Dutchess
We would like to introduce you to our “Dutchess”. She is the bright spot in our day and a constant companion for me and my wife.
Dutchess became very ill and we rushed her for treatment to Cherokee Hospital for Animals. The doctors there have treated her for years and knew all her history of illness. We would not have dreamed of taking her anywhere else. We were very frightened and worried to think of being without our little girl.
Dutchess was diagnosed with bronchitis, a urinary infection and seemed to have experienced a seizure. The care, professional attitude and constant support from the doctors and staff are responsible for Dutchess’ full recovery. We are eternally grateful to all the doctors at Cherokee Hospital for Animals for saving her life.
She is back to our happy and spunky girl. With her little “I can handle anything”attitude again.
Sid Campbell
Jack & Jill
Jack and Jill are very important members of our family. We love them both very much. We became concerned about Jack's health because he seemed to have lost his enthusiasm for running and playing with his sister Jill. She would run all over the place and Jack would just lie on the couch. After putting up some resistance we decided to allow Dr. Sallee to clean Jack's teeth while he was having a benign tumor removed. During his dental cleaning it was discovered that Jack had three rotten teeth. Unlike the nursery rhyme Jack had not broken his crown, and crowns would not be able to help his teeth either.
They had to be removed.
It turns out the reason for Jack's lethargy was not a chronic back problem as we had suspected. Following the removal of Jack's teeth he became his old self again. Now Jack and Jill run up the hill together. We are so grateful and owe this fairy tale ending to Dr. Sallee and all of the wonderful staff at Cherokee Hospital for Animals
Dana & Lynn Weaks
Belle
Hi! My name is Belle. Please let me tell you my story. Until recently I was all alone and very sick. I had almost given up until a wonderful lady found me. Thank goodness she did, because she took me to Cherokee Hospital for Animals just in time. Dr. Simpkins examined me as soon as I got there. After a few tests I was diagnosed with flea anemia and a few other illnesses as well. She told my new mom, (that by the way I think is the best mom in the world) how sick I was. Dr. Simpkins had mom take me to the Airport Pet Emergency Clinic for blood transfusions. Those fleas had almost sucked all the life out of me, and my blood had to be replaced a.s.a.p. After having my blood replaced I spent a few more days at Cherokee Hospital for Animals. When Mom picked me up to take me home I felt like a new kitty. Dr. Simpkins & Dr. Lapthorne said I have a ways to go, due to how sick I was, but I’m well on my way. One thankful kitty is what I am! I have a second chance at life with a new wonderful mom & some great doctors at Cherokee Hospital for Animals.
Belle & Mom (Linda Miller)
Rex Darnell
We wanted to share our story about our beloved four legged son, Rex. He was always a sweet loving pup and was always ready for adventure. That’s why it shocked us when he suddenly slowed down and quit eating.
We immediately took him to Cherokee Hospital for Animals to see Dr. Sallee to find out what was wrong with our son. After an exam Dr. Sallee told us that Rex had a heart murmur and needed to have further tests. We immediately agreed to do further testing. After Dr. Sallee did an ultrasound on his heart she told us that our son, Rex, was in congestive heart failure. We felt our hearts hit the floor; we were so scared that we were going to lose him. Dr. Sallee prescribed Rex some special medications to help his heart.
Within a week Rex was showing improvements. I knew that if it wasn’t for Dr. Sallee and the caring staff at Cherokee Hospital for Animals, Rex may not be with us today. We couldn’t thank them enough for the help, love, and compassion they showed for Rex. The time we have with Rex is even more precious now. We and Rex are once again ready for adventures!
Sherry & Tim Darnell
Kadiddle
"Kadiddle" suffered a rare injury to her spine. After treatment at the emergency pet clinic, Cherokee Hospital and then to UT Veterinarian hospital in Knoxville, she is now back home. We weren't sure she could live and her injury was severe enough that surgery was not an option. Giving her time to heal to reach her full capacity she is still with us. Though she has some problems getting around 100% she is able to to enjoy some quality of life. We are so thankful to all of you at Cherokee for the weeks that "Kadiddle" spent her recovery time with you . You took such good care of her! Thanks to Kevin and Swan for all your love and compassion and all the techs who helped, Dr. Sallee and Dr. Simpkins for their assistance and the entire staff at Cherokee .... Donna and her staff and all of you who so nicely kept us informed of her progress. We are so happy with the outcome and don't believe this would have been possible without Cherokee Hospital for Animals and their fine employees. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Sallee, Dr. Sirnpkins and the entire staff of Cherokee Hospital for their loving care for our cat, "Kadiddle".
Sincerely,
Lynda and Terry Widener
Steeler
Hello, I wanted to share a great story about my newest child. I recently adopted Steeler from a local animal shelter. It was love at first sight and our bond quickly grew strong. I became very concerned a few days after I brought Steeler home because he had developed a bad case of diarrhea. I immediately called and made him an appointment a Cherokee Hospital for Animals.
When I arrived the staff could see my concern over Steeler and were very comforting. I saw Dr. Sallee and she examined Steeler and ran a few tests to make sure nothing else was wrong with my baby. To my relief all of his tests came back normal and he was just a little dehydrated. Dr. Sallee gave him some fluids and gave us some medications to give at home to help clear up his diarrhea.
Just a few days later Steeler was back to his normal self. I feel so confident that Steeler was in the best care at Cherokee Hospital for Animals. I could not thank them enough for the sincerity that they showed towards Steeler and me while we were there. Steeler is now a happy addition to our family and loves playing with his brother Raider and I could not thank Dr. Sallee and her staff at Cherokee Hospital for Animals enough for all of their help in mending my dear baby boy.
Sincerely,
Collen Foster
Toby
Hi, my name is Amanda and this is my Toby. I took him to see Dr. Simpkins at Cherokee Hospital for Animals for his annual vaccines. While I was there I mentioned to the doctor that I had seen a small amount of blood in Toby’s urine. Dr. Simpkins sent out a comprehensive healthscreen and performed x-rays to help explain what may be causing the blood. The lab results revealed a large amount of crystals in his urine and x-rays showed several stones in his bladder. His were immediately scheduled for surgery to have the stones removed. Afterwards an analysis was run on the stones that were removed. Toby is now on a special diet to help prevent stones from forming again. I’m applying for veterinary school this year. Hopefully I will provide the same kind of loving and kind care for pets in the future like Toby received at Cherokee Hospital for Animals. Maybe one day I will be working there.
Amanda Pike
Jebo
Jebo is a dear part of my life. One morning I noticed Jebo had disappeared and I could not find him anywhere. I was so worried something bad had happened to him. A few days later he returned home but he wasn't acting like himself. He would not eat or drink anything. At first I thought he was just tired and needed rest. I soon realized he wasn’t just tired but very weak. It is amazing he was able to get home. I took him to Cherokee Hospital for Animals to see Dr. Simpkins. She performed x-rays, ultrasound & a series of lab work. He was hospitalized for 3 nights on IV fluids and medications. I honestly did not think he would be able to pull through. Knowing how sick he was I had prepared myself for the worst. I called every day to check on Jebo and after a few days Dr. Simpkins told me he was ready to return home. I’m so thankful to Dr. Simpkins and the staff @ Cherokee Hospital for Animals that Jebo is alive.
Bella Butler
Hi my name is Melissa & this is my girl Bella. I’m so proud of her that I wanted to share our story. We have tried many different diets but nothing seem to work.
Then Bella & I saw Dr. Lapthorne & Dr. Simpkins at Cherokee Hospital for Animals. They recommended a diet for Bella that worked great! She was put on a prescription food called R/d with some special fat free treats mixed in to help control her hunger. She is now at her perfect weight and wasn’t hungry and begging for food. I oouldn’t wait to tell our family & friends. Bella is our only child & an important part of all our family. Now we don’t have to worry about the serious medical issues caused by being overweight!
Melissa Butler
Bailey
Meet Bailey my little girl. I love her so much and wouldn’t know what to do without her. She came into my life as a stray. I took her to Cherokee Hospital for Animals to have vaccines and a check up. At her first exam a heartworm test was done with negative results reported. One year later with her annual exam and vaccines Dr. Simpkins repeated her heartworm test even though I had kept her on heartworm prevention. She explained to me this test is repeated yearly, therefore, being off for just a few days or more giving her prevention could leave her vulnerable to heartworm disease. Also, Bailey being a stray could have been bitten by an infected mosquito before she came into my life and may not have been long enough for the micorfilaria to show up on her first test. It can take up to
6-7 months after being bitten by a mosquito for positive test results to be shown. I was shocked when Dr. Simpkins came back into the room and told me her test was positive. My shock turned to fear, worry, and panic. I didn’t know how Bailey would handle the treatment and long confinement she would have to go through. But I knew she had tons of heart and was a survivor and would do her very best - she had to! Bailey was immediately started on heartworm treatment and did fine with each one. The heartworm test was repeated after her treatments and all the worms were gone with none of her organs affected. I was so excited and very grateful. Bailey is back and better than ever! Her activity level is great, running, playing with her brothers and chasing balls at the park. It meant a lot to have the support and follow up care for Bailey. We will never forget the kindness and compassion shown by Dr. Simpkins and the staff at Cherokee Hospital for Animals.
Brittany Pilon
Billie
My wonderful dog Billie was having difficulties after exercise. She was sore and unable to hop onto the bed or couch. According to Dr. Sallee her x-rays showed hip dysplasia. Billie’s favorite thing in the world is a tennis ball. She loves to chase them on land or in the water. She is a very special part of our family and it pained us to see her discomfort. Dr. Sallee recommended feeding her science diet j/d prescription food. She started eating it at two years of age. She is now almost nine years old and starting to show some signs of soreness after ball chasing. The help she received at Cherokee Hospital for Animals helped her to live a pain free life, full of exercise, for many years. She was in far better shape at age five with the help of her prescription food than she was at age two without. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of my visit to Cherokee Hospital for Animals, and neither could she.
Kevin Reid
Squeak
We found her in the backyard under our deck she would not even cry. After taking her inside I realized she couldn’t use her back legs. Our furry child was paralyzed! We both thought we were going to lose her. We did not know if she had broken her back or what had happen. We were devastated.
Upon arrival at Cherokee Hospital for Animals she was taken back to the hospital and stabilized. Dr. Simpkins took x-rays & hospitalized Squeak. She had multiple calcified disc spaces. After several nights in the hospital on iv medications we were able to take her home. Seeing her walking again we feel is truly a miracle.
We are ecstatically thankful for the care, patience, and positive support that Squeak & us as her parents received from the entire staff during her sickness and recovery.
Mindy & Keith Herrin
In the hospital
2 weeks later
