Ah, it's so nice to see that the friendly neighborhood "mom and pop" vet's office is alive and well. The first vet I took my dog to see was in an impressive building that resembled a fancy people hospital and the staff were professional, but I'd come in for an initial visit to just introduce my little pup to the place so she'd be familiar when the shots etc. needed to be done. I had been lured by a discount coupon for a routine exam, which I received, but that led to a series of mildly alarmist recommendations which resulted in additional tests and treatment. By the time I left, what I thought would cost $40 ended up costing $225! That may just be business these days, but as I thought about it later I couldn't help feeling a little taken. So what a relief it was to find Maple Small Animal Clinic in my neighborhood. It's the opposite of the first clinic -- homey, familial, inextravagant -- except that the staff are just as professional (though more naturally so, perhaps), with the three doctors there setting the example: knowledgeable, dedicated, approachable, and understanding. Dr, Zeller spent a good amount of time with me and my pup in each of our visits, always a patient listener and explainer. You can tell my pup is completely comfortable about visiting, as though she senses that it's a safe place for her. And of course I have never once felt taken there. Even in an "emergency" when my pup swallowed a large bone and I had a moment of parental panic, the doctors took her in right away, did a quick exam, and reassured me -- then charged me only for the special food ($6) I had to feed her for a couple of days. That is the sort of conduct that only comes from people who truly care about the interests/well-being of their customers/patients, a disappointingly infrequent occurrence as you can see from my first experience. Even after I move to the other side of town next month I will continue to bring my dog to Maple Small Animal Clinic.