MEET MAGGIE
In the middle of Indiana cornfields and windmills, a golden retriever named Maggie was rescued from a breeding facility by a local shelter in desperate need of a new home—a new start. Her entire life, she was used as a caged breeder, producing puppies for profit until she could no longer produce anymore. At six years old, Maggie hadn’t seen much of the world outside her small barred home, until she was given a much-needed new beginning, when rescued and eventually adopted by her newfound owner.
Scared, tired, shy, and shaken, Maggie wasn’t used to the inside of a home, cars, people, or other dogs to play with, much less a veterinary clinic. She came with no veterinary records or information about her history. Most dogs that come from breeding facilities don’t even come with their birthdate, but fortunately, with some good research, Maggie’s owner was able to find hers.
Maggie’s owner called Pet Wellness Clinics and scheduled her first appointment for preliminary shots, blood work and a wellness exam. Knowing Maggie’s brief history, our staff understood the fear and anxiety she would be feeling and we wanted to do everything we could to make her first experience comforting. Her big sister, Hayley, was able to come along with Maggie, which we highly encouraged because we knew this would be a supportive companion for her. We know from personal experience how hard it can be on a pet owner to see your pup scared or in pain, which is why we make sure your first visit isn’t just reassuring for your loved one, but you too.
Like every patient and newcomer, we welcomed Maggie with her name on our board! When she came in, we brought her straight back to the room with her owner and Hayley. Prompting Maggie’s sister to get on the table, Hayley jumped up and greeted our veterinary technician with a big grin on her face. Once Maggie saw how comfortable Hayley was, she felt more confident throughout the entire appointment.
Our veterinary technician did a new patient assessment and provided recommendations on the shots, blood work, and preventatives Maggie needed. We recommended the Pet Prime Membership because it would provide Maggie’s owner significant cost-savings and cover a lot of the care costs she needed.
When it was time to get Maggie’s bloodwork, we didn’t want to separate her from her family, fearful, she would think she’s being sent away again. So, we invited her sister back in the lab with us so Maggie would feel more comfortable that she was in trustworthy hands. The whole time the dogs were in the lab, their owner waited outside the door, peaking in over the window so the dogs could see their loved one wasn’t too far away.
During Dr. Graves’ visit with Maggie, he gave a thorough exam, speaking softly and calmly, careful not to pressure or scare her. He recommended waiting to give Maggie her boosters and nail trimming until her spay appointment so it was less overwhelming on her first day. While we knew Maggie had a long way to go, we told her owner that she was doing great, there were no major concerns and we couldn’t wait to see how much she grows in the next three months.
MAGGIE’S SECOND VISIT
Inviting a pet back for their second visit is always exciting for us. We love seeing how much they’ve grown and how much more comfortable they are with our facility and staff. Maggie and her owner were coming in for Maggie’s spay appointment. When they arrived, we could already see the positive improvement in Maggie’s health and stride just after a few short weeks.
Knowing Maggie’s fragile history, we wanted to give her and her owner a moment to themselves before taking her back. As a veteran bred dog, Maggie produced tons, if not hundreds, of puppies. This surgery would provide her a fresh start, significant health benefits and peace of mind for her and her owner.
At Pet Wellness Clinics, we offer a laser treatment that speeds up the healing and recovery time for spay and neuter surgeries. Maggie’s mom was thrilled when we shared how affordable it was and that Maggie would be back on her feet in no time. To prevent pets from licking at their stitches, we give pup parents the option of a “party hat” or a onesie for their pet’s recovery. Maggie’s owner gladly chose the onesie option because she feared the “party hat” would cause too much anxiety for Maggie’s sensitive well-being.
With any animal surgery, the recovery can be tough and tiring for pets. We know for pet owners, it’s just as hard! After every visit, we make sure to send our speedy and comforting wishes in a “get well” card. We were pleased to hear Maggie was doing great!
Maggie’s story is unique because of her history, but her experience is one we cherish at our clinic. It’s what sets us apart and what makes our jobs so rewarding. We hope you keep following along with us as we track Maggie’s progress and experience at Pet Wellness Clinics!
DARBY’S DENTAL VISIT
Darby’s Perspective
So, here’s the deal… I’m a pretty in your face lady. I like my neck to be scratched, to see what everyone is doing, and always be part of the action. Whether I’m lounging on my favorite bed (yes, I have multiple) or, just curling up on the couch with my servants (my owners), I love to be loved.
But lately, people have been turning away from me. I had an idea that my breath wasn’t the most pleasant, but I had no idea it was THAT bad. Thankfully, my mom took me to Pet Wellness Clinics to have my teeth checked out. It turns out that I not only needed a teeth cleaning, but a few extractions, so my mom made an appointment for me.
The morning of my dental cleaning I was nervous. But as soon as I arrived at the clinic, I was given five-star treatment. When I walked in the door, they knew my name and I trotted right over to have the nape of my neck scratched. They remembered that little detail about me too! My mom said goodbye and I was taken back to a comfy area until my dental cleaning. I didn’t have to wait too long, and to be honest as soon as they lifted me onto the table, I was dreaming of endless piles of dog bones and pup cups. Before I knew it, I woke up with pearly whites! A human was always by my side and stayed with me as I woke up from that incredible dream. When it was time for me to go home, I got to send a video to my mom so she knew it was time to pick me up.
When my mom arrived, I was really happy to see her and gave her lots of kisses! She was super embarrassing and kept saying how much better my breath was. I mean, I guess I can’t blame her, I do feel a lot better and more confident knowing my smile isn’t turning people away. Thanks Pet Wellness Clinics for giving me back my million dollar smile!
Owner’s Perspective
Darby is my 14-year-old princess. She rules the roost, or at least, I let her think that. When I noticed that her breath seemed to be a little more than just “dog breath,” I contacted my local vet. A teeth cleaning and extraction was recommended, but I thought their price seemed high, so I decided to get a second opinion at Pet Wellness Clinics based on a friend’s recommendation.
I was really impressed with how Pet Wellness Clinics welcomed us into the practice. Darby’s name was written on the board outside, and as soon as we came in we were escorted into an exam room. Darby’s veterinarian did a thorough exam and also determined that teeth cleaning and extractions were going to be necessary. The price quoted by Pet Wellness Clinics was a third of my original estimate, and I saved even more when I enrolled in their Pet Prime Membership. The experience of the staff made me comfortable and the value was unmatched. I made Darby’s dental cleaning appointment on the spot.
The morning of Darby’s dental cleaning, I was a nervous mom. I felt immediately at ease when the vet tech knew our names when we walked in the door. Throughout the procedure, I received text message updates and phone calls to let me know how everything was going. And, when Darby was ready to be picked up, I received an adorable video message from Darby herself! When I arrived to take her home, I once again met with the doctor to discuss the dental cleaning, the results and how to care for Darby while she recovered from the extractions.
My dogs are my kids, and it feels great to know that Pet Wellness Clinics is there for us with affordable five-star treatment whenever we need it.