Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Artwork

We took advantage of the clean-up after last week's fumigation to mount up more artwork. These were all gifts from our generous clients. Note: Click on images to enlarge.

In the lobby, we have the two works from Julita Jones' early days: Flights of Fancy (above left) and The Great Escape (above right and below).

Julita Jones "The Great Escape"

Karla Davison has been a client of ours for many, many years. We have been a beneficiary of her fine artwork over the years in the form of cards and such. We are glad that we are able to display one of her larger work in one of our rooms (above). My photography skills (or lack thereof) and glare are not doing it justice. Karla is a local artist with a studio in Long Beach. Contact her for more information on her work.

In the same room, we have a D.A. Simpkins work in acrylic titled "All God's Creatures Go to Heaven" (above). A close-up look is needed to truly appreciate the texture and details of this work. The piece was generously gifted to us by Ms. Simpkins several years ago.

In addition to these larger artwork, we rotate photos of our patients along the display counter, walls, and digital photo frame.

Pet photos are always welcomed.

Your artwork and photos help create the warm environment of The Family Vet. Thank you!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Clinic Fumigation

All the hospital pets are finally out and the clinic building is closed up for fumigation. Some of you may remember we were supposed to do this tenting last year (almost to the date) but a clerical error (the gas company turned off the gas to the wrong building) by the fumigating company nixed the plan. So, Clinic Fumigation Part Deux, was scheduled for today. And it looks like it will get done this time.

We will be closed until Saturday 8/15/09.
We cannot return to the clinic until late Wednesday and anticipate at least a couple of days to unpack and set everything back up in working order.

As previously advised, the best way to contact us during this time is via email: staff@thefamilyvet.net
We will reply to emails within 24 hours.

You may leave a message at the office number 562-435-6331 but we may not be able to return calls until Saturday.

For all patients currently under treatment, you were provided with my cell number. Please call or send me text messages as needed.

As always, if it is an emergency requiring immediate care, please contact an emergency clinic:
http://www.animalemergencyreferral.com in Torrance (310) 325-3000
http://www.accim.net in Tustin (949) 654-8950

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Changes for August

As some of you know, I was in an accident on the 405 Fwy this past Friday night. A motorcyclist rammed into the rear end of my car at quite a high speed, sustaining injuries that tragically ended his life. I did not know who/what hit me or how he hit me until I heard from the eyewitnesses in the vehicles behind me. CHP officers are still investigating the accident. Regardless of the reasons or causes that lead the motorcyclist to lose control of his bike, a life was lost and many lives were touched and changed that night. My heart goes out to his family.

I spent Saturday and Sunday in hospital, undergoing numerous tests for the weakness in my left arm and leg, presumed from the trauma to my neck and shoulder. Long term prognosis is good, yet uncertain as we do not have a definitive diagnosis for my profound weakness. I am improving quite rapidly and have regained most of my strength in the past couple of days. However, extended use of my left arm / hand still weakens it and leave it quite fatigued for the day. I have no problem with routine daily uses, it is the prolonged use that I am not quite capable of yet.

Until I am confident that I have good strength back in my left hand / arm, I will have to temporarily stop performing certain surgeries. We have contacted those of you who may be affected this coming week and have already made arrangements with you. I have a follow-up with the neurologist next week and will update all of you of any changes.

We are making every effort to ensure that our clients and patients are cared for during this period. We are fortunate to have excellent referral facilities and other local practices that will be able to perform those surgeries or procedures that cannot wait for my recovery.

Other than the limitation on certain surgeries, I do not anticipate any other major changes in our services --- except for a delay on some client communication as I catch up the next couple of days.

We will be open for our usual office hours this week (Aug. 5 - 9):
Wednesday to Friday: 7 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am - 2 pm

Please note, our clinic building is being fumigated and will be closed from Monday Aug. 1o to Friday Aug. 14. We will re-open for appointments on Saturday Aug. 15. We will post reminders of how to contact us for that week.

We received many well-wishes and inquiries to my health the past several days. Elias tried to reply to them while I was hospitalized. Our apologies if we missed anyone.

Communication is essential to the trust we have developed with you over the years. Please do not hesitate to voice your concerns or questions about any aspect of our services.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding this past weekend.
Thank you.