A pandemic may have delayed a grand opening celebration for Vale Park Animal Hospital, but in no way did it take away from the love that Vale Park staff and volunteers have for the community. As a show of appreciation, Vale Park opened its doors and gave an all-access tour of the facility. Additionally, there were games, activities, prizes, and food giveaways.
“We opened last year at the peak of COVID-19, so we couldn’t do anything to celebrate. Many of our clients were curious about the clinic and wanted to see it,” said Christy Ashford, employee at Vale Park Animal Hospital. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our clients, so we wanted to show everyone how much we appreciated them.”
Those in attendance learned about the history of the animal hospital as well as the many services that it offers. Staff and veterinarians who were present explained from start to finish the path a pet may take behind the scenes. A tracking board– much like those used in emergency rooms – monitors every patient and their provider’s location. Boasting two completely enclosed surgical suites with laser technology and laparoscopic equipment, two dental stations, grooming suites, lodging with quiet suites for nervous animals, dog suites, cat suites, enclosed outdoor yards, a laboratory, and even a pharmacy, there is not much the facility doesn’t provide.
“The surgical laser cauterizes as it cuts so it decreases the amount of blood loss, and the therapeutic laser stimulates healing after surgery,” said Dr. Courtney Harsy, a veterinarian who has been serving at Vale Park Animal Hospital for almost three years. “The laparoscope has a camera for tight spaces. What is really nice is that the recovery time is shorter with laparoscopic procedures. What was a 12 to 14-day recovery can now be 24 to 48 hours.”
“We have a blood chemistry analyzer, a complete blood count (CBC) machine to test for anemia and systemic infection, and machines for testing vector-borne diseases that come from such things as mosquitos,” said Stepha Perz, a registered veterinary technician at Vale Park Animal Hospital. “We can get results the same day which is important if the animals are in critical condition or going to surgery.”
Vendors and representatives on-hand provided information for prevention medication such as ProHeart, calming and behavior products such as Feliway, vaccines, and other products that Vale Park utilizes.
The hospital works with many well-known local organizations and groups such as Valparaiso, Porter County, and State of Indiana K-9 police officers, the Viking Pup Program, United Way of Porter County, Lakeshore PAWS, and Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education, and Welfare (BREW).
Adding to the excitement of the day, the Valparaiso Police Department’s K-9 team held entertaining demonstrations. Sgt. Joe Cowser bravely donned a protective suit while Lt. Sean Kostelnik led canine Marko through a series of commands.
Inside the facility, Lakeshore PAWS led attendees through a discussion on adoption information. Those not quite ready for the real deal could adopt a balloon animal to take home instead.
“Every dog adopted through Lakeshore PAWS has the option to enroll in the forever wellness program,” said Ashford. “Through Vale Park and the wellness program, the adopted dog can receive free vaccines for life.”
Ashford has been working at Vale Park for almost three years, and she has 17 years of experience working in the veterinary field.
“Vale Park is best known for providing the best care,” Ashford said with a smile. “It is the best place to work at.”
There are not many animal species that Vale Park does not treat. With a variety of specialists, including an exotic animal veterinarian, almost all species who enter the doors are able to leave feeling cared for – even a hedgehog.
Jeanne Kelsey was in attendance. She has had three cats and two dogs who have had services and loving care at Vale Park Animal Hospital. Having had services there for around 10 to 12 years, Kelsey can give you a run down on every veterinarian, much like a baseball fan citing the sports statistics of their favorite players.
“The staff are incredible. Everyone who works here is well-trained, upbeat, and compassionate. The doctors are top-notch; they all seem to have their own specialties,” said Kelsey. “Dr. Bill Donohue is the cat whisperer. Dr. Mary Ann Sheller is a top-notch general surgeon and fertility specialist. Dr. Kelly Rock, she is just cool and, well, she just rocks! She is great with cats and dogs. Dr. Brent Lakia is just great; he is so compassionate. Dr. Harsy impressed me with her knowledge and talk when we toured the surgical area.”
Of all the visits over the years, there is one that stands out for Kelsey.
“When we had to put our cat, Scooter, down, everyone knew him so well. Everyone had tears in their eyes. The compassion, you could sense it and see it in their eyes,” said Kelsey. “Dr. Bill was incredible. He told me to never ever doubt my decision – that we did the right thing. That was a rocket moment for us.”
Eve Torres was in attendance as well with her children. Similar to Kelsey, both of Torres’ dogs – one who passed and another who is a current patient – have been taken care of at Vale Park.
“I saw this event posted on Facebook. We never went in the back to see anything, so we came here for the tour,” said Torres.
For Torres, it is the level of care that her pets have received that makes her feel comfortable in her choice of Vale Park.
“Our dog was so sick and no one could figure out what was wrong with him. Vale Park was the only place that could,” said Torres.
Vale Park follows strict COVID-19 protocols as well as models the masking preference of the pets’ owners. There is never any pressure or shaming for not having stayed up-to-date on vaccines or care.
“Our focus is on getting your pet better,” said Ashford.
To learn more about Vale Park Animal Hospital, visit its website at valeparkah.com or its Facebook page here for more details.
