Heidi B. moved with her family from Minnesota to Arizona in 2021. Because of the ongoing pandemic, she expected obstacles when it came to finding a vet she could trust with her two dogs, Bruna, a Rottweiler, and Smudge, a Boxer. Fortunately, 1st Pet Veterinary Centers was right around the corner from her new home.
“I liked the idea that they offered emergency services in addition to primary care,” she said. “You just never know what you’ll need – it gave me peace of mind.”
During that first year, Heidi took her dogs in for regular checkups and was impressed by the staff’s kindness and attentiveness to each client and pet, in addition to the clean and well-organized facilities.
One afternoon in 2022, Heidi stopped by to get a prescription for Bruna, and a little old lady came in to pick up some prescription pet food. She couldn’t carry the bag herself, and a staff member offered to personally deliver it to her home.
“Those little acts of service really make all the difference and set 1st Pet apart from other veterinary providers in Mesa,” Heidi said. “It really stayed with me. 1st Pet goes above and beyond for all of their clients.”
Over the years, 1st Pet has treated Heidi’s dogs for ear infections, skin irritation, joint pain, and other minor issues. When Bruna was diagnosed with a blown out knee, she was referred to a neighboring clinic to see a veterinary orthopedist, who put Bruna on medication for her knee and sent her back to 1st Pet for red light therapy and weekly water therapy.
For a while, Bruna seemed to be improving. Then things took a turn.
“Bruna started having gut issues and her bones became more pronounced,” Heidi said. “She was diagnosed with masticatory muscle myositis (MMM). She became super lethargic, stopped eating and drinking, and started having digestion issues. I immediately took her to 1st Pet Chandler to see Dr. Kreissler.”
After Bruna had been declining for about five days, Heidi sadly began considering euthanasia.
“I was devastated, but if the doctor agreed that it was time, I would let her go,” said Heidi.
After a thorough exam, Dr. Kreissler told Heidi he believed that the medication Bruna had been put on at the referral clinic was causing her gut issues. She was even diagnosed with pancreatitis, but the other clinic refused to take Bruna off of the medication in question.
“I made the decision to trust 1stPet’s staff and recommendations, so I went with my gut and took her off the medication,” said Heidi. “Dr. Kreissler was extremely professional about the decision and empowered me to make the best choice for my dog. We took her off that med and she got better so quickly. I really believe he saved my dog’s life.”
Though she’s getting older, Bruna is now thriving. Her health is carefully managed by the 1st Pet team, and Heidi is thrilled that Bruna actually enjoys going to the vet!
“Everyone at 1st Pet treats her like a star – she can’t get in there fast enough!” Heidi laughed. “She drags me through the door! The staff makes Bruna so comfortable, and she’s always excited to be there.”
Heidi has since adopted another Rottweiler, and she’s happy that her new pup has always received the same great care and attention as Bruna and Smudge. She loves that not only does 1st Pet have wonderful providers, but the services are affordable too.
“They’re not overpriced – not even for emergency visits,” said Heidi. “And they do everything they can to help my pets feel comfortable. That’s why I keep coming back.”
