Our experience with Derry Animal Hospital started a little rocky, but I want to be clear that the difficulty had nothing to do with the care we received there. It was the result of a very difficult six months that happened before i chose Derry Animal Hospital for both of my cats care.
My 10-year-old cat went through a lot in a very short period of time. He was diagnosed with diabetes, experienced a painful eye infection from a newly adopted rescue kitten, and wasn’t very happy with our newly adopted kitten.
After being in and out of painful and stressful situations, his trust was understandably shaken. Then came the move, a new home after 10 stable years, new surroundings, and a completely new veterinary team. He was already fearful and guarded.
With a strong recommendation, I chose Derry Animal Hospital, and I am so grateful that I did. It has been a learning experience for us all — what makes him very uncomfortable, what frightens him, and how best to approach him. Rather than expecting him to simply cooperate, they have been willing to meet him where he is and learn the best way to approach him. That has made a tremendous difference.
A very special thank you to Michelle, who has been such an important part in helping me through this transition. She recognized how much I was struggling with everything that had and was happening to my cat, listened to my concerns, and truly understood my biggest concern: making sure that, after everything he had already been through, he deserved kindness and empathy. Her compassion, patience, and understanding have meant more to me than I can put into words. Sometimes, having someone simply listen and truly understands makes all the difference.
I know he will never understand why these things have and will continue to be done to him, especially when so many of his recent experiences have involved pain, fear, and situations he didn't choose. All I can do is advocate for him and others, be patient.
I am incredibly grateful to the team at Derry Animal Hospital for recognizing that he is more than just a difficult and mean cat. He is an older cat who has been through a lot in a very short time.
Thank you to everyone at Derry Animal Hospital who has worked with us with kindness and understanding —Dr. Colleen Redlinger, Michelle, and the Technicians who have helped both of us through this transition. It means more than you know.
Patricia Smith