was always in great spirits. From the day we were blessed to meet him till the day on his couch in his living room when he went heaven he never had a bad day. He managed through loss of site, loss of hearing, a new sister, and a new house but never stopped being “bo”. He will always be remembered by all whom had the joy of meeting him.

2008 brought a change in our economy and the hardships that come with it. We are no different than any other business. How we get through these times is the same as we did through the high times, we listen. There is not a perfect package for everyone and we work with each owner to make the best of what they can do for their pet. That may mean changing the “norm” but we must look at the future and make sure we are all doing what is best for the family not just the individual. This has always been our approach and it will stay that way as the economy returns its strength.

We have had a wonderful year with our kids. We were the product of old pets in 2007 and we started out 2008 with no dogs and one less cat. Yes, we lost all 3 of our dogs throughout 2007. January 2008 we made the family trip to Florida to pick up our newest baby, Newman. Newman is our latest Rhodesian Ridgeback. He has brought new life into our house and new challenges. Our kids have never had a puppy to train. We have not lost the memories of our great “Angus” the godfather of all the dogs we have had but Newman is a sight to see. We understand all the struggles our clients go through with new puppies because we have gone through them this year. Some great training form Cross Pointe training is the only thing that has saved us.

We look ahead to 2009 with great hopes of entering more people’s lives through their animals and staying a part of their lives through great medicine and friendship. We have had some many blessing this past year and hope to continue it into 2009. Our kids, our pets, and our staff want to thank all of our clients for their continued support of our animal hospital and we hope we can return the blessing to all of them.

Mark and Sarah