Dr. Andrea Tu from Park East Animal Hospital in New York City was recently featured in an article by Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated in 2010. The article outlines her focuses since graduating and her goals for the future. Great article, Dr. Tu!

There is a lot happening at each of our affiliated hospitals and we continue to grow with performance of our hospitals strong and getting better every day. The acquisition pipeline is even stronger and since the last blog, as we have added two new hospitals. We welcome Adams Animal Hospital in Athol, Mass, Medical Director Robert Bergantino and his highly qualified practice manager, Linda Bramhall. Adams is located in the Western Mass mountains and recreation area; it has been a solid community hospital for many years. Dr. Tom Green has sold the Greenbelt Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort, located in Midland, TX, to Pet Partners just last month. Casey Green is a very competent CVPM leading the management team there and Tom Green has passed the torch of the medical leadership onto Dr. Kristina McConaughey who has been serving as Medical Director from day one. Midland is located in central west Texas and we think of it as an oasis of oil. It is hot, but friendly and has a very strong economy at present. It, and sister city, Odessa, comprise the entire region and is the setting of Friday Night Lights where High School Football is more important than food. Both of these locations are great additions to our family and I welcome them and all the staff members associated with each practice.

Coolridge Animal Hospital kicked off spring in a hopping way! We were honored with an appearance from Peter Cottontail himself.

Since January there has been a breeze of optimism in the air regarding client and pet visits to our hospitals. That optimism has carried over into performance and it is my belief we are coming out of the worst recession seen in all of our lifetimes. I hate to say that as it has appeared to continue to be one step forward and two steps back or vice versa with business. But it has not been a straight line. As I cross the Country looking at perspective acquisition hospitals I see some areas that never knew there was a financial downturn and other areas that feel they are still in its midst. In the summary of it all I hold strong optimism for the remainder of this year. If days past have created anything positive it is in our management as a profession. We have learned to manage better than ever before. When I speak about Pet Partners being a management company first and foremost I speak the absolute truth. We are an operations organization that acquires hospitals. And in that order. Our hospitals are then empowered to be the best they can be with trained managers that almost always come with the practice and they are supported by some of the best people I have ever worked with from our offices in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Doctor Harre has a very kind and positive attitude. That was really show cased when we were down a doctor and Dr. Harre worked 10-12 hours a day 6 days a week while looking to fill the position. She goes above and beyond when duty calls. She stays late to finish up with clients and make sure her medical records are accounted for. Doctor Harre does this without any complaints and a smile on her face. Coolridge Animal Hospital really appreciates all that she does on a daily and ongoing basis to help our practice run.

The New Year is upon us and the first weeks have been somewhat full with the Pet Partners Annual Leadership Meeting in Baltimore just after the New Year and the NAVC in Orlando this past weekend into this past week. In all a lot is happening and it is all good. The Baltimore Meeting was highlighted by Jon Ayers, Chairman, CEO and President of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. His most informative talk to the entire team on Friday morning was not only enlightening about the “New Normal” it was totally in sync with what we at Pet Partners believe and work on every day. The address was well received and led to many questions regarding what we all realize is the “New Normal” for veterinary medicine and also life in general.

Sheryl is a Certified Veterinary Technician who has worked at Bayonet Point Animal Clinic for 33 years. Some would say to last with Bob Hase that long, she would have to be a saint. Sheryl is never late, never complains and only brings up issues of importance.

Telegraph Road held a Special Santa on Saturday, December 17th from 8-2pm. Clients were able to come in and have their pets pictures taken with Santa, receive special treats, and enjoy the holiday with their family and furry friends. Great job to the team at Telegraph Road Animal Hospital!

I apologize for getting behind in my communications and have a lot to talk about since my last. First, I want to commend some very outstanding ladies who work at North Ridge Veterinary Hospital in Madison, Ohio. To Debbie Heaven, Pam Nevison, Judy Dunkin, Brenda Conrad and any others who I have inadvertently missed I extend major kudos for the Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle that you all conducted at North Ridge for the volunteer fire companies in the area. With over $5,000 raised on May 16, oxygen masks and tubing are being purchased for many local fire companies so they will have the equipment to resuscitate and support animals caught in home and other fires. Because of a major disaster recently in the area wherein a number of family pets were lost it became known that no such equipment existed. With the energy and determination of this wonderful group of ladies those fire trucks will now be properly equipped to fire professionals dealing with inhalation issues with companion pets. There is not enough positive to be said about this effort!

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