Notes of Appreciation

December 21, 2011

Dear REACH,

One year ago today, our great companion. Bruno, just about died from torsion. He had already collapsed on the vet hospital floor, when he was rushed to surgery, where his spleen was removed.

He was 11 years old then. He had already had: throat surgery, two cruciate ligament surgeries, one surgery to repair a shattered leg, emergency treatment to stop internal bleeding, surgery to remove the plate from the acl surgery to deal with a 'superbug' infection -- and we've long since forgotten what else. Few were expecting him to survive the splenectomy, much less live well for more than a few months post splenectomy.
But here he is.
We thank you for all you have done to give him a decent vitality since then. His life is a gift to us, this picture of him, taken one week ago and showing him "still ticking", is our gift of gratitude to you.

Greg Forsythe

Hi:

I brought my cat in on Sunday, November 20, 2011. As it turned out, she was okay, but I justwanted to send a thank you. I am so impressed with the great people I observed that afternoon. You are the perfect blend of professionalism, compassion and humor. You made everyone feel comfortable. I know it's a tough job and you give up a lot of off time when others are playing or sleeping. Thanks for what you do. We're fortunate to have you.

~Connie Morris (Lost Pets Of Western NC)

Dear Dr. Wetzel and Staff:

Our yellow labrador, Duncan, was a beloved member of our family and a sweet and constant companion. The only thing more difficult than putting him to sleep would have been to watch him suffer. And so my husband Bill and I found ourselves at REACH on a Saturday night.

From the moment we walked in the door with Duncan until the wee hours of Sunday morning when we left without him, we were all three treated with compassion, respect, and love.

We take tremendous comfort in our memories of how peacefully Duncan passed from this world. Our last 10 minutes with him were beautiful. It is a tribute to his great big heart that he looked up as Dr. Wetzel entered the hospitality room and wagged his tail in a friendly greeting. That is how we remember him.

Dr. Wetel, if ever a person was in the right proefession, it is you. Thank you for your gift of sensitivity and understanding, as well as your professionalism, which helps us to know that "This is okay. It's part of a grand long life."

We will always remember our night at REACH -- for good memories, not bad. You're all wonderful. Thank you from us and from Duncan.

~Michel (and Bill) Robertson

Dr. Wetzel, Christy, Ann, and everyone at Reach:

Thank you so much for being a part of Bark for Life and helping us to make it such a huge success. Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to exceed our fundraising goal by 60% like we did! We truly appreciate your time and generosity.

All the best,
American Cancer Society

Tuesday morning I wasn't feel so well
I think both my mom and dad could tell

By Tuesday evening I was getting quite sick
Mom says we better get to the vet quick

REACH hospital is our very best bet
With such a good staff and the very best vet

So we jumped in the car and headed their way
But I wasn't expecting a two day stay

The cut and sewed and fixed me all up
And when they were done I felt like a pup

For them we are thankful my family agrees
If I ever get sick take me there please

Max H

To Dr. Gibson and the staff of R.E.A.C.H.,

Thank you so much for all you did for Ladybug. You did more than I ever knew was possible trying to save her life, and even though we lost her, I left there knowing that everything that could be done was done. You were so gracious to me, and understanding of what we were going through. Everyone was very professional and kept me informed every step of the way. After her passing, you handled Ladybug with respect and kindness, and I greatly appreciate that. I also thank you for letting me use your office phone after my cell phone quit so I could keep my husband, who was elsewhere tending to our infant daughter, informed of what was happening. I have told my friends about you and all you did to save Ladybug.

I am so glad there are people like you who care enough about animals and their families to run an emergency clinic for them during the weekends when all the other vets are closed. It's a comfort knowing that there is someone we can call on seven days a week if something happens with a pet.

We have since adopted another puppy for our daughter. He is an eight week old English Setter & Australian Shepherd mix named Nad, very healthy and very rambunctious. We hope he never has an illness or injury, but in the event that it ever should happen, we will definitely bring him to you.

Again, thank you so much for all you did. It means a lot to us.

Sincerely,

Ashley, Thomas & Emily

“It feels good all over to direct this “Thank-U-Gram” your way.”

I would like to thank you for being there for us animal parents. It's nice to know help is close & that you have compassion for your patients!

Greg & Michelle

“We could say THANK YOU a million times & it still would not be enough”

Dr. Gibson:

Patches and the whole family would like to thank you and your staff from the bottom of our hearts. If it wouldn't have been for you all, Patches would not be with us today. Her head is healing fine and her left eye is in tact and will return to normal in a few more weeks. We are all so thankful that your clinic is available, we are also glad that you were able to work with us. It's great to see that other people care about family pets as the family. I hope we don't have to see you again, but we know right where you are in case of another emergency!

Thank you again,

Patches, Leigh, Scott, Madison, & Grady

Dr. Johansson & others who served our family:

Thank you so much for caring for our Australian Shepherd, Rocky. Although he didn't make it, we are so appreciative of the last few moments we had with Rocky thanks to you all. It was comforting and reassuring have him under your care and expertise. I am sure you hear this all the time, but Rocky was (& will be) an important part of our family and thanks to you we were able to say our final goodbyes and feel assured about the decisions we had to make.

Thank you so much for helping our family,

Sarah & Jason

“Merry Christmas”

Thank you so much for helping to save my baby, “Pamuk” (means “cotton” in Turkish).

Happy New Year,

Betsy

“Believe - thank you for your compassion and care.”

To all the staff at R.E.A.C.H. and especially Dr. Wetzel and Dr. Jackson:

Many thanks for easing Jeb and Peyton onto the Rainbow Bridge. Your euthanasia room made it so much better and you are to be commended for having such a facility.

Merry Christmas and all good things for the New Year,

Nancy

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas!”

R.E.A.C.H. Doctors and staff,

Thank you so much for the care given to my cat Buzzie, on Thanksgiving. He continues to fight and I can only pray that he overcomes these health issues. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

Teresa

“You are thoughtful, caring, generous, warmhearted and, most of all … appreciated!”

To the staff & doctors at R.E.A.C.H.,

I want to say thank you so much for your help with the stray sick cat that showed up at our house on Saturday. I knew she was dehydrated and sick, but did not know anything I could do for her. She could not drink or eat anything. This was the second time I have been to R.E.A.C.H. Both times the staff and doctors have been wonderful and caring.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Thanks Again,

Judy

“Hi-YA!”

To: Dr. Jackson and Mike,

Thank you for your care and support that you gave to our cat Izzie and to us. You guys were outstanding in everything you did for us. As you can see, Miss Izzie is back to her old self and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you for saving our furbaby!

Love,

The Buchanan Family

“You made my tail wag - Thank You”

Dr. Jackson and Staff,

I wanted to say thank you to you and your staff because I truly feel you saved my dog's life. Last week when we brought Baxter to your office, I was so afraid that he might not make it out or because of the heat stroke, that he may never be the same. Thanks to your efforts he is back to his ol’ self.

Thank you,

Lisa

“Thanks – It seems such a small word … for all you’ve done!”

Dr. Jackson, Joshua and Brett,

I am so appreciative of your compassion and kind attention to both Cisco and myself. I brought him in at about 9pm on June 10th. He would’ve been 16 this month. Although I tried to prepare myself - it’s never easy, but you all were very patient and thoughtful and I will never forget that!

Sincerely,

Robin

Dear Dr. Wetzel and all of you at R.E.A.C.H.,

Thank you so much for all you did caring for Leo and for taking time the other day to answer my questions to help me understand his illness. When I arrived home Wednesday night it was lonely without Leo but comforting to know he was in good hands.

Wishing you all well,

Jane

Thank you to everyone,

Coda was completely better the day I brought him home. You saved his life Dr. Gibson. Joshua you tried to keep me calm and allowed me to use the phone even though it was long distance. I’ll tell everyone how professional, compassionate and efficient your hospital is …

Jacqueline

“With thanks to all of you … because you’re all so wonderful, so kind, and thoughtful, too – It wouldn’t do to miss this chance to send warm thanks to you.”

Just wanted to say thank you ever so much for saving my Great Dane, “Ben.” On 5/12/09 I brought Ben in and you guys did a great job at finding and taking care of the problem. If it weren’t for you caring people my Ben would not be here today. Ben has recovered well and is his normal spoiled happy self. BIG THANKS TO ALL THAT HELPED SAVE MY DOG’S LIFE.

Thanks Again,

Lisa and "Ben"

Dr. Wetzel, Dr. Wilson, and staff,

Woodstock gave us over 11 years of energy, joy and unconditional love and for that we felt we owed him all that we could do for him in return, in spite of the less than favorable odds you gave us from the beginning. Words cannot express our gratitude for the superior care that was given to him throughout his hospitalization. Your compassion, medical experience and loving care gave him the love and dignity he deserved to the very end.

After being in the medical field for thirty years in south Florida, I would like to hope that we would receive that level of care ourselves in an intensive care unit in a hospital should the need ever arise.

Again, thanks for all you did in spite of the outcome,

The Vanderlyn Family

Dr. Wetzel and Staff,

You had taken care of our “senior citizen,” Molly, when she was diagnosed and treated for Pancreatitis. I just wanted you to know that at this moment she is “rocking and rolling,” prancing on her walks, dashing up and down stairs, loaded with energy and accustomed to her ID diet. Of course we are supplementing with poached chicken breast, poached flounder/cod, sweet potatoes, Jasmine rice and “roasted-crisp” green beans for treats. You are all wonderful and much appreciated!

Best Regards,

Annette

“Wishing you the blessings of peace and happiness at Christmas and in the new year.”

Dear Dr. Wetzel,

Merry Christmas!! With our best wishes to you and your wonderful support staff. Because of your dedication, surgical skills and compassion our beautiful white Akita, “Hank,” is still with us. He just celebrated his tenth birthday on November 28th and has continued to do well.

Hank is our miracle dog and we are thankful for each day we have with him. May God bless each of you as you care for the animals.

Many Blessings,

Beth, Gary and Hank

Dear Dr. Wetzel,

I wrote you a note a year ago to let you know our German Shepherd, Sarec, was doing well. You had performed a splenectomy and also removed a 10 pound growth the size of a basketball. You called us after receiving my note and said you still had the photographs on your desk. Well, it now has been two years since the surgery and I am happy to tell you, Sarec, is still with us. He had his thirteenth birthday in November and is on Previcox for his arthritis but is quite happy and still enjoying life. I just want you to know how we will always be grateful to you for saving his life.

Sincerely,

Vicki & Philip

"The world will always need people like you who give so generously, help so willingly, care so deeply. THANK YOU."

Jimmy and I would like to say how much we appreciate everyone at R.E.A.C.H.! This past week was very difficult for both of us, but your caring staff helped us make hard but necessary decisions for Daisy. With your help and understanding we know we did the right thing for her! We are so glad that you were there for us!

Thanks Again,

Kim and Jimmy

R.E.A.C.H.:

Dr. Wetzel, Karen and everyone else:

On Saturday night, June 23rd, my family came to you with our best friend Duke. Although Duke had taken care of us for only 4 years, it feels like forever, he was truly wonderful. All of you were so kind, helpful and compassionate as you cared for him and us. You understood the difficult decision my family faced. To say thank you falls short for all that you did. Unfortunately, it is all I can say. Our hearts ache greatly but your kindness has helped to take the sharpness of it away. Thank you to each of you for all you did Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Sincerely,

Terry, Susan and Andrew

To Whom It May Concern,

Two weeks ago, about three of the ninety students that I see in my 6th grade classroom told me that their dog was hit and killed by a car that Sunday. I also had a dog that was hit and killed by a car on that very same day. One of these students told me the heart-wrenching story that led up to his dog being brought to your location. I am writing this letter to let you know exactly how much that simple card and poem that you sent to the family of this student meant to him.

Being that we have been discussing poetry, this student felt compelled to read the poem that was included with your sympathy card. Fighting back tears as he struggled to read the poem aloud, the class listened with open hearts. He never did finish the poem, claiming that he couldn’t read the writing, yet we all felt the sorrow in his heart that day. I’d like to thank you for sending sympathy cards like this one. To this one child, it meant a world of comfort and a true sense of closure.

Our Sincere Thanks for All That You Do,

A 6th Grade Teacher

Dear R.E.A.C.H. Veterinarians and Staff,

Not only do I want to thank you for the sympathy card, but also I would like to take a moment to thank every one of you for making the most difficult night of my life bearable. I did not catch many of your names, and some of you I did not even meet in person, but you all are an incredible team.

Starting with my phone call, to the technician who answered my question about my dog having a possible twisted stomach, and you nicely urging me to come to R.E.A.C.H. rather than wait to see my local vet the next day. You were very professional, thank you.

Next, when I was carrying my golden to the door, to the technician that started over to help me through the door rather than watch me struggle, thank you.

Upon seeing my situation, to the technician that encouraged me to keep walking to the back room to set my golden down, rather than waiting for me to start filling out the paperwork, thank you.

To the technician that came out and asked me my golden’s name, Rocky Ann, I thank you for making it personal, rather than the guy with the golden, thank you.

To the technician who helped me with filling out the paperwork even when I had the vet’s old address, thank you.

To the technician who brought me up to date on my expenses, I know that must be difficult, but I thank you for keeping me informed.

To the technician that allowed me to make a long distance phone call to my wife, since my cell phone was dying, you did not hesitate to let me use the office phone, thank you.

To Dr. Gibson for being straight and honest with me about each test result and what the other test results might indicate. Not making me feel guilty when I decided not to keep Rocky Ann alive. Also for your compassion and words of encouragement during my last moments with Rocky Ann, I thank you.

To the two technicians that rolled Rocky Ann out in the cardboard casket on a gurney to my truck, your kind words of sympathy at that moment meant so much, thank you.

The plaster paw print seems so simple, but when I got home after this emotional experience, baking it and handling it helped me process what had just taken place, thank you for this memory.

To the rest of the technicians that performed tests, x-rays, drew blood and had taken care of Rocky Ann behind closed doors, I thank you for your efficiency and professionalism. The difficult time did not last forever thanks to you.

I cannot imagine how many times each of you deals with a difficult situation working at R.E.A.C.H.. I hope that each of you that read this letter will take a moment to realize what a gift you have for helping individuals like me get through a terrible time.

My prayers are for each one of you working at R.E.A.C.H. and the many lives you touch. You have a very difficult job, but you do it so well.

Thank you so much!

Andy

To all who work at R.E.A.C.H.,

Thank you very much for your understanding, help and kind hands when working with Arthur. We were with you on a Friday evening in July, when he broke his leg. Arthur has had surgery and a plate put on his leg since then. We are hopeful of a full recovery. We are thankful that you were there to help and that you were all so kind.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth

I want to thank everyone who took care of “Pappy” after our auto accident in December of last year. Your loving care for him made such a big difference in both our recoveries. Knowing he was being cared for by such a wonderful people like yourselves helped me ease some of our pain. He is very healthy again and surprisingly not afraid to go for a ride in any car. Although he does miss his Daddy terribly, as do I, we are trying to get our lives back together again. Thank you does not seem like enough to say for everything you did for him and me, but it is the best we can do for now.

Again, thank you for everything,

Alice and Papi’

To all the staff at R.E.A.C.H.,

Marley says, “thank you for making everything all right with me!!”

Words cannot express how truly grateful we are to you for saving this wonderful dog!! “A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with her tongue in hours.” So, thank you all for your loving care for Marley and allowing him the chance to bring so much happiness to all that know him!

Many wagging tails to you,

Liz, Marley and Friends

“Thank You from Tinkerbell”

Words cannot express our thanks to you for taking such wonderful care of our baby. She is back to her sassy self and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for everything you do and we are glad to know you are there for us!

The Bazemore Family

Dear Dr. Wetzel and staff at R.E.A.C.H.,

Thank you all so much for the excellent care and love you gave to Snowy, my cat, while she was in your care.

Snowy died on June 14th (on her birthday she had turned 15), two days after you discharged her. I kept her at home with me that night before her death. I could not allow her to further suffer and I am at peace with my decision to let her go. You do wonderful work there and I’ll always remember how you allowed me to have private time with her whenever I came to see her.

We love our pets because they are somehow like us, only with more innocence and trust.

I had 15 wonderful years with her and I find comfort in knowing she was so well cared for by you and your staff.

God bless you for the work that you do!

Sincerely,

Jeanelle

Dear R.E.A.C.H. staff,

Thank you! My mother’s blind dalmation spent last weekend with you. She had been attacked by another dog. My mother was also badly injured when she tried to break up the fight. Both Mariah and my mother ended up in the ER.

My mother had a reaction to the medications they had given her. It was so good to know Mariah was well cared for while we resolved my mother’s situation. The two men who rolled Mariah out and helped me get her into the car were wonderful! They so clearly cared for Mariah. I cried to see such concern! I wish I had asked their names but I’m sure they will recognize themselves from this letter.

Mariah is recovering well. She’s moving around more comfortably every day. An amazing recovery.

Thank you all!

Cindy

To all the staff at R.E.A.C.H.,

We’d like to thank you for the great care you gave to our dog Sierra. Thanks to all of you, she is happy, healthy and at home. All the staff was excellent with keeping us updated while she was in ICU. You’ll never know how truly grateful we are. You’re all angels!

Nathan, Jessica and Sierra

“I’d like to ESPRESSO my thanks!”

Dear Dr. Johansson and R.E.A.C.H. staff,

One week ago, I stumbled into R.E.A.C.H. in acute distress with Bloat. Thanks to all of you, I’m now on the road to recovery and feeling like my old self! Thank you so very much for saving my life!

Rudy “The Dude”

(Parents - Tanya and David)

“Thanks ... from the bottom of our hearts.”

Dear Dr. Wetzel and all the staff at R.E.A.C.H.,

We wanted to write and thank you all again for being there for Rugbie (the cat) when she needed the kind of care only R.E.A.C.H. can give. We really didn’t think she was going to make it after being hit by a car and left for dead as she was, but we knew where to bring her, your wonderful group of caring emergency staff. Thanks to you all and God, Rugbie is now a little miracle.

God bless you,

The Piscopo Family

“Holiday greetings and best wishes for the new year.”

Thank you for saving my life. I was a very sick kitty when I came to you but I am all well now. My companion, Caesar, King of the Roamin’ Empire, is very happy too. We both will have a Merry Christmas and hope all of you do too.

Love,

Cleopatra

(Parents - Nancy and Gene)