Kingston

To All the Wonderful staff at VSG,

We would love to add our testimonial to your site about our big boy Kingston the St Bernard.

July last year 2009 we were told our 6 month St Bernard had hip dysplasia and the options weren't good, until we met Richard.The first words were 'Hip Dysplasia isn't a death sentence in a young dog' and he was our Saint from then onwards.Kingston had his first TPO in August and then 3 weeks later the second hip done.The recovery was heart wrenching as we had to sling him and crate him and being 65kg wasn't easy, but worth it. We did physio and heat packs and gave him lots of love. He wasn't great on the pain medication and he did have stomach upsets but again the long term goal is what you have to think about all the time.

He had hydrotherapy after 6 weeks from his last operation, twice a week and we did acupuncture as well and well now he is full of energy and in no pain!! He runs and yes he does have a unique style but still gets there. Kingston is such a caring and sweet dog and now thinks he is a lap dog.

If anyone would like to contact us about this please do on holiverfuller@gmail.com as there aren't a lot of articles written.

 

Kind Regards

Heather and Kingston xxx

Bella

Hi Guys a quick note to say Thank you so much for giving my Bella (Maltese) a chance in a very happy life.

Bella had spinal surgery for a slipped disk I thought she would never be the same again or be able to walk or jump again, your team was very assuring and caring not only for Bella but for us as well though out the whole process.

It has been several months and I can now say she is fully recovered as far as I am concerned as the other night she jumped onto the couch (big run up first) Bella hasn’t been able to do this since January we all jumped for joy, and back to her old routines begging for more food, leaving little parcels for us in the mornings cause its raining outside, and a must to sleep in our bed at night along with the unconditional love she gives us all.

Bella’s hair is growing back nicely as well in fact back to grooming her every night but that is no bother as she is so cute and one spoiled little puppy dog.

We just want to say thank you to all involved and giving us back our wee treasure.

Regards

 

Jacque Purdy

Luigi

Our dog Luigi had his leg amputated and chemo treatment with VSG in 2008 and I just wanted to give you an update that may assist other people to decide on treatment.

We had to put him down on 4 Jan 2010 so from memory he survived 18months from amputation, a very good length of time compared to averages.

He developed secondary osteosarcoma tumours the biggest one, which we had removed and tested, was on his head. Once that was discovered we found 8 more little ones growing all over his torso and remaining front leg.

Thanks for your help in extending his life. If anyone wanted to talk to us about whether to do this type of treatment and what to expect we would be happy to help.

Linda

Flirties

Dear All At VSG

When I found out my Flirties had cancer that would quickly kill her I was devastated.
I was deeply unhappy about the manner in which I was told and the absence of hope the vet had for my baby.
I wanted to find a vet that would look after us both and support both me and Flirt to the end, with kindness and understanding.
When I was referred to VSG I found that.
From the first day I met wonderful, professional people who had hope that Flirt could have a good quality of life for as long as possible - which she did. She had home cooked food, a seat on the couch, slept under the covers of my bed and was loved unconditionally.
Flirties loved to come and see you all, she would pace and sing in the back of the car. Even on her final visit she hopped with enthusiasm to see her friends at reception for a sneaky cuddle.
I was touched to see the caring from the staff for both of us, like when Danielle let me rest my head on her knee so I could hold Flirt. They understood it was the most awful thing I have ever had to do.
I promised Flirties that I would not let her suffer.
Thank you for your care and compassion. I was deeply touched by the card, it was incredibly thoughtful and it will be kept with Flirties photos as a treasured keepsake of her time with me.
I miss my pup and feel lost without her but I know that together we all did the best we could and she couldn't have been more loved.
Thank you,
Tina

Cleo

Dearest lovely people at VSG - it's been two and a half years since my beautiful girl came to see you, and I thought you might like to know that she is very, very well, and doing better than ever. If it had not been for your vets' specialist knowledge, it is likely that she would not have had any chance to recover from her severe vertebral injury. When we brought her to you, her entire rear end had ceased to function, and we were beyond worry. Thankfully, your vets knew that she had a prolapsed disc, and were able to operate almost immediately.

It was a long haul to recovery, and she had to spend two weeks in your hospital, and longer at home on bedrest, but she got there. And what I think about is that if your facilities had not been available, she would have had to be euthanased, almost certainly.

When a dog is five years old and spends all her time at the dog park with her gang, running around wildly, paralysis is no life at all.

We now have a dog, at almost 8, who is in great condition. She has some side issues from the episode, but nothing that we weren't told about, and certainly nothing that impedes her movement. I have the greatest admiration for what you all do on a daily basis, and that you do it with the greatest of love and compassion, makes you very special people. All her treatment was done with love and great care, and we thank you all so much for that.

Attached are photos of our girl up the Big King, and at the beach, her two very favourite places in the world. As you can see, she is a very happy person. And if it weren't for your expertise, she wouldn't be able to enjoy it as much as she ever did, or indeed at all.

So thankyou from us, and from Cleo, for giving her not only her life back, but a good and happy life.

Jackie Goodison
xxxx

Brooke

Gareth and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding service provided by everyone of the staff members we came in to contact with during Brooke's recent surgery.

Brooke's operation and ongoing care meant several visits to the VSG^® clinic and at each visit the attention we received was reassuring coupled with a welcoming and caring manner. The thoroughness and attention to details such as Brooke's comfort and our concerns both before and after the surgery, allowed us to feel confident that our special girl was in very capable hands.

There were regular follow up calls to check on her progress once she came home and then to monitor her current state, again putting our minds at ease.

Brooke was quite happy to return to the clinic for her check ups as she was warmly greeted every time by her fan club!

Despite this being an anxious time for us, (I think Brookie has been blissfully unaware!), you have all made the process as easy as possible and given us much to be thankful for, the renewed health of Brookie. You have demonstrated a real commitment to doing the utmost for your patients and for that we thank you most sincerely.

Warmest regards,

Kate and Gareth Southcombe

Lady Emma

I have reflected upon the past year & line of action taken & feel sure that if Lady Emma could have chosen for herself she would have wanted to prolong her life. Thank you all for helping her to continue to do that & to remain as happy & comfortable as was possible under the circumstances.

It is obvious that both individually & as a team you all work with exceptional dedication & conscientiousness to improve the quality of life for our animal friends & companions when a specific need arises. My grateful thanks for your understanding, care & support over the past year.

Antoinette

Charlie

After having spent almost one day a week for a year at VSG^®, with my Siamese Charlie, I found all the staff extremely caring and genuinely concerned for Charlie's welfare, and mine.

The after treatment follow up was amazing, phoning me the next day and then during the weekend to check if he was ok. We don't get that sort of service from our doctors! I was fully informed of all the options available, and cost, and they always had such a positive attitude. Although it was certainly not cheap, I do not begrudge them a cent as they were worth every one.

Thanks guys !!

Phillipa

Tara

I have two older Border Collies that are the most important part of my life. In the process of treating one of them, Tara, for severe arthritis she was diagnosed with Lumbosacral disease. I was scheduled an appointment with VSG^® shortly after to confirm this. From the very beginning, every single staff member I encountered was friendly, helpful and accommodating well above that expected. Everyone took particular attention about knowing both myself and my dogs personally and showing genuine affection and concern. My specialist, Richard, thoroughly explained all aspects of the diagnosis from the outset. He was patient, professional and pitched things to a level that I could understand that enabled me to make a decision. Richard explained in detail the financial cost of every procedure and realistically detailed the reasons for every step and the possible outcomes. Every x-ray, MRI and operation was explained to me and the effect it would
have on Tara and her quality of life.

Richard contacted me directly after the operation to inform me of Tara's condition. The nurses made themselves available at all hours to check on her progress and again when I took her home. When I became worried about Tara's condition, I was able to take her in straight away. Tara has now completely recovered from her major operation and regained a new found energy and movement. Tara will always have arthritis but she is now free of extreme pain that prevented her doing the things she loves. I could not have dreamed such a fantastic result for my little sweetheart. The whole process was practical, thorough, efficient and very comforting for me. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all the team at VSG^® for the care and attention you provided Tara and the amazing outcome as a result.

Jodi Walters




Have VSG^® helped you too? We would love to know about it and perhaps publish your testimonial here. Your name may be withheld from publishing if you wish in order to protect your privacy. Please email Sharyn on sharyn@vsg.co.nz if you'd like to put your testimonial forward.