Keesha's Story

Our beloved Shih Tzu, Keesha, was cared for at the Univ. of MN Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) Small Animal Hospital in June 2016.  As a retired nurse, I believe every human (and pet) should be treated as well as our cherished pet was treated.  JCAHO [Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation] should tour this Medical Center. 

From the moment we entered the Center (following a long and stressful drive), we experienced consistently caring, knowledgeable, pleasant and compassionate staff.  We arrived after 6:00 p.m. and this quality care continued throughout her stay.  The Center was very clean, efficiently designed, pleasant-smelling (for the volume of pets and families cared for), warmly decorated, and easily navigable.  We were so very impressed with ALL the care and treatment (thoroughly explained at each step of the way). 

Keesha was having difficulty breathing (with heart and lung problems).  She spent one night in Intensive Care and a night with Internal Medicine. The doctors and assistants were thorough in the explanations of tests, her condition, diagnoses, treatments and treatment options (with associated costs).  Keesha would not be alive today without all their help! 

Special thanks to Dr. Pinkos and Dr. Wakayama (and associated staff, including 'awesome' receptionists and those who maintain the cleanliness of the Center). Visiting areas were very nice, private and comfortable. We were also impressed with staff sensitivity to families when pets experienced less positive outcomes. 

Additionally, a special thanks to Dr. Bill Rose who was the first Vet to 'hear' that Keesha had 'heart' troubles and referred us to the VMC in St. Paul, MN.  Keesha has medications to take every day and her quality of life has significantly improved!   We feel so blessed to have her with us for more time in our lives.

Thank you all again!