Veterinarians/Animal Hospitals
Contents
The following are comments made about Veterinarians/Animal Hospitals made by members of the Framingham Community e-mail list. You can click on a link below for comments about a particular facility, or just scroll through the list.
Ashland Animal Hospital
(508) 881-2400
I had a very, very disappointing experience at Ashland. I had brought my very much loved Bichon to Ashland. There were complications of which were hard to justify in his dying. Then , in trying to retrieve the body, I was told that it was gone and not available.
Warren Hanna 1/12/07
My experience and all my families and friends that I have recommended all agree that Ashland Animal Hospital is second to none. We have run the gamut from Kennel cough to major, major surgery on many animals between us. The care and love our animals were treated with and the constant calls to let us know how they were doing and also once the animals were home, they'd call to check. We all know our animals enjoyed many long years of extended life from their wonderful care, professional expertise and brilliant surgeons. Everyone usually has the perfect Vet, our animals our part of our family and we wanted the best. I can tell you, I had many more healthy years with my beloved Husky because of the wonderful care and treatment from these wonderful doctors. I will also speak for Nicko, Nero, Bailey, spot and Ashley just to name a few of our loving pets.
Ginny Marino 1/12/07
I would never set foot in Ashland Animal Hospital ever again. They made a shambles of my cat's spaying first and foremost. I would have been heartbroken if my cat had suffered and died, but I understand that surgery is always a risky proposition so I decided to give them a second chance. Shortly thereafter, when I found a litter of abandoned kittens in a woodpile at the back of my property, I called them because I knew they had a waiting list of people looking for available kittens and they had no kittens to adopt out. They told me to bring the little ones in right away, as they were desperate for kittens, and when I asked if I would be responsible for the vet bills for half a dozen cats, I was assured that I wouldn't be financially responsible as those costs would be included in the adoption fees. They then not only had all the kittens spoken for within a couple of hours and called me back to thank me for them, but I received a second call telling me that I had left without paying for all those cats and that I needed to pay for all the physicals and shots and food for these kittens before they went to their new homes. When I refused and quoted (and named) the person who told me everything was set and that they were thrilled just to have the kittens, which they had already sold, they hung up on me and promptly sent me a bill in the mail for all the care. I called them and challenged this bill, and when I asked them why they were then charging the adopting families for what they wanted me to also pay for, double-dipping as it were, they became verbally abusive to me. I have not been back nor would I EVER go back there again.
Victoria Marks 1/12/07
I've never had any problems at Ashland. When my last dog had cancer, they referred me for appropriate diagnostic assessment and treatment by specialists, and my vet was genuinely upset. When he died, they handled his body as we had specified and donated money in his name to a pet companion program for the disabled.
Linda Dunbrack 1/12/07
Since arriving in Framingham in 1975, I have taken every pet I have owned to Ashland Animal Hospital. This goes back to when they were located in the Station (I believe it currently is a Chiropractor's office?). I cannot speak highly enough of the care my pets have had from the 3 partners at Ashland Animal Hospital - Dr. Schwarz, Dr. Karden, and Dr. Davis. They are wonderful, caring people.
I am not talking about a small number of pets here - since 1975 I have enjoyed the company of our cat Arrow, who started live as an abandoned kitten and lived to be 17 years of age; our dog Casey, a wire-haired fox terrier who lived to be 14 years of age; Mario and Claude LeMieux, littermates who nearly froze to death before being rescued by the MWAS when their mother was struck by a car - they lived to be 16 and 12 respectively; our dog Sarge, a retired greyhound, adopted from Friends of Greyhounds, who lived to be 9; our dog Domino, a Dalmatian whose family could not be bothered with her and asked Dr. Davis to put her down. When he said no, he could not put down an animal just because they no longer wanted to care for it, they left her there. Knowing that Sarge had recently past away, they called and asked me if I would like to have Domino. Once we met her, we said of course. She lived with us until she past due to bone cancer. Now we have Payton who was adopted from Northeast Rottweiler Rescue - she is named for Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears whose nickname was Sweetness because she is so sweet herself. She loves everyone at Ashland Animal Hospital!And now we also have Scout, a feral kitten who was found at the Farmers Exchange last spring - she, too, is a loyal and contented patient at Ashland Animal Hospital.
I have numerous friends who also have taken each and every pet they've ever had to the Ashland Animal Hospital. Only happy stories, no horror stories here! If your pet is a steady customer of theirs, if and when they need to be mercifully put down, there is no charge for doing so. You can ask to have your pet returned to you or you can arrange to have its body donate to the Tufts Veterinary School.
I am completely satisfied with the care my pets have always received from them and know they will continue to receive the same wonderful care as long as Dr. Schwarz, Dr. Karden, and Dr. Davis are in practice.
Respectfully submitted, Joan Klan Rastani and Arrow, Casey, Mario, Claude, Sarge, Domino, Payton, and Scout 1/14/07
I have been bringing my cats to Ashland Animal Hospital since 1995. Through the years, my cats have seen Dr. Schwarz, Dr. Kardon, Dr. Davis, and Dr. Aldridge. All have provided excellent and compassionate care. In addition, I have always been included when determining appropriate treatment/care options.
Dr. Sheela Devarakonda recently joined the practice and my cats seem to especially LOVE her. They HATE leaving the house, but end up "purring" during their visit with Dr. Devarakonda. I consider that a positive vote for Ashland Animal Hospital. My cats were all adopted from a shelter....and generally only "purr" for me.
Sincerely,
Sandra Cleveland 1/14/07
We took our cat to Ashland Animal Care Center about 7 years ago. They underperformed in their medical and pet care, their customer service was poor, and they overbilled us on two visits. We found another vet and won't go back to Ashland.
-Stan Wulf 1/15/07
I want to add another wonderful dog story. I had a beagle that lived to be over 19 years old. She was the oldest dog at Ashland Animal Hospital's practice. We had to have her put to sleep only because her hind legs were no longer working well, and she kept falling. She still had some of her hearing and her eyesight and appetite were still good. Dr. Davis was her vet, and there is no question in my mind that she lived so long due to the wonderful care and attention that she received at Ashland Animal Hospital. Putting her to sleep was one of the most difficult things we ever had to do, but Dr. Davis was so compasionate, caring and there for us when we had no choice.
Marla Miller 1/16/07
CROSSROADS MOBILE VET
P. O. Box 605 Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 357-2131 phone (508) 357-2141 fax
http://www.crossroadsmobilevet.com
We don't have any pets (other than a growing family of dust bunnies) so I don't have any firsthand experience with vets but I know several people who use Dani Cimino and LOVE her. A huge plus? She comes to your house! I know her through non-animal venues and can tell you that she is a very very nice person, extremely sharp, clearly loves what she does and has a seriously loyal following. I have a friend with a dog who has some strange issues and Dr. Cimino has been able to keep that dog in excellent health and great happiness.
Brenda Crawshaw 1/16/07
We use Dr. Cimino from Crossroads Mobile Vet. As the name describes, they do house calls for a very reasonable cost. This is nice, as the pets generally feel much more comfortable being looked at while they are at home.
Dr. Cimino does a great job with our cats. She also takes care of my sister-in law's dog and they also have nothing but positive feedback as well.
Bob and Lisa Berman 7/4/07
Framingham Animal Hospital
1415 Edgell Rd.
Framingham
508-877-0900
http://www.framinghamah.com
I now go to the Framingham Animal Hosp., or on occasion, to Tufts in, I think, Grafton. Tho Tufts offers a wider range of animal services, I feel very comfortable at Framingham having been there many, many times. Always with good results.
Warren Hanna 1/12
I'd like to also nominate Framingham Animal Hospital on 1415 Edgell run by Dr. Susan Rabout. Both skilled and compassionate, and the animals know it.
Steve Orr 1/11/07
I would like to strongly echo Steve's recommendation for Framingham Animal Hospital. My cats are patients of Dr. Terri Nord. And Steve is completely correct about "both skilled and compassionate, and the animals know it."
Ken Ballou 1/12/07
Framingham Animal Hospital is tops. They are so caring and committed to helping your pet. Dr. Nord is particularly helpful and compassionate when it is time to make a serious decision about surgery or alternatives.
Deb Cleveland 12 Jan 2007
I will third (?) the motion in favor of Framingham Animal Hospital. Dr. Nord is the attending physician for my 3-legged geriatric dog, on whom she recently performed a (minor) surgical procedure. Sandy did extremely well, and is now fully recuperated. Not only does Dr. Nord have wonderful compassion and doggie-bedside manner, but she has also worked with me through financial difficulties to take care of my pets without killing my bank account. Many of my animal companions have been patients at Framingham Animal Hospital over the years. One of their docs came to my house when my dog needed to be euthanized, to ease the pain for both of us. There was no charge when I had to say goodbye to my 19 year old cat, and her vet sent a personal, handwritten condolence note to me and my family. The practice also made a contribution in my cat's name to a companion animal program run by Michigan State University.
I have huge respect for the amount that Dr. Rabaut and her associates contribute to the Metrowest Humane Society, through which I have adopted several cats.
If for any reason Framingham Animal Hospital believed that surgery needed by any animal was beyond their capabilities, I am certain that they would immediately make a referral to the right veterinary facility.
I can recommend them unconditionally.
Leslie Kraemer 1/12/07
I will add my recommendations to everyone elses. I have lived in Framingham for 35 years and have always used Fram Animal Hospital. I, too, think Dr. Nord is the best. She is very compassionate and always goes the extra mile for her patients. Many of my clients also use F.A.H. Good luck with the surgery.
Jan Slocum 1/12/07
As like many of the responses, we have used Framingham Animal Hospital for years and additionally have had surgeries performed by the doctors there. All the vets there are excellent (with Dr Nord being our favorite). On "emergency/after hours" we have also gone to Tufts in Grafton and have always been impressed with the level of care but also realize that as in any hospital emergency room priority sometimes must be given to more critical patients.
Judy Leerer 1/13/07
I wanted to add one more vote of confidence in Framingham Animal Hospital. Dr. Nord has operated on our older dog several times, and arranged for the orthopedic surgeon FAH uses, Dr. McCarthy from Tufts, to operate when our dog needed cruciate ligament surgery on two occasions. Our dog is 13 years old and is as strong and healthy as a 5 year old; we thank the thoughtful and attentive care of Dr. Nord for her good health.
My only complaint is that the hospital is sometimes so busy and crowded that the desk staff seem stressed, but I believe that is being helped by the addition of a few new vets. Also, that stress has never translated into poor or sloppy treatment of our dogs, and Dr. Nord has NEVER failedto call us with updates and important information when our dogs are being treated by FAH.
Nancy Diessner and Dan Feldman 1/14/07
This message is approved by Aykru and Sienna
I also think FAH and Dr. Nord are the best. I particularly like that they have a separate waiting area for people with cats. It's great for cats who aren't used to being around dogs.
Perry 1/15/07
Betsy Johnson
781-259-0290
I would like to recommend our neighbor, Betsy Johnson, a wonderful friend and brilliant vet who does house calls to your home.
Bob O'Brien 1/15/07
Betsy is wonderful. We love her. She's the 'All Creatures' mobile vet.
Steve Orr 6/12/09
Dr Jeremy Gransky
At Home Veterinary
508-653-4300
http://www.athomevet.net/
I would just like to add that we received excellent service provided by Dr. Gransky over the past several years and I would highly recommend him.
Maureen Dunne 6/12/09
Phoenix Veterinary
9 Pelham Island Rd
Wayland, MA 01778-1810
(508) 358-8100
For birds or reptiles I can recommend Dr. Zorgniatti at Phoenix.
Nicola Cataldo 1/12/07
I have found that Phoenix veterinary in Wayland is a very kind, gentle and compassionate hospital, with a wide range of specialities from cats/dogs to ducks and exotic pets. Dr. Flavia Zorgniotti is an amazing doctor and human being. I have never seen such bedside manner and tenderness in a vet before her. I highly recommend her for whatever your needs are, and while I personally have had no need to have surgery performed on my pets (thank God), I believe she is also a surgeon as my friend had a cat that required extensive surgery and she was his vet exclusively, and he never mentioned needing to see anyone else. Good luck in your quest.
Victoria Marks 1/12/07
Slade Animal Hosptial
334 Concord St, Framingham
508-875-7086
I have been fortunate that my pets have not needed surgery other than spaying or neutering (and no problems with those procedures), so cannot speak definitively to the surgical abilities of the doctors at Slade Animal Hospital on Concord St. However, my cats have been seen over the years by a number of the Slade vets, and I have found them to be caring, skillful, and good dealing with the concerns of the owner as well as the animal. They even found a way to work with one of my cats who had a chronic medical condition, and who was the sweetest, most personable cat at home, turning into a snarling jungle beast upon arrival at any medical facility. I didn't want Slade Vet to go without a recommendation in this discussion.
Norma Shulman 1/12/07
But I agree heartily with Norma regarding Slade Veterinary in downtown Framingham - but unlike Norma, I do have some direct experience with Slade regarding surgery, and ultimately, the passing of my beloved cat, Smee. My cat of 15 years passed away this past October. Slade has always been there for us, through spaying, surgery (repaired his leg when 'something' in the great outdoors broke the back joint) and other various situations. When my cat came down with what I thought a severe cold, I brought him to Slade as always. To be thorough, they took a chest Xray and discovered a large growth on Smee's heart. They did what they could to make him comfortable and gave me some frank advice - to bring him home and let him passpeacefully - the next day I called the office to let them know the outcome.
They were very sympathetic, and even sent me a sympathy card.
We have been patrons of Slade for 20 years with various family pets and they've never steered us wrong. They have weekend, early morning and evening hours and care about their patients AND the owners.
Ali Solomont 1/14/07
We've had excellent care of our various cats and dogs at Slade Clinic (on Concord St. in Framingham) ever since Dr. Bill Ambrose left Framingham--what, ten years ago? The only surgeries, I think, have been spaying and neutering, but those always came out well. It's always easy to get an appointment, the staff is welcoming, and the docs generous with good advice.
Mr Lynn Joiner 1/15/07
I can only attest to Slade, which is the hospital I use and recommend.
Sigrid Shiotani Paddock 7/4/07
Sudbury Animal Hospital
662 Boston Post Road
Sudbury , Massachusetts 01776
Phone: 978-443-2839
For run of the mill problems, Jack Sinegen and his wife Betsy at Sudbury Animal hospital are both great.
Malcolm MacNeill 1/12/07
Tufts Center For Animals and Public Policy
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton, MA 01536
Phone: 508-839-7991
Fax: 508-839-3337
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/home.html
I now go to the Framingham Animal Hosp., or on occasion, to Tufts in, I think, Grafton. Tufts offers a wider range of animal services.
Warren Hanna 1/12/07
Tufts is my number one choice for some things. I have dealt with every department there.
Stacey Lander 1/12/07
For serious issues, I recommend Tufts. Its like a human hospital for all kinds of animals. They have an internal medicine staff, surgery staff, oncology, etc. Good luck!
Malcolm MacNeill 1/12/07
I did find, however, with this same cat, that at Tufts in Grafton they admitted him for a serious episode in his chronic ailment, and left him untreated for well over 24 hours because they were busy. I had to insist on visiting him, only to find out he had received no attention. I had to insiston checking him out to take him elsewhere before they agreed to provide immediate treatment. This story about Tufts may be rare, but if you go there, be a strong advocate for your pet and ask many questions about what they are doing.
Norma Shulman 1/12/07
On "emergency/after hours" we have also gone to Tufts in Grafton and have always been impressed with the level of care but also realize that as in any hospital emergency room priority sometimes must be given to more critical patients.
Judy Leerer 1/13/07
Vetcision
http://www.vetcision.com
293 Second Ave
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 810-1010
Also, if it a dog with an ACL surgery you might want to try Vetcision in Waltham - they have 2 board certified surgeons there.
Stacey Lander 1/12/07
Wellesley-Natick Vet Hospital
http://www.wellesleynatickveterinaryhospital.com/
359 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
ph: 508-653-3420
alt: 781-235-8448
wnvh@comcast.net
Our vet is Wellesley-Natick Vet Hospital and we highly recommend them. Dr. Rotolo is our pets' favorite, and Dr. Katuna (the owner) has operated on a couple of our dogs with superb results, including some delicate surgery to repair severed tendons in our current dog's paw. She's out running like a greyhound right now, so you know the surgery was a complete success!
Peter Adams 1/12/07
Windhover Veterinary Center
944A Main Street Walpole, MA 02081
(508) 668-4520
http://www.windhovervet.com/
For animal surgery and for physical therapy, Betsy Johnson recommends her former professor at Tufts Veterinary School. Dr. Margaret McMillan. We have had amazing success with our dogs there. Dr. McMillan is an extraordinary vet who runs a holistic practice attracting customers from hundreds of miles away.
Bob O'Brien 1/15/07