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On Wednesday of next week we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic. Originally under the sign “Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Office,” Dr. Douglas Gates opened the doors of the Clinic on April 27, 1981, at 1907 State Road. After spending a number of weeks converting an old house into a two-exam room, two-floor clinic with medicine and surgery on the main floor and kennels in the basement, and doing all of the things it takes to make a new business presentable, three pets were cared for on that first day, and what a start it was!
Since that April ’81 opening, the Clinic has grown in clientele, patient count, staff and services offered. During the ’80’s, Clinic radiographs were developed by hand, pharmacy labels were made with a typewriter, the only heartworm preventive was a daily chewable tablet, lab results were phoned in and flea dips were a regular part of the day. Today, we have our radiograph results within seconds to minutes, a complete software system manages our pharmacy labels, there is a six-month heartworm preventive option, lab results are posted online for us and because of good, safe flea control treatments, we haven’t dipped a dog or cat in years! Times have changed, but our commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients has not.
In 1999 the Clinic was relocated to its present location to have more space (and have one floor as opposed to two floors and stairs!) for all that we wanted to provide for our patients and owners. Then in 2005, a second doctor was added to keep Dr. Gates from spreading himself too thin! It helped that this new veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Gates, was familiar with the ins and outs of the Clinic.
We are very thankful for all of the good pet-owners of Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, Peninsula, Akron, Bath, Tallmadge, Kent and all of our surrounding communities. And would you believe we still have owners who plan their veterinary visits around their trips to visit local family when coming from Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte and Lexington? “Blessed” is the word we use describe our circumstances over the years with our clients and patients. Dr. Gates’ original goal of providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary care is still our goal today, and we enjoy partnering with our patients’ owners in delivering this care.
With thirty years now behind us, we’re looking forward to the next thirty years. Yes, there will be some changes (Dr. Gates never dreamed of monthly heartworm preventive or maintaining an informative blog in 1981), but our commitment to excellence will not change. Thank you for being a part of Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic over the years!
