Always Helpful Vet Services

Reviews 6

KI

Kirsten Becker

A friend recommended Dr. Shoemaker after we tried what seemed like everything possible to help our 5 year old leonberger, Dutch, who has hip dysplasia. Over the years we have spent thousands of dollars on countless supplements, rehabilitation work and aqua therapy. My expectations werent high when I took Dutch to see Dr. Shoemaker, but our results have been nothing short of amazing! For starters, the Always Helpful practice is set up to be very comfortable for our pets. Dutch is normally a nervous wreck at the vets office. Not so at Always Helpful. He made himself right at home and appreciated all of the water bowls! The staff was amazing, and our three plus hour visit was like being with friends. Dutch shared very interesting information with Dr. Shoemaker, and, as a result, weve been able to change a few things around our house. At times I found myself on the verge of tears, because for the first time someone was treating Dutch as a whole dog and not just a dog with hip dysplasia. Dr. Shoemaker took time to educate me as she helped Dutch. I left feeling very well informed with additional things to research. And the best part? The Dutch that limped into Always Helpful was not the same Dutch that walked out with his head high and no limp at the end of our appointment. We are excited to go back for Dutchs follow up and to take our older male Leonberger for his first visit with Dr. Shoemaker. I am so thankful that our friend referred us.

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Sandy Miller

I dont know where to begin. My cat, Lila, has been under the care of Dr. Shoemaker since the onset of kidney failure when my regular (traditional) vet diagnosed her - approximately 6 years ago. After losing my last Siamese to kidney failure, I was determined to find more support and more answers than just resigning to the diagnosis and doomed outcome; I wasnt ready to say "goodbye." (Not that were ever "ready," but I wanted more time for more memories and more time to process the whole diagnosis.) Lila continues to amaze us all - thanks to the incredible care she receives from Dr. Shoemaker and the staff at Always Helpful. For every corner or hurdle - Dr. Shoemaker always has a "helpful" answer or treatment. I have not only learned so much from this incredible practice and process about pet care - but I have integrated the whole philosophy into my own life and health care. There is always a "helpful" solution, idea or remedy - something that assists in the quality of life. I cant say enough about Dr. Shoemaker’s depth and breadth of knowledge and her seamless level of professionalism when blending her methodology with traditional vet medicine. She focuses on the health and well-being of the animal - not the bottom line. The experience and lessons Ive learned at Always Helpful Vet will be with me the rest of my life - along with all the memories of Lila - memories I thought Id never have and, thankfully, continue to have.

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Jeanine Edler

I had a phone consultation with Dr. Judith Shoemaker and was Blown away by the Knowledge AND Kindness of Both her And receptionist Diane!!! She had given me the information that no local vet could have!! I only wished that I could have easier access to them, as I live over 3 hours away. :( Reguardless, the phone consult for my dog was Very informative and filled w lots of knowledge that I can use to help my dog. Honestly, with her being a Specialist with many rich people seeking her out I had expected her to put me off, and be really snobby. ABSOLUTLY THE OPPOSITE!!! I kid you Not, this lady Truly Cares and Wants to help!!! So does Diane!! Diane is no snobby receptionist, she talks, listens, and cares as well as Dr. Shoemaker!!! I wish that sometime soon Dr. Shoemaker could make it up to my area so that she can further help my little dog!!! Absolutely Love this place even though it was just a phone consult. I have Nothing but kind things to say about Always Helpful Vet, because they are definetly that!!! :) Forgot to mention: Dr. Shoemaker had viewed all of my dogs x rays, videos, and still picture, and fully read and understood my concerns, she did NOT skim over things briefly as alot of vets do!!! She truly does CARE!!! And Diane kept me on the phone to make sure that my videos could be opened up for them to be able to view!!! Wonderful people!!! :)

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Kramer & Phoebe Napoli

I have been taking my pups to Dr Shoemaker for several years now. My youngest has been seeing Dr Shoemaker for wellness visits since I got her. The entire staff at Always Helpful is amazing including Diane, Shelby, Donna and of course the Drs - Shoemaker and Urban! It is a very relaxed environment, and you can just feel the positive energy and honest care they are providing to their clients. Yesterday I had an appt and when I arrived there was another client in the waiting room which an emergency. The swiftness in which the staff was able to help this client was top-notch. Although my appt was delayed, I just sat there thankful on this day that the emergency wasnt me, and hoping that when/if I ever had to be "that client", that the staff and other clients would be as accommodating and compassionate. Although we as clients explain the symptoms we see with our pets, Dr Shoemaker takes the time to ensure she finds the root cause and not just focused on the symptoms we describe. They treat the "whole pet". It is amazing to watch and learn and my pups LOVE going there. I know I am providing my pups the best possible care under her guidance. My pups, however many I may have, will all be under wellness plans at Always Helpful!! 5 stars isnt enough to describe the service you receive here!

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Seth Shimkonis

Wow, where do I start? I brought my two newly adopted dogs from the SPCA, which were in very rough shape, to Judith off of a recommendation from a couple who only had amazing things to say about her and her staff. The first time I arrived I knew this was the place I would come for all the animals I will ever have. Her office is based on a farm in a refurbished barn surrounded by a working holistic farm. Her waiting room appears as a living room and her office looks like a den. My dogs were completely unaware they were at the vet! She walks the talk and then so much more. Ive had my dogs for two months and the dramatic turn around in both their health I attribute to a good and positive attitude as well as Judiths incredible veterinary practice with her guidance, knowledge and wisdom. She will not only guide you on what is best for your animal, she will educate you on life if you are open and listen. Every time I leave, I feel hopeful and happy. I leave much more wise and educated. And that is priceless. Priceless because you can not sell empowerment. Thank you, Judith and your incredible team at Always Helpful Veterinary Services. You are all a blessing to those in need of your care.

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Jean Young

Dr. Shoemaker and her staff are wonderful people who truly care about their clients. Dr. Shoemaker makes sure that you completely understand what is going on with your pets to help you keep them healthy. My dog Abbey broke out with a rash on her nose that looked like 3rd degree burns. My other vet got it under control with pharmaceutical drugs but couldnt tell me how to keep it from happening again. Dr. Shoemaker was able to not only tell what was going on with my dog but also how to keep it from happening again without drugs. 3 yrs later and no recurring problem. She also helped me to make the decision to not put down my 3yr old horse when he went blind and was in pain from uveitis and set up the appt for me to meet with the opthamologist at New Bolton to discuss removing his eyes to eliminate the problem, in the mean time I continued to give my horse chinese herbs and by the time I got to New Bolton 2 weeks later his retinas reattached themselves and he got his eyesight back. A year later and he has not had any recurrent flareups. Dr. Shoemaker has also kept mt Aussie Sophie in great alignment to keep her from getting injuries while competing in agility.

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