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| - I always set out to leave a review if a business is exceptionally good or exceptionally poor. I rarely follow through. This time is different, however, as I just have to say something about our vet of more than six years. They have always provided good service and they're the only ones I've felt truly comfortable with when I have to board my dog, which happens from time to time. The vet techs and doctors always have a good eye on her, even offering to bring in human food she's used to if she doesn't want to eat their kibble.
With that in mind, I've been forever appreciative and thankful for them, but I really felt they went above and beyond when she recently got sick. It was a sudden illness, and they allowed us to be seen right away with no wait. We were assigned to Dr. Garside as an emergency case, and though I'd never met her before, she was so good with my dog and with me. She explained the best- and worst-case scenarios with impeccable bedside manner, and all the vet techs who interacted with me from that point on were so empathetic, letting me know "you've given her such a good life," "you never gave up on her" and "you're doing the best you can."
An overnight hospital stay followed, and Dr. Garside came in on her day off to see how the dog was doing. She even waited for me to make it down there so we could talk in person and I could see my girl for myself. The situation was dire, and ultimately the final decision needed to be made. Dr. Garside handled everything with grace, even tearing up as she mentioned she just had to go through this herself with her own dog for the first time the week prior.
She was not at all offended when I wanted to consult with Dr. McDermott, who had been our primary vet and contact for our six years. Dr. McDermott made time in his appointment-filled schedule to spend as long as I needed with him and my dog. He ultimately opted to be the one to usher her over the Rainbow Bridge, once again handling everything so perfectly and compassionately.
To be sure, this was an absolutely AWFUL experience, but Dr. McDermott, Dr. Garside and the many vet techs and front-of-house staff I interacted with over this two-day ordeal made it as manageable as possible.
I will note that I initially switched to another vet office soon after I moved to Vegas because our initial Durango doctor opened his own practice. I was pleased with this service initially, but ultimately felt that his bedside manner and general care waned as his practice increased and he seemed to grow tired of my dog's chronic condition. I returned to Durango a few years ago and was immediately pleased with their service. I kicked myself for ever leaving. Even during this time, Dr. McDermott would offer his assistance, advice and write us prescriptions without any additional fee for an "office visit" whenever he would see her during boarding and felt she could use a little tweak in treatment.
Every time I called to make a boarding appointment, the receptionists' voices would light up when I would say my dog's name and they would always act excited when they showed up to take her to her boarding spot. I've also had a few of the doctors mention that they've sat with her and just hung out when she's been boarded. This was always surprising to me that busy doctors would take time out of their days to do this, but it just shows how above and beyond they go. Dr. Garside also mentioned that she laid with my girl while she was in the hospital on her final night. She may not have spend the entire night with her, but it meant something extra special to know she was receiving love, care and comfort when she was too sick to come home and be with me.
I could go on an on (and I have!), but ultimately this office, Dr. McDermott and his staff truly care. There are plenty other, more conveniently located offices, but no matter where I moved, once we found our way back here I knew I'd never leave again. When I get another dog I will absolutely return to their care. Do yourself a favor and use Durango as your primary vet and boarding facility. I have never, ever had to worry when she was in their care - and that's saying a lot because living in two states, I've gone through a slew of vets. They are the only ones I'll vouch for in either Nevada or California.
Thank you, Dr. McDermott, Dr. Garside and all the staff for six-plus years of care and excellent service. Thank you, especially, for your attention and love to my girl and I in our hardest week. I hope to see you again soon when I'm ready for my next rescue. Until then, you'll always have a special place in our hearts.
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