Category: | Animal Hospital |
Address: | 3430 Lauderdale Dr, Richmond, VA 23233, USA |
Phone: | +1 804-424-0012 |
Site: | wellesleyah.com |
Rating: | 4.7 |
Working: | 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 9AM–12PM Closed |
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Lei B
I love this place. And Ive only been once. They are Top Notch. When I woke up last Thursday, I did not think for a second that I would be laying my little guinea Tiko to rest. I woke up to him whimpering in a way Id never heard him. He was in so much pain. Naturally, I called 4 local animal hospitals, crying like crazy from seeing him that way. Not only did Wellesley allow me to talk to a tech over the phone, but that tech was nice enough to give me a very helpful idea of what was going on and a probable prognosis that I already feared when I called. The front desk staff was understanding and compassionate. The tech was insightful and knowledgeable, even over the phone. Tiko would have moments where hed lay lateral and just whimper in pain, which I knew was not a good sign for these little guys. Usually very energetic, playful, and most importantly, Hungry (lol), he would not eat or drink. And finally, the veterinarian, Dr. Evan Apotheker, who was undoubtedly the most gentle animal provider Ive ever come across. I have never been in the position where I have to decide to end another beings life. So I did not know what to expect or how many details I would receive, especially when to most, Tiko would be just another small rodent. Dr. Apotheker did not make me feel crazy for being so upset. He was ethical in his approach by examining Tiko with me and my friend in the room. He explained why Tiko was in so much pain and how invasive surgery can be for his kind. Whether it be a severe case of bladder stones, intestinal blockage or pneumonia, ailments that sound so treatable to us can be a big deal for them. I apologize for the lengthy review. For others this scenario may even be what is expected. But I appreciate this staff for being so efficient and compassionate. I appreciate Dr. Evan for not just taking Tiko in the back and not giving me any time of day to know what was going on to the animal I cared for. I am grateful to the tech who spent time with me over the phone and made a paw print for me to always have : ) As a physician assistant student, providers like him give me hope and remind me that all beings are worth love and respect. Even the smallest of them. Thank you all so much!!!!!!!
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Delilah Jones
Brought a bird in with an injured wing. Vet said she couldnt fix it, that it appeared to have been on the ground with the injury for about two weeks and its parts were fused. Because she couldnt fix it, she said she would euthanize it. I said, no I dont want you to. She grudgingly and very hopelessly-sounding said unless I could find a rehab facility that would take it, she had to euthanize it. Also told me Id be hard-pressed to find such a place. Basically, she wasnt motivating me to try, she had already given up on the bird and was urging me in the same direction. She said I had two hours to find such a place. First, I brought the bird in to get it help, not sign its death warrant. Second, I found a rehab facility that would take the bird within her two hour time limit and when I called her on the phone to tell her this, she told me she would get the bird ready, BUT the entire time I talked to this woman, she had nothing but the attitude of wanting to euthanize the bird and not wanting to give it a chance. In fact, her exact words were, "Oh, I didnt get him any fluids because we were planning on euthanizing him." When I told her I was on my way to pick the bird up, she called me back within 30 seconds of the previous phone conversation and told me that the bird had died. Seriously?! Other than a broken wing, the bird was fine. It had been surviving on the ground for two weeks! It ate the bugs I gave it when I had it overnight before I took it to the vet the next morning. Given her whole negative attitude on me trying to give this bird a chance, I highly doubt for one second that this vet did not euthanized the animal anyway. Pet owners and those seeking help for injured wildlife, beware of this vet. She did the very least she could, and when you love your family pet, or you are just trying to do right by some injured wildlife, the last thing you want is some vet who isnt willing to try as if they animal were her very own. Never let it be said that this vet didnt do the LEAST she could do.
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Rebekah Barker
I have had only wonderful experiences with Wellesley. I adopted a dog in November of 2016, and he has had many different health issues ranging from ear infections to hookworms to allergies to bacterial infections. Wellesley has been there every step of the way. They always found a way to fit me in when Charlie needed to be seen, and they even stayed involved in his case after referring him to a more specialized internalist for his severe GI issues. Charlie has seen Dr. Parker, Dr. Evan, and Dr. Alli - all three of them could not have been more wonderful. They were patient, kind, empathetic, knowledgeable, and able to answer all of my questions. Further, Wellesley is extremely accommodating, which is great for people who work full time. The front desk staff is some of the best I have ever encountered. I have never experienced any of them being anything but kind, patient, friendly, and personable. I completely trust Wellesley with Charlie and would never go anywhere else. Finally, one of my favorite things about Wellesley is that someone will ALWAYS return your phone calls. I cant think of one time that I have been put on hold for more than a couple of minutes. If the receptionist has to take a message, I always hear back from a vet or vet tech by the end of the day (usually within just a couple of hours). They truly have some of the best client communication I have ever experienced. I cannot say enough about this great facility, and I highly recommend it!
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Tessa Nash Pearson
I have a very old cat who was in pain and I took him to WAH today. What a great experience. Every single person that I came in contact was kind and caring. That says a lot because if the staff is happy then its a happy place to work. It is important for me to know that my animal is getting cared for by people who are genuinely happy to do their job. My little Angus was not happy but he was well cared for even when he wasnt the nicest. Everything and every option was explained to me. I would highly recommend taking your small family member here. Thanks Dr. Alli and the entire staff. Update: We have had to take our baby back twice more because unfortunately he is getting sicker. It has been determined that he has cancer. We have seen Dr. Nash and Dr. Evan as well. I want to say that everyone that we come in contact with is exceptional. They are kind, caring and patient. This includes the entire staff: front desk staff, technicians and vets. What a top notch facility that is helping us deal with our aging and sick animal in a loving way.
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Ethan
Amazing practice! I cannot say enough about this clinic. First thing, hats off to Dr. Evan! he is an amazing doctor. He went in after a tumor on my cats paw that another vet wanted to amputate. The willingness to save the quality of life for my pet and hopefully yours speaks volumes of the medical prowess of the veterinarians on staff here. Get your second opinion here! they are not a chop shop, price gouger and honor their commitments to your loved family members. Unbelievable bedside manner, the willingness to go the extra miles and do everything in their power is the hallmark of outstanding medicine the world over. With over 20 years being around medicine, this was an extremely impressive practice. The right people are here for the right reasons. Thank you, Dr. Evan, for buying my good friend some more quality time with my family.