Cougar Mountain Veterinary Hospital & Wellness Center

Reviews 6

A

A Private User

Firstly, in response to negative reviews, I fully understand that Dr Friedman can seem to have "poor" bedside manner at first, especially if youre used to vets who can "remember" (ie...quickly look up files on their computer yay) every tiny detail about your pets; or vets who coo and swoon over your animal this is not the vet for you. Personally, I would rather the vet I choose spend time learning and practicing medicine rather than learning phone etiquette. Dr Friedman is down-to-earth and realistic. I find his manner very refreshing in a world of vets who cater to largely fashion-pets who are often medically tailored to fit their owners wishes. To break it down in more modern terms, hes strikes me as the practical, James Herriot type rather than some prime time television reality show vet. My personal experience with Cougar Mountain Veterinary and Dr Friedman stems from becoming disillusioned with my old veterinary (Alpine Animal Hospital). Not only was my dog repeatedly treated by the "vet du jour" who only knew about her, very loosely, via computer records, but they repeatedly ignored any input I gave about her (I couldnt possibly have any practical, non-emotional information about my dog) and actually terrified her to the point she began to display extremely negative behavior not at all within her normal range. They had declared her a "vicious" dog, not recognizing that what they were doing was making her anxious and fearful, and would /muzzle/ her when I brought her in. Through my parents I found Dr Friedman and, personality quirks aside (his /and/ mine) I found an understanding, informative and infinitely helpful doctor. My "vicious" dog never had to be muzzled when I took her in to see Dr Friedman! The herbal remedies he suggested have always proved useful to the extent that my husband and I have begun supplementing ourselves with the same, or similar herbals. The quality of life for my dog AND my husband and I improved. When it came time to put my much beloved but ailing 16 year old dog to sleep Dr Friedman really stepped up. Hed stood by us through her decline, recommending herbals on to prescription veterinary medicines as her condition worsened. Anything to ease what she was going through since she was an old dog and nothing cures old age. Finally, on our last trip to the vet, he was as warm and loving to us as my aged dog. The hand he placed on my shoulder as he expressed his condolences meant more to me than anything. In summary, Dr Friedman may be a quirky vet but hes knowledgeable, sweet, warm, realistic and understanding. If you are the same or similar sort of person, perhaps the sort that understands animals a little better than baffling humanity, youll likely find him to be an excellent vet. I should also note that Ive moved out of Issaquah but I still made the trip in to take my dog to Dr Friedman. When I get my next pet I will do the same. Quality care like this is a rarity and I wont let it go.

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A

A Private User

Dr Friedman is extremely knowledgeable, and applies both a deep and wide understanding of western medicine with some eastern medical modalities, such as acupuncture and herbal tinctures. I have never seen a veterinarian truly practice integrated medicine, but he does, all in his clinic/ hospital/surgery center, in which he is the clinician, chief of medicine, and surgeon, (He always gives the client the option whether or not to use eastern medicine.) On top of that, he frequently answers the phones himself and can answer questions on the spot, and he remembers me, my cats, who came with me each of the last few times I came, and a few things going on in my life. I have been taking my pets to Dr Friedman for nearly 1 1/2 years now (and one of my cats has a fatal illness that needs to be watched closely). He always shows deep compassion for the animals, one at a time, as he takes them in. Dr Friedman is truly an amazing doctor! I will be moving out of Issaquah in a month or two...but I will not be switching veterinarians!

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BR

broadft61

My Golden became sick very quickly, only 8yrs old, head/eye hurt and could barely walk - really thought we might lose him. My old vet (associated to PetSmart) could only offer pain meds and some antibiotics, when I asked about acupuncture, they thought it might be helpful... and then I found Dr. Friedman :) Not only did he make my dog feel 100% better within a week and one session of acupuncture, but it was they way he works with the animals, that you could really see the difference - he really cares about each animal. He spent a good hour with us, talking, touching, answering my questions...calming my dog as he began the acupuncture treatment. Dr. Friedman is exactly what you hope for, when your pet is sick and you need someone you can trust. I couldnt imagine ever going anywhere else! Thank you Dr. Friedman for being the best :) And Sarah, his amazing assistant is beyond wonderful, so thoughtful and helpful - they make a great team!

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A

A Private User

I have taken my dog into this vet since he was a puppy. I at first thought he was decent. Not very friendly but competent. After the last visit I will never return I was charged $60 for some eye ointment that is exactly the same as regular Triple Antibiotic Ointment purchased at any pharmacy. I compared the ingredients active and inactive and the amounts of each and they were the same. I called to question why they would charge me so much for something so common, and the vet tech was rude and refusing to offer any answers or solutions. In total I spent $111 for him to tell me what I already knew. My dog had a bacteria infection of the eye. I am disgusted at his practice. I am a single mother who just got laid off from work. I cannot afford for some unfriendly, anti-social, arrogant prick of a vet to charge me for something I can get anywhere! Needless to say I will never go here again.

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A

A Private User

This is probably the first review I have ever written, but after the conversation I just had on the phone with whoever answered the phone, there is no way that I would take my pet to this place. I called with a few simple questions, and whoever I talked to was extremely rude. It is unfortunate because I only live a few blocks away and would love to have a vet that is close by. I was shopping prices, and the rates here are lower, however I would be happy to pay more for better service. If they can not even properly handle a phone call, how do you think they will take care of you and your pet if it comes down to something bad. I felt it was important to share this, because if your pet is sick, you want to make sure they are in the right hands...

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MI

Miss Madera

Dr. Friedman is a very caring and generous man. He will explain things and give you options for care, then support your decision, never forcing you to take the most expensive route first. He strikes me as a perfect combination of newer medicine (didnt graduate in the 50s) and old school country doc (no frills). The clinic itself is welcoming, he does exams on bigger dogs in the "living room", and the other clients that come in & out while you are there also seem really happy & glad to be there, chatting with one another and talking about everything Issaquah! I completely trust him with my dog and 3 cats and will bring them to the little green house on Front Street for as long as he is in practice there!

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