“Thank you for the wonderful care you all provided for Luna back in September. She has recovered fully, and is now a happy, healthy and rambunctious 6 month old!
Sincerely,
Luna’s Family”
April 2008
PoohBear’s Story
"In early summer 2006 my 12 year old black lab was suffering with pain in the back leg. She had had issues with her back legs since puppyhood. While living in Germany, she had had operations to repair the ligaments in both her back knees. Back here in Minneapolis in about 2001, when her condition became quite bad, she had TPLO surgery at a vet’s clinic in Mendota Heights. Basically this surgery adjusted the angle of her knee joints to relieve pressure on the ligaments by cutting the head of the lower leg bone and securing it in place with a metal plate. Over a six month period both of her hind legs were operated upon.
Now fast forward to 2006, PoohBear was again showing pain in her left hind leg. A visit to my local vet diagnosed her with a probable arthritic condition, in which case Rimadel was recommended. But because of her past surgery her vet and I decided a quick checkup with her original surgeon was in order, just to make sure the problem wasn’t due to the plate in the leg. Well her x-ray led to a diagnosis of bone cancer in that leg, the only good news was that we had caught it early. Various options were presented to me but the best results were expected if we amputated her leg.
This is what led us to MVRS. Our first appointment with Dr Goullaud went extremely well, I had a long list of questions. Dr Goullaud answered them all and never gave me the impression that time was an issue. Within two weeks we had done some follow-up checks to make sure the first diagnosis was correct and scheduled her surgery. It was a truly agonizing discussion. PoohBear was not a young dog anymore and I was very worried about what I’d be putting her through.
On the day of surgery I wanted to stay and await the outcome of the procedure. I brought my lap top so I could complete my normal workday and basically set up office in the waiting area. All the staff were very supportive and gave me updates as they could. The surgeon came to talk to me after the procedure and explained how things went and what I could expect during recovery. I was able to see her for a short time before going home that night.
Within a day she was walking as a tripod, a bit wobbly but functioning. She remained at MVRS for the next 5 days or so recovering from the surgery. I went to visit every day and when the weather was nice we would go and sit outside on the grass for an hour or two. Dr Goullaud always made a point of speaking to me and letting me know how PoohBear was progressing.
For her follow-up treatment, once her strength was back, she had a number of light chemo treatments. They went well, with no side effects. Now we are doing periodic check-ups to ensure the cancer has not returned. Every visit Dr Goullaud takes time to show me her test results, explain what he’s seeing and answer my
questions. I always feel that he has PoohBear’s best interests at heart. We are now more than 18 months (and counting) cancer free. This was definitely the right decision. PoohBear and I have had a lot more quality time to share together." Sincerely, Pooh Bear's family
June 2008
" Dear Dr. Goullaud, I wanted to thank you for your time and attention and honest review of Gus' health. You are an amazing gift and I appreciate that you told me all- good and bad. You kept looking for ways to help me help Gus if I decided to do that. I wanted to explain to you what was going on for me and make sure that you knew that I really appreciated your special treatment...And I wanted you to see Gus as a well kitty and how handsome he was when he was well. Thank you again for your expertise and advice. Warm regards, Gus's family"
September 2008
" We would like to sincerely thank Dr. Goullaud and all of the MVRS staff for all that you've done for our best buddy Timber. He's such a happy dog and we are so thankful to have him in our lives. We cal also take comfort in knowing that we have a wonderful veterinarian staff to take care of him in times of need. " Timber
October 2008
" Dear Dr. Jarvis, Tammy, and other MVRS Staff who cared for Zoi, Thank you so much from Zoi and her family for the excellent care she received during her challenging illness. We are so grateful that she is doing well and appreciate all the effort that went into helping her get better. We also appreciate the kindness and concern extended to family members. Thanks to all of you!" Zoi's family
December 2008
"Dear Dr. Jarvis and Staff at MVRS, This book is a gift from me for your reception room in appreciation for the excellent care and attention I received when I was at your clinic in December for my parathyroidectomy. I'm glad everyone recognized what a very special dog I am, and that I don't like to be ignored. I have been going to my regular vet every week to get my calcium checked and my levels are starting to come back up to a normal level again! I had been a little quiet for a few weeks, but in the last week I've started playing ball and even chased a squirrel in the yard (I let him get away). So, it looks like I'm on my way to a full recovery! Thanks again for your exceptional care! Kisses to you, Chewy"
February 2009
"Thank you foor the seven years of excellent care you gave Daisy. Your care and expertise gave her a few extra years. She was lucky to have been your patient. " R.C.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the care you gave my precious Panda over the last several years. I had no doubt in my mind every time I brought her to you, she would receive the best care available. I knew you had one mission- to make her better. It is purely that simple. I knew every ounce of your being was poured into helping the pets that came through your facility. I knew if you didn't have an answer, you would know where to get the answer. I knew if any thing could be done, you could do it. ... You and your entire staff were amazing as usual. The care you and your staff gave Panda will be long remembered and appreciated." N.C.
"Thank you all so much for saving my life. I feel so much better! Me and my mom and dad are so happy and we appreciate all the wonderful care I received. " Buddy
July 2009
Dear MVRS Staff:
Thanks for saving Dexter's life. He is doing very well. We take him for long walks at the Minnesota Wildlife Refuge several times a week, play ball, and walk in the neighborhood. It is amazing after he was so sick. Thanks a million to such a professional caring staff. We think the world of you all.
Sincerely, Dexter's Family
