Hi Dana,

Well, sweet little Jazzy got sick on Monday, and as usual your wonderful staff got us in, in a matter of hours. Shawna looked after us and I wanted to tell you that I think she's wonderful. She was so gentle with Jazzy. She prescribed an antibiotic and by yesterday afternoon Jazz was responding to it. We had a rough night though. She had blood in her urine and she was voiding without notice...so I spent the night mopping. It was such a relief to see her regain control of her bladder.

There are a lot of vets out there, and I talk to alot of pet owners and I tell them about you, and not one of them gets a follow up call the next day....not one. Your practice is the only one in this area that does that. You have created an atmosphere where every pet owner feels like their pet is the most important one. How wonderful is that, for everyone to feel so important?

Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do for us, I don't ever want you to think that we take you for granted because we know how lucky we are.

Sharon & Jazzy

I am an Airedale Terrier who definitely knows how important it is to have a dedicated, compassionate and skilled doctor.  In my nearly four years of going to Dr. Dana Cox, I have been attacked by a dog, (required four stitches in my neck) had a broken toe, itchy skin and ears due to allergies, and have had sore hips.  Luckily, my “mom” takes me to Smith Veterinary Hospital where I always receive immediate attention and lots of TLC from Dr. Cox and her amazing staff.  SVH is one of my favourite places to go.  We are always greeted by smiling, friendly receptionists regardless of how busy the waiting room is.  Dr. Cox obviously prides herself on providing her clients and patients with great customer service by creating a warm and caring environment.  Her staff helps to make the hospital a great place to come as they always give me 100% of their attention, time, and advice.  (Actually they give "mom" the advice but it is all about me)   They make everyone feel like they are at home.

I know when I enter the examining room, Dr. Cox always provides me with the highest quality of care in a comfortable, non-threatening environment.  In fact, the whole atmosphere is stress-free that I fall asleep before Dr. Cox even enters the examining room.  I wake up just long enough to receive treats from her and to give her kisses and then, once again, I go back to sleep as Dr. Cox gently exams me.  When I had my broken toe, though, I managed to stay awake each week as I had my dressing changed.  I always looked forward to seeing the colour of the week as my dressing colour always changed.  I must admit, though, dark pink was not one of my favourite colours.

I am extremely grateful to Dr. Cox and her staff for all their caring and compassionate service, the follow-up phone calls to see how I am after treatments for my various ailments, and their letters to remind "mom" that I need a check-up.  Dr. Cox definitely cares a lot about her patients as she strives to keep us healthy through preventative medicine by promoting a lifestyle for us that will let her help us fight off sicknesses and diseases that can be avoided.  The six month check-ups let me know that Dr. Cox really wants me to be healthy.  I am impressed with the way Dr. Cox explains the medical aspects of my condition in a way so that "mom" understands what is happening to me.  I love the way the nurses, technicians, and receptionists always take the time to make me feel loved and well cared for.  With all the problems I have had, words cannot describe how much I appreciate the way Dr. Cox treats me.  From the excellent care, concern for my well-being, and determination to make sure I receive the proper treatment, I will always go to SVH to see Dr. Cox.

Thank you, Dr. Cox, for being my best friend and for being the greatest doctor ever.

From a very appreciative patient for everything you do for me,
Diesel

Dear Doctor Dana & All Animal Health Caregivers;

Thank You very much for opening up a new world with the SVH Webb Site & selecting Bailey as one of the Pet of the Month for April.

As you are all busy with our animals  I wish to comment the following;

I was not aware that you have a very interesting web site to open the door to all pet owners & their dogs, cats, mice , birds or whatever.  By digging deeper into your site of SVH  I could learn so much of the different roles  each person in your team of 18 specialists play in keeping the Noah Ark floating & taking care of all matters for our happy , healthy, sick & mistreated animals . I never realized to provide the most cost effective service it requires many team players with knowledge , teamwork & the right attitude to resolve the many illness, accidents & well being.

I was very pleased to see a photo of each member of the health team & now it will be much easier for me to communicate with a better understanding.  Anne & I have been  coming to your hospital for almost 9 years , first of all Spencer the 2.5 year English Bulldog from the Toronto Humane Society  & Bailey the  French Bulldog we inherited from heaven & have loved & enjoyed with all of you for more than 8 years.  Because you have taken good care of him & help his nice personality develop over the years we are now helping others by becoming members of St. John Ambulance , Dog Therapy at York Central Hospital for more than 6 years & providing joy & licks for the elderly sick & dying. It is certainly a good feeling when we can make a contribution to our community & society by sharing the love & feeling only a dog can give.

I enjoyed very much to be able to go " Behind the Scenes " & learn of places which are necessary in the SVH to provide facilities for surgery, healing, grooming , feeding, administration etc.  In the past nine years I have been pleased to see how well your hospital has evolved to provide a wide audience of of owners, pets & patients. I would make the assumption that Smith Vet Hospital is one of the best comprehensive Pet hospitals in the GTA with Doctors , Specialists & Staff who give  equal love & healing to all breeds from cats to dogs.  I appreciate the insight you are trying to provide to pet owners by telling about various preventive techniques & medications from becoming sick & having a long & health life. I appreciated very much the article by Jennifer,Hospital Administrator on Blood Work 202. Also the article on Heart Worm disease for which Bailey has to start taking his medication early June 2009. This gives Pet owners much insight as to what to do to prevent major health problems which are difficult to handle when it is too late.  I notice in your office you have thousands of of manila files on each of your Pets. I am certain many of them do not know about your wonderful web site to give them more insight into who's who, what's what & depth of hints & healing for all pets. Perhaps some one can check & find out if all of you pet owners have a PC & than find out their E/mail address so you can keep them informed with the going's on in your monthly newsletter & become more familiar with their care & groom giver for your pets & animals.  I was pleased to see the community work you do such as  participating  in the fall Thornhill Festival by having a booth & showing all that you are available to provide latest animal care for all pets big or small .

Your Pet of the Month is a wonderful idea not only to show a particular breed but to expose pet owners to various health issues & medical problems they have from time to time & what action has to be considered by SVH but also the teamwork of specialists as ophthalmologist for the eyes, othopaedic for the hips etc. Anne & I   as well as others were very pleased to read the heart warming & well written story on  Bailey Patrick , April Pet of the Month by Lynn Formanek Pet Care Coordinator. She was very descriptive & animated in telling how he looked with the sore eye & the tender loving care he required from all doctors &  staff & time to heal after the eye operation & after care with medication which took a total of almost two months to heal his both eyes . Now Bailey is much better & ready to meet you all soon with his grunting & gurgling sounds of joy to Thank You all for the uniquely special tender  care you all gave him & he is ready to give each a you his grunt & kiss in appreciation of each of your individual care & love you gave him during this most difficult time for him. See you soon . Keep up the good work & digging deeper not only for the dog bone but to enhance the good reputation you have all created with your teamwork, friendship & joy of working together to serve the animal kingdom at Smith Vet Hospital.

Love & Best Wishes Bailey , Anne & Ed Patrick........... Congratulation's for Keeping Up the Good Work

I just wanted to drop all of you a quick note to tell you how much we appreciated the good care you took of Lola. We were sooooooo nervous about her surgeries but Dr. Cox and the girls put our minds at ease right away. We know she's a big girl and felt you all went above and beyond what we would've expected you to do (though secretly hoped for) and really cannot express our gratitude enough.

We know how much care, love and attention she got (so does she!) which consequently made her experience as pleasant and stress free as it could've possibly been.

We "interviewed" many vets for these surgeries and had no doubt that your team was the best. Now we have ample proof.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for all your care and expertise. It's obvious how much you love your patients.

Sincerely

Jenny, Mike and of course Lola!

I have been coming to Smith for many many years and I couldn't ask for a better more kind group of people.  You have all been a lifeline for my fur babies and for me when needed.  I want to thank you all for your time and compassion and the excellent care that you give to each individual pet that is brought into your hospital.   On many occasions out of the blue someone will call just to see how all the guys are doing and you have no idea what that means to me.   So thank you for doing a great job under what can be very stressful times I'm sure for all of you.


Kim Heathcote & Fur-Crew!

Dear Dr. Cox and SVH staff,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to both you and the staff at your clinic.  Boots' precarious situation continues to keep me busy, but I know that we are in good hands.

Dr. McLaughlin called me on Thursday, October 22, 2009 to discuss Boots' blood results and to my dismay she advised me Boots may be confronting an anemic situation.  Another condition to add to my research I thought as she meticulously attempted to explain to me what all this meant.   

If there isn't enough already going on with my precious puppy we now have this with which we are faced.  Boots as everyone knows is very precious to me.  She is an excellent companion and an incredible animal.  She is a gem and brings many smiles to many people. 

Dr. McLaughlin felt it was necessary to conduct further testing including radiographs to rule out any internal bleeding and a full physical exam.  On Friday, October 23, 2009 Boots and I arrived at the clinic for her appointment.  Dr. McLaughlin was extremely gentle and very accommodative to Boots' sometimes boisterous and fussy demeanor.  Soon enough Boots was able to acclimate to Dr. McLaughlin.  One thing with which I was overly impressed was Dr. McLaughlin’s preparedness for our appointment.   Boots' chart is very voluminous and she has an abundance of health issues with which one need to be familiar in order to appreciate her conditions and fit properly the pieces of the puzzle together.  Dr. McLaughlin had taken it upon herself to thoroughly read through Boots' chart ahead of our appointment and had made copious typed written notes for her reference.  I was left speechless and this undoubtedly went well above and beyond my expectations.  With this knowledge she was better equipped to discuss various options and possibilities for Boots including her initiative to have further discussions with Dr. Finora and the Pathologist alike.  She demonstrated a genuine willingness to attend to Boots' situation and that in my eyes is stupendous and worthy of acknowledgment.    

Furthermore, during our visit there was a very sensitive situation which transpired and the clinic's mood immediately altered from a high spirited, vibrant and energetic environment to a very serious, grave, but compassionate place.  Unfortunately, the loss of one of your furry clients was imminently taking place and it was devastating.  My heart sunk in that moment of despair as I observed the parents of this precious creature enter and leave the premises.  Everyone in your clinic responded quickly and adapted to the situation very professionally. 

Dr. McLaughlin was thrust into a situation wherein she had to shift gears quickly to attend to this quickly passing pet while still managing the integrity of Boots' situation.  I was thoroughly impressed with her conduct, sensitivity and her ability to effortlessly meet the needs of everyone concerned. 

This was a very seminal moment for me to be witness to this changing pace of the clinic. 

I would also like to highlight some other staff within the clinic that are worthy of acknowledgment.  Jennifer Allen consistently exhibits a passion for her work.  Her enthusiasm is immeasurable, her interpersonal skills are top notch, she is without fail respectful, sensitive to the needs of her clients and she always demonstrates a willingness to ensure that all of Boots' and Mommy's needs are met.  Keep up your outstanding work Jennifer and thank you for making us feel so important.    

As for the front desk staff including, Erin, Judy and Kat are impeccable.  They are all very professional, attentive, knowledgeable, courteous, innovative, resourceful, anticipatory and clearly very passionate about what they do.  They are undeniably “Client Care Specialists.”  They exemplify an ability to juggle all the tasks presented to them in a fluid environment and do so with a smile.  This is conquering.  It is an absolute pleasure to interact with each of these ladies and they always make Boots and I feel very welcome at all times.  Thank you to all the ladies.

There are also many other staff members with whom I have had contact, and who have also left an impression upon me for their professional conduct and proficient and skilled manner.   To name those individuals that come to mind they include, Lynn, Carrie and Cynthia. 

The overall standard of this clinic in my eyes has achieved an insurmountable service of excellence.  I didn't always feel this as a client of Smith Veterinary Hospital, but I strongly believe it has evolved to a place worthy of such status.  Boots is a very privileged dog to be a patient of such a highly esteemed establishment.

Dr. Cox this letter is a testament to your unwavering and steadfast commitment and dedication to perfect your practice.  You obviously foster an environment that is naturally cohesive and brilliantly connected.  The bedrock to any successful operation is the driving force of the pilot who treats each member as an individual and each individual as a member of the team.  This is a clinic that is clearly united and an oasis for every furry friend that walks through the door.  Dr. Cox you are an outstanding DVM with incredible gusto who always embraces her patients with earnest fervor.  You always take the time to respond to my concerns and it is undoubtedly at all times heartfelt.  You are by far mine and Boots' HERO.  If I could honour someone with achievable status it would be your irrefutable loyalty to everyone with whom you come into contact, both humans and pets.  You are worthy of this recognition.   Thank you for faithfulness to your practice and for realizing a level of professionalism equal to the personal service I have come to expect and continue to appreciate.

Sincerely,

Boots and Mommy  Friis   

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Koby passed away on October 22, 2009 of renal failure at 8:30pm.  He had just celebrated his 5th Birthday on October 21, 2009.

We will always be grateful and will remember how willing everyone was to help us out with Koby anytime we came in for an appointment or for his grooming.  It certainly takes a very special team, like yourselves, who continuously demonstrated such kindness and compassion towards Koby and his family which made a significant difference to us.

As you already know, every owner and their pet who comes through your doors on a regular basis, has a distinct and unique relationship with their pet which becomes a part of their lives.  What is important to recognize is how Koby's made such a huge impact too on many people who knew him so well, but his presence within our home shaped us in our own special and loving way. Our lives will forever be enriched by the memorable times we shared together.

We won't ever forget his trusting eyes.  He was our friend; we owe a lot to him and the devotion he showed to us all the time.

Once again we would like to send our deepest appreciation to such a wonderful team at Smith Veterinary Hospital and look forward to bringing another new member of our family sometime soon.

Sincerely,

The Boisselles