vet recommendation

[welch100]

Can anybody recommend a good vet in the Gilford area? Is there a 24-hour animal hospital in the area?

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by welch100

Can anybody recommend a good vet in the Gilford area? Is there a 24-hour animal hospital in the area?

We used the emergency hospital on heading into Meredith on Rt 3 once, I cannot remember the name but I am sure someone can chime in with it. They came in on a holiday weekend to stitch my Golden's foot when he cut it on a propellor (not spinning, just jagged). Our normal vet is down here in the seacoast.

[WINDinmySOCKIES]

My dog got very sick last year all of the sudden and needed to be seen asap.
Laconia Animal hospital took us right away, assesed the situation, spent over an hour with my dog, treating him, iv fuilds, blood work, meds, calling my vet, reassuring me,.I was shocked when the bill was reasonable!! I would have gladly paid emergency fees, but wasn't charged any, since we were seen durung regular business hours. This year, I am prepared, traveling with all my pets medical records. Will use them again! Their # is 603 524 0404

[mcdude]

Before my furry friends passed away they would have given two paws up for...

Here's the web page with hours, directions and services offered....

LAKES REGION VETERINARY CLINIC

Nice folks.

[Weirs guy]

OK, the line for beating me can start right after this post, but I've gotta warn you welch100. We use Lakes Region Veterinary Clinic, but find them to be very difficult to deal with when its time to make an appointment, at least in their Gilford office. I've had them call me twice to cancel appointments, one time they set up an appointment for us that when we arrived we were informed they had set up too early for the required treatment, and I know of a few others who've had the same types of experiences. I know what your saying, no big deal. But for our schedules its not easy to be in Gilford by 5 when they close, so all these little "hurry up and waits" are an issue. I find the vets (once you actually get to see them) are very good, but we are in the process of looking for another option.

Hopefully its just a isolated case, but be careful.

[welch100]

Thanks very much for the feedback!

I have an elderly dog just diagnosed with diabetes, and his dosage has not been regulated yet. I'll be bringing him out to Welch Island soon for most of the summer, and feel I need a good vet as close to the Glendale Docks as possible, since he requires frequent monitoring.

I assume the Laconia animal hospital is in Laconia?

And the Gilford office of Lakes Region is unreliable about appointments? If I'm coming by boat, I do need reliability. Are there other options?

Thanks again!

[mcdude]

Welch100:
Lakes Region Vet is located right on the water on Paugus Bay near the Burger King. It has docking. Perfect for an island resident!

I'm not sure if the clinic actually owns these docks. I'd guess you'd have to call and find out!

[secondcurve]

McDude:

You have a picture/information for everything. Very impressive. By the way, why don't you buy a new dog and/or cat?

[mcdude]

hey secondcurve!
Would you believe that just today I saw a sign on Rt. 11 in Farmington that said "Lab pups"....so I pulled in....2 chocolates, 2 white/blond and 8 black ones. I am so tempted!
(BTW: the photo of the dock is from their web page. Another way to snag an image is at google/image ...like the one below)

[jrc]

Originally Posted by mcdude

...
I'm not sure if the clinic actually owns these docks...

That building used to be a Wendy's and at that time you could dock there and get a burger. The clinic may rent the docks out.

[Grant]

It's on the other side of the Lake, but Winter Harbor Veterinary Hospital is very good. We've had a few of the family dogs there over the years.

667 N Main St
Wolfeboro, NH 03894

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by welch100

Thanks very much for the feedback!

I have an elderly dog just diagnosed with diabetes, and his dosage has not been regulated yet. I'll be bringing him out to Welch Island soon for most of the summer, and feel I need a good vet as close to the Glendale Docks as possible, since he requires frequent monitoring.

I assume the Laconia animal hospital is in Laconia?

And the Gilford office of Lakes Region is unreliable about appointments? If I'm coming by boat, I do need reliability. Are there other options?

Thanks again!

I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Guest (Mr. Dr. Guest - there's a husband & wife DVM at those practices - both are excellent but we've mostly had the Mr. and he is especially dear to us!)

We had a cat who was diagnosed with diabetes. We had to give him insulin injections twice a day. We also looked into regulating his diabetes by managing his diet better and Dr. Guest spent a lot of time talking with us over the phone or in the office about foods, food companies, and even worked with their vendors to order special, high protein, low-carb foods that we could feed our cat. In fact, he was almost in remission and was on the very lowest dose of insulin at one time.

However, our cat also has a second issue - he had asthma. I don't think it was a coincidence that the year we lost him (2002) was at the same time when we had horrible air quality here due to forest fires in Canada. We had several days with very hazy air. Our cat had an asthma attack and it turned fatal when a lobe of his lung twisted or got torn. He was in the ICU at LAH, but with a very poor prognosis. Dr. Guest helped us make a very difficult decision and was even misty-eyed - that cat was like a child for us!

In addressing the scheduling issues another poster wrote about - We've never had a problem but sometimes support staff isn't always familiar with all of the details with scheduling - it's not an easy job. I can sympathize with your busy schedule, but I would hope that those were isolated incidents. If not, perhaps you should let the office manager know about your concerns - maybe additional training is needed...

One more thing: I've been trying to adopt a dog thru rescue and had to request a written letter of recommendation from Dr. Guest. Although it's out of the norm for them to do this, he graciously took care of my request - at no charge. I would have gladly paid for his time - and even offered to do so. That kind of above-and-beyond service keeps customers loyal!

[donnamatrix]

We have been fortunate to have Dr. Guest, and other vets also, from Lakes Regional Vet Hospital for several years. They are the only, AAHA certified vet other than in Concord. AAHA is American Animal Hospital Association. This means the hospital and doctors must conform to specific rules regarding waste disposal, cleaniness, training, etc. We live in Moultonboro and drive all the way around the lake to LRVH. We also had a cat with diabetes, which is tough because every few months the cat has to endure a blood-glucose all-day test at teh vet in order to ensure they are getting the correct amount of insulin. It's quite tricky. Anyway, we think they are the tops.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Dr. Guest helped us make a very difficult decision and was even misty-eyed - that cat was like a child for us!

!

Sorry to hear about your loss AW.I'm looking at a photo of daddies little girl right now taped to my computer.I've had her 15 years and she has been the only "child" I fathered.I had to put her down 10 days ago and could not believe how much it tore me apart.Animals are wonderfull companions but boy,I don't know when I'll be ready to do that again.Cherish the time you have with them.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

.... and could not believe how much it tore me apart. Animals are wonderfull companions but boy, I don't know when I'll be ready to do that again.

I know what you mean SIKSUKR...it's tough. My condolences to you.

[secondcurve]

McDude:

Go for that Lab. They are the second best breed (behind the Golden), in my opinion. Although when considering how much Golden's shed, there certianly is a case to be made about reversing that order! When my son is a bit older, I plan to get him a Golden.

[Argie's Wife]

I have my heart set on a corgi... problem is that hubby wants a Cardigan and I don't have a preference - Pembroke or Cardigan... doesn't matter... just want a smart, cute dog... wash-n-go type of companion...

If anyone knows of any Cardigan breeders, please PM me...

[BBS2]

When we first came up here, we stopped in to look at LRVH. JIC the pets needed someone in an emergency. They were very helpful and told us they would be available if needed. We keep their card on the refrigerator because you never know. We keep copies of everyone's current medical records at the cottage too.
We have not had to use their services yet, thankfully. But it is nice to hear the good reports. We will certainly use them if we need them?

SSR and McD...what are you waiting for? There are so many animals that need good loving homes and you obviously care for your animals. You only have so many pets in a lifetime...so get going! Seriously though ...it is tough. We just lost our 15yo Golden last August. But now there is someone new here to plague The Cat and she is a joy.

Anyone have any tips on getting your dog to jump into the water? We can't bring her on the beach at LSP, so she will have to jump in. Some have told me to just throw her in ...that's sounds like a recipe for trauma.
Any thoughts?

[Rose]

Originally Posted by BBS2

Anyone have any tips on getting your dog to jump into the water? We can't bring her on the beach at LSP, so she will have to jump in. Some have told me to just throw her in ...that's sounds like a recipe for trauma.
Any thoughts?

When our Golden was a puppy, he decided to jump into a river which was over his head. He apparently forgot that he was a Golden, because he promptly sank to the bottom. My husband started stripping off his shoes to jump in after the dog when he popped up on his own. But ever since then (and it's been 10 years), he hates jumping into water, or being in water over his head...it's so embarrassing considering he's a Golden.

My only suggestion would be to get in the water and keep trying to coax her to jump. Or if she likes to fetch, see if she'll fetch a favorite toy that you toss into the water off the end of the dock.

[Quilt Lady]

We have used both the Laconia and Gilford offices for our animals and have been very pleased with the results. Dr. Brenda Stowe is a cat person (meezers) so my cats are happy. She did a wonderful job of laser surgery on our dog. (Rapid healing and no signs of pain afterwards.) I give both offices thumbs up!

As for teaching dogs to swim . . . some like water and some don't. My German Shepherd mix learned by example. He enjoyed running into the water but never too far. One day at the local boat ramp, another dog was playing in the water. After asking the owner if it was OK, I let Charlie follow the dog into the water. Before you knew it, he was swimming with the big dogs! The ramp made it easy for him to put his feet on solid ground and the gradual slope let him try without getting scared. (The Alton boat ramp is open to dogs . . . just follow the rules and use common sense.)

McDude . . . you NEED a dog! (Hooch and Lady would be proud!) Check out the great dogs at the local shelters. They have some great animals in need of good homes.

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month! I already have 4 shelter cats. How about everyone else?

[Weirs guy]

For some reason my dogs always have to be taught to stay out of the water, at least in January.

BBS2, is your new buddy small enough to carry out into the water and let go of? Maybe that will jump start the jumping in without traumatising them. Mine (all 75 pound of him) loves to have daddy hold him up for a minute in the water after chasing the ball for a half hour or so. I feel like I'm giving swimming lessons!

[BBS2]

QL...
Our Chloe (now 11 yo), a DSH, is from the MSPCA in Methuen. I used to volunteer there, with some of my students, in the barn ( 7 yrs !). What a great experience for teenagers! Anyway...went into the small animal shelter one day and there she was! She picked me, of course, that is the only way to go. As I type she is circling my legs. Soon she'll be in her carrier, which she just barely tolerates, for her trip to the Lake. She loves the house with the open beams...its like a kitty gym

Rose...
MY husband and I are both meteorologists and GR lovers too! He graduated from Belknap (sorry to date you, BBS) and I from Lowell Tech (oops, just dated myself). His Belknap days were fond which is why we are now at the Lake. I have a floaty ball ready and waiting, maybe I'll try that and see if she'll come in after it.

Hope the weather stays great for the weekend.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by mcdude

I know what you mean SIKSUKR...it's tough. My condolences to you.

Thanks McDude

[BBS2]

Weirs Guy

She's 55-60# and will be 1 yo on 7/4. I think I might try lifitng her into the water from the end of the dock and support her as you suggested. I afraid she will like it too much to swim on her own!

Thanks for all of your suggestion...I'll let you know what and if it happens

[Rose]

Originally Posted by BBS2

Rose...
MY husband and I are both meteorologists and GR lovers too! He graduated from Belknap (sorry to date you, BBS) and I from Lowell Tech (oops, just dated myself). His Belknap days were fond which is why we are now at the Lake...

Ah, another weather weenie couple. My husband and I met at Lowell and had our advisor in our wedding party because he unwittingly pushed us together.

Lowell Tech...you must have had Dr. Tang.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Rose

Ah, another weather weenie couple. My husband and I met at Lowell and had our advisor in our wedding party because he unwittingly pushed us together.

Lowell Tech...you must have had Dr. Tang.

Lowell Tech....right across from Lowell High? I think I had freshman year there before the Lowell Voke opened. Actually we spent half the year at Keith Academy on Thorndike st before moving to the Tech bldg.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by GTO

Lowell Tech....right across from Lowell High?

Lowell Tech is now the North campus of UMass Lowell. As far as I know, it's always been located at the corners of University Ave. and Riverside St.

[tis]

Sik, I know exactly how you feel. We lost our 18 year old baby and were devastated! For two years, he was blind, deaf and then the last two months lost his hind legs. We had to do everything for him. My sister and better half practically forced a new one on me. I said I wasn't ready, but truly, it is the best way to feel better. After a year and a half I still have tears in my eyes, but the new one does help so much. Your really should get one!

[welch100]

for the great info and advice.

McDude, your photos are awesome; the lab with the fish is priceless - made me LOL!

Thanks Argie's Wife for the diabetes info. That's very interesting that diet helped your pet so much, and I'm delighted to hear that Dr. Guest was so helpful. We'll definitely go to LRV.

Brought my sick doggie out to the island yesterday, and he seems better already!

About dogs and water, I can't offer advice about getting a dog to jump in, but I would say do NOT throw him in! Our Portuguese Water Dog fell off our dock as a puppy and was so traumatized he wouldn't go into the water beyond wading for several years! We took him to a beach that went out very gradually, and enticed him out deeper and deeper with favorite toys. We did get him to go deeper, but finally, it took his watching a lab at the beach retrieving, to entice him to go way out. Since then he swims happily. When nobody will play with him, he will take a ball out to the end of the dock, push it in to the water himself with his paw and then go in the water to get it. Doesn't jump in though.

[BBS2]

Rose
You are right. Drs. Tang and Curtis were our only 2 professors for all those years. What memories. When did you graduate? Mine was 1977 just after the first merger. I'm out of the biz now and teaching HS science..Meteorology(!) Astronomy, and Chemistry. That's how I get to spend so much summer time at the Lake!

GTO
No, it's not Lowell VoTech. This was the former Lowell Technological Institute that merged with Lowell State College in its first University incarnation. North Campus is over by the nuclear reactor.

Anybody an alumnus of Belknap?

Welch100
I won't throw The Dog into the Lake that is certainly a bad idea. She seemed a little more interested in the water this weekend...walking right down to the edge of the rocks and even getting splashed without freaking out. Once she sees me in (if it ever gets warm when we are up) it might be easier.

Argie's Wife...
Did you get my PM about the Corgi's ?

[Rose]

Originally Posted by BBS2

Rose
You are right. Drs. Tang and Curtis were our only 2 professors for all those years. What memories. When did you graduate? Mine was 1977 just after the first merger. I'm out of the biz now and teaching HS science..Meteorology(!) Astronomy, and Chemistry. That's how I get to spend so much summer time at the Lake!

I got my meteorology degree in '95, although I already had a Physics degree from '86 when it was U. Lowell. Dr. Tang was still there until '94. Most students feared him, but being an older student, he didn't scare me and was always supportive because I made an extra effort. Chancellor Hogan really wanted to ax the program, and my advisor, Dr. Colby, was the only full-time professor one semester. But a very influential man from the Atmospheric Research Center would not allow that, so the program was saved and expanded, and I got my Masters there in '04.

I'm sort of still in the business, working on requirements for the next generation of geostationary weather satellites.