“My husband and I are blessed to be guardians of two cats (a brother and sister) and a female multi-breed dog. All three were adopted from shelters. Our dog Hallie is our protector, confidante, companion, in-house comic, and the purest example of unconditional love. Our cats Max and Samantha are big fur balls who offer leg rubs, warm laps (even in the summer heat!), and purrs that totally relax [our] busy minds and attitudes! Their love can be conditional, depending on their moods, but when they give it, it’s so real and big! Our animals make us smile every day. We can only hope that we bring as much joy to them as they do to us. Sharing our life with animals is sheer pleasure and fills a place in our lives that only they can complete. We mostly interact with Dr. Dean Small. He has unquestionably enhanced our relationships with our animals by genuinely caring, explaining everything, hiring an extremely caring staff, and following up on visits. They offer the best care around!”

—Barbara Varhol takes her pets to Johnson County Animal Clinic, an AAHA-accredited hospital in Kansas.

Share Your Stories With Us!

Tell us how your pets matter to you! This call goes out to readers of all ages. We hope to hear how dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and pocket pets have enhanced your lives, and the role your veterinary team has played in that relationship. Email us with your answers at PetsMatter@aahanet.org and we will include your stories in upcoming issues of PetsMatter. Email away! Send your stories today!

This article originally appeared in PetsMatter Volume 2 Issue 4, published by the American Animal Hospital Association. Copyright © 2009 AAHA. Find out more.