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-Lonnie & Bob Whittle, Halfmoon Bay
(Cont'd from Homepage)
Firstly, the veterinarians and technicians offer a high degree of expertise, professionalism and knowledge, not only because they are highly trained, but also because they participate in workshops and conventions to upgrade and remain current. The staff are friendly, helpful people who clearly understand animal behavior and obviously love and enjoy their patients whom they handle with compassion, gentleness and kindness. In short, the staff are both “fur people” friendly and also people friendly.
Secondly, the clinic provides a clean, pleasant, informative environment. Moreover, there is a calm, relaxed influence at work here; we note that from past experience our pets welcome the visit. In addition, the hospital is extremely sanitary and state of the art. No expense had been spared to provide the ultimate in medical equipment and care. The recovery area is spacious, sanitary and offers toys along with all the other comforts of home. The focus is preventative health care; therefore, there are months when dental or geriatric packages are offered at a reduced price. Clearly, pro-active health care is an important issue
Lastly, the Sechelt Animal Hospital contributes greatly to the community. The technicians offer a variety of free workshops focusing on animal health and care issues; the importance of diet, exercise, weight, play, touch, and knowledge of pet first aid. Once a year, there is an open house with guided tours in which there is an interactive discussion of the use of equipment, and an opportunity to ask questions about the equipment and procedures. Moreover, there are fund raising campaigns for the various animal rescue societies on the coast. Lastly, the clinic also rescues animals and performs the necessary health services before going to great lengths to find the perfect home. Obviously, a commitment to animals and the community is all important.
To conclude, we would not hesitate to recommend highly the Sechelt Animal Hospital. The level of expertise, the wonderful treatment of animals and those who serve them, the high quality of health care, the extremely well managed facility, the level of staff commitment to the patients and the community is extraordinary. Our pets leave feeling good about the experience, and so do we. Peace of mind is a wonderful feeling.”
-Pat MacQueen, RN, aka Nursie Pat, Pender Harbour
“Not only am I one of Dr. Carroll’s first clients but I have also been privileged to work for him as well, (I was an “escaping” R.N. at the time). My pair of Cairn Terriers, Bronson, Male aged 4, and Echo, female aged 1,-when we “joined”, were cared exclusively during their lives by Dr. Lorne Carroll and his staff. Both, unfortunately, had chronic health issues, so we regularly availed ourselves of the excellent diagnostic and therapeutic services they offer.
This community is fortunate to have a vet with Dr. Carroll's abilities, for he’s not only an exceptional diagnostician, but a gifted surgeon as well-something I have personal experience with! During my time as a “Staff Animal Nurse”, we also acquired “Russell”, a loving, big tabby who was rescued from certain death when found roadside critically injured, and brought to us with “multiple trauma”. After repeated surgeries, thoughtfully funded by Happy Cat Haven, he came home with me. His story has been published in the “Tank Report”—a great honor, and I am proud to say he’s alive and well and thriving in Pender Harbour.
Over the 15 or so years with SAH, I have experienced constant warmth and concern from all the staff, not only during the years of “Cairn care”, but especially when they met their inevitable-but always painful-farewell. I am proud of my association with SAH, and gladly, and gratefully recommend their services for the highest quality animal care on the Coast.”
-Patricia Godwin, Sechelt
“Anyone seeking excellent Veterinary care for their pets can feel confidant dealing with Sechelt Animal Hospital.
My three year old Papillon had been cared for through 4 surgeries, among other concerns over a 2 ½ year period, and I would have no hesitation in recommending this facility, and have done so on at least three occasions.
Dr. Carroll and the entire staff endeavor to keep abreast of recent changes and improvements in the Veterinary medicine and surgical techniques. The hospital, itself, is furnished with modern equipment for both diagnosis and treatment/surgery.
The entire staff strives to make clients feel comfortable, and a love of animals is very apparent-indeed, each pet is welcomed and treated as if he is the most valued and important. Even after more than her share of surgery and treatment over the last 2½ years, my “Katie” still enters the clinic, tail wagging, and anxious to greet the staff.”
-Jill and Henry Hightower, Secret Cove
“We moved to the Sunshine Coast some twelve years ago, with two older dogs and ten year old cat. We can’t recall who suggested we try the ‘new’ vet, but we did.
Dr Carroll had the Sechelt Animal Hospital for less than a year. He,Rachel and two part-time techs were the practice, which was the shack on Wharf Street that is now a tattoo parlor. Any doubts caused by the rough exterior of the facility were erased by the professionalism and enthusiasm we found inside. Dr Carroll and his staff deserve great credit for maintaining the professional friend of the family ethos through all of the expansion and modernization of the practice from those early days.
The older dogs who moved to the coast with us (Stella and Monty), needed attention from time to time. When the SPCA took Stella in she had evidently been living on the street for some time, perhaps years. Her teeth were terrible; she had what appeared in x-rays to be injuries likely from a car accident. Like any lady of mature years, she did not tell us her age. She had lived a full and reasonably healthy life in her ten years with us and with the care of Dr Carroll and his partners. When her time had come she still would not tell us her age, but she went with dignity and compassionate professional help. We still miss her.
Monty was left to us when a cousin passed away and his widow and daughter could not keep him. He had been well loved and cared for from the outset, and was a great companion. Lhasa’s are prone to vision, hearing, and chronic disease problems in their older years, and Monty had more than his share. Again, we managed with clinical treatments and some informative briefing sessions, and we think we satisfied our moral obligations to him and his late owner.
Our next adoption was not a happy one. Gizmo had more owners than we knew of at the time we took her. We did the best we could for her, but she too developed chronic diseases and passed away about a year after Monty.
That left us without a dog, (a condition that could only be temporary), and a desire to raise a puppy of known heritage from the age of twelve weeks. We purchased a Basset. What the breeder did not tell us then was that Bassets are like potato chips, no sane person can stop with just one. Morgan, is now 3½, and Evan, her kid brother, is a year younger.
They love going to the vet’s. They know everyone who works there, techs, receptionists, veterinarians, are there for them, love them especially, and can’t wait to give them a tummy rub. Brody, our adopted cat continues to receive the same professional care and kindness. We love having SAH in our community because we appreciate the friendly professionalism, helpful advice and knowledgeable compassion we experience.
Anyone who has not had a tour of the facilities and seen the diagnostic tools that are available in this practice should ask Kerri for a tour……”
-Christine Belcher, Gibsons
“Over many years I have taken my pets to the Sechelt Animal Hospital, these have included 4 dogs, many cats, a lamb and some pigs (house calls). I have always received their exceptional care; and very professional, compassion and caring in every one of the Drs and staff.
This last year they have gone above the call of duty with my dogs Ebony and Cocoa. They are always willing to care for them, no matter what problems they were having. Cocoa had to have two operations on her knee and special shots every week for over seven months. Then Ebony twisted his bowels and bloated twice. I believe Dr. Carroll felt worse than I did over the distress Ebony was going through. While in and out of the hospital Keri would sit with Ebony in his kennel and share her lunch with him, so he would get food in him, when he would not touch his regular food.
After about one month of spending more time in the hospital, when Dr. Carroll or another one of his staff would take Ebony into the back for blood tests and other procedures, Ebony would head for his kennel in there, that’s how much he loved the Drs and staff.
I cannot say enough about the Drs and staff at the Sechelt Animal Hospital. I would never hesitate to take my pets to the most updated animal hospital I have seen on the Sunshine Coast, with the most friendly, compassionate staff.”
-H.J. Hubbs, Granthams Landing
“We have been going all the way to Sechelt to Dr. Carroll at the Sechelt Animal Hospital since he was located in the little house at 5586 Wharf Street. For us this was April 1998, we had 2 cats and 2 dogs who generally went for their annual shots and check ups. When we take all 4 in we receive a discount, (sort of a family rate). The clinic is excellent in reminding us about the next time for their shots etc. Our Labradors have had several problems in the past 10 years. The male dog swallowed a stone which was checked by the clinic’s ultra sound. Because of this excellent equipment the Dr. made the decision that the cutting of the bowel wasn’t necessary. This saved us extra expense and it was much easier on our dog. The same dog, several years later, had a knee problem. With the x-ray at the clinic Dr. Carroll could see that he had a rupture of the canine cranial cruciate ligament. He told us what would happen if we didn’t have the knee operated on and if so what to expect. He had information sheets printed out for us to read to fully understand the problem and corrective procedure. This information was excellent. We were warned about the other knee going but, with the supportive instructions as to the physio we had to administer and successful surgery, he healed well and has been fine since. The surgery was performed five years ago and the other knee is fine.
This dog has also had some allergies but with the tests done at the clinic and samples sent to an expert for diagnosing, the proper food was suggested and he has since recovered. Our female dog has had many problems but with the ultra sound, and lab test done at the clinic and sent away to experts our Misty is still with us. If she had not been diagnosed correctly we would have lost her about 9 months ago. She is now perky and playful still at the age of 12. The staff is very caring and compassionate whatever the situation is and they treat our dogs as if they are their own pet. The clinic hours are great with it being open 7 days a week. Working people can even leave and pick up their pets before and after work which is very convenient.”
-Helen Ponting, Halfmoon Bay
“I have been a client of Dr. Carroll and staff from the first week of his coming to Sechelt. I have three small dogs and a cat in my home, having an animal doctor is a very important part of their lives. Doctor Carroll and staff have seen me through some very bad times as well as happy times, if it’s an emergency, big operation or just yearly exams I have always been treated with caring, kindness and the best medical care. I like to believe Dr. Carroll and I have an honest relationship, he takes the time to understand his clients, and knows just how far one will go for the best of their pets and lets you decide, he doesn’t push one into a guilt emotion. As for the cost of care I believe one should be prepared, I push so much aside each month for my pets. Remember you are being cared for by a professional doctor and staff plus the best equipment to help you. To end, Dr. Carroll and staff allow me to have the love and joy from my pets knowing if I need help they are just a phone call away. If you care as I do for your pets you will not go wrong in getting to know Dr. Carroll and staff.”
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