Tails Wag Over New Butler Veterinary Hospital

If the smile on the face (yes, dogs do smile) of a small Pomeranian at Saturday's grand opening of Butler Veterinary Hospital is any indication, tails are wagging over the new veterinary clinic on Main Street.

The Pomeranian's owner, Elizabeth Stein, said she has followed the veterinary hospital's owner and Veterinarian Dr. Dawn Garro everywhere she has practiced because she treats her two dogs so well.

"Dr. Garro rocks!" she said. 

Family and friends gathered outside as Butler Mayor Robert Alviene stood with Garro and the hospital's three assistants to cut the ribbon on the brand new facility. Afterwards, assistant Eileen Gilabert gave a tour.

The most noticeable thing about the veterinary hospital is its un-hospital like appearance. The walls are painted a warm cream color, the waiting room welcoming and comfortable looking.

"We wanted it to not look like a veterinary hospital," said Garro, explaining she wanted her patients, the cats and dogs, to feel comfortable and not afraid when they came for check-ups or procedures.

The hospital has a central oxygen room which supplies oxygen through the ceilings of each room into the surgery room for the pets who need it. In another room, dogs and cats are able to recover from surgery, or have dental work done.

Another room, which currently only has two chairs inside, is a room where families will be able to say goodbye to their beloved pets before they are put down, if need be.

The main examination room features a state-of-the-art table, Gilabert said, which, unlike the typical metal examination tables, features a thick-foam-topped table which is able to mechanically move up and down so that assistants do not have to lift large dogs great heights to get them on to the table.

Several former, and new, patient owners celebrated the opening Saturday.

In speaking of her Miniature Beagle Lily's experience recently with Garro, Ann Gilabert said, "It was great!"

"She's been to her before, she came [home] and she was just happy," she said.

Debbie Shepherd, the owner of two cats, Cashmere and Darth, said she enjoys the relaxing atmosphere of the waiting room and examination room. She also said she enjoys Garro's attitude and kindness towards animals.

"She is just the kindest vet they have ever gone to," she said.

Ann Gilabert added, "Before she does anything with the dog, she takes the time to explain everything." This was something Shepherd agreed was a unique form of treatment amongst veterinarians.

Before opening the hospital, Garro worked at the Pequannock Animal Hospital. The Rockaway resident said she only has one pet at home, an adopted Jack Russell Terrier.