Petsimonials

After moving from San Diego to Marin five years ago, we struggled to find a full veterinary service we felt completely comfortable with.  We struggled to find a compassionate doctor with a competent staff and state-of-the-art medical office.  Imagine our relief to find all of that and more at Northbay Animal Hospital, right in our Terra Linda neighborhood!

Over the past few years, Dr. Walters, Dr. Hansson and their fabulous staff have taken care of both our dachshunds and us!  From severe skin issues to E. coli infections to a frightening bought with gastritis, Northbay Animal Hospital has gotten our boys through some very tough times. 

As registered nurses, we know the importance of making the patient and family feel safe, comfortable and cared for.  Dr. Walters and his staff consistently do just that.  They make our dachsunds (and us) feel important and like members of their "extended family".  It's hard to place a value in that and even more difficult to find the right words of gratitude! 

Madison, Bubba, Frank Gran and Russ Hagenhoff

You can learn from "Molly"

Molly was rescued at 4 years old from a shelter and has been living happily with Mrs. Kernfeld ever since.

Last year she had a very advanced gum disease that required extensive surgery to save her teeth.

After the procedure, Mrs. Kernfeld came back for instructions on dental home care.  Since then, she has been brushing Molly’s teeth every day.  Mrs. Kernfeld admits that Molly was not very cooperative at first.  In fact, it took almost 6 months for Molly to fully accept brushing.  However, Mrs. Kernfeld was persistent and in the end Molly learned to accept teeth brushing and is now looking forward to the time of day when brushing takes place.

As you can see in the picture below, Molly’s teeth look great over a year after the last dental treatment. 

This is how Mrs. Kernfeld trained Molly to accept teeth brushing: 

1. She gently puts Molly on her back.                                                                                                  

2. She brushes her teeth the same time every day so Molly got into a routine. 

3. She started by using a finger to apply the toothpaste in Molly’s mouth. 

4. She then began brushing in just one area of Molly’s mouth and gradually working her way to the rest of the mouth.

5. She is now using a soft brush. 

6. She begins by brushing from the back of the mouth with forward motion toward the front of the mouth.  Mrs. Kernfeld says it’s easier to brush this way. 

7. Mrs. Kernfeld replaces the brush every 3 months to maintain the efficiency of brushing.                                                                                                                                                       

8. She says Molly is looking great and doing great, even at 9 years of age.                            

9. Mrs. Kernfeld believes the effort is well worth it.

We too believe all pet owners should brush their pets’ teeth.

If you believe this too, but are not sure how, please call us at 415-499-8387 to make an appointment to bring your pet in for a free session on teeth brushing. 

It’s well worth it!

The staff at Northbay Animal Hospital made me feel this much better!

-Carolyn Allen "Meg"

May 17, 2009

Dear Dr. Walters,

It is with both sadness and gratitude that I write to thank you and your wonderful staff for taking care of Goldie with such love and gentleness during these past months.  Although I did not relish "sickness visits" to Northbay Animal Hospital, the friendliness of your staff and the pleasant reception area eased my anxiety about Goldie's current health problem.

I felt your heartfelt sympathy and understanding when I had to let Goldie go in April.  Her ashes in the lovely pine box will be scattered over her favorite walks with great love.

I am currently reading a new book entitled Will I See My Dog in Heaven? by Jack Wintz, OFM, who supports the belief that we will be reunited with all animals in paradise.  So the answer is yes!  I will meet Goldie again in heaven, where we will cross over the "rainbow bridge" and walk together again over the green hills forevermore.

With much gratitude to you and your staff,

Diane Smith

May 13, 2009

To Dr. Walters, Dr. Hansson, Mr. Cohen and the staff,

We wish to thank you for giving us back our little bundle of licks, barks, cuddles, rolls, runs and nibbles -- none of which he was able to do when he was brought in after being injured while we were out!

He has gone from being paralyzed from the waist down to more active than I can recall ever seeing him in his 13 years of life!  When all else failed and I was asked to consider acupuncture, I was somewhat skeptical, but also desperate to fix this great little yorkie, so we went to meet Mr. Cohen on a Wednesday.  Bugsy had his first treatment and Thursday when I sat his food down, prepared to hold and feed him again, I realized he had just walked up behind me!  Wow!

By the following week he was not only healed from the current injury, but was actually walking better than he ever had!  He had always had difficulty with the luxation of both hind knees, but that too was also greatly improved!  So we want to thank you for giving life back to Bugsy and immense joy to us!

Thank you!

Betty P. Jones, R.N., B.S.N.

Edward Ladrech

Bugsy, Mugsy, Poppie, Kat, Namuh, Queenie, Cami, Amigo, Sallie, Bird, Goldie and fish

Thank you for recommending Royal Canine dog food for Thomas.  It's been three weeks now and I've noticed how shiny and soft his coat is.  It really is true...you are what you eat!

Thanks again Dr. Walters!

Rhonda Hershey