COMPANION ANIMAL CLINIC

My husband and I have been taking all of our animals to Companion for three years. While the reception and support staff is very friendly, Dr. Penney herself seems to speak to my husband and I rather condescendingly. For example, my cat has a hyperthyoid condition and had lost some weight, which was why I brought her there. Dr. Penney asked me "Didn't you realize she had lost weight? That's a sign that something is wrong." (I do believe that was why I brought her there in the first place?)
On 6/25/14 We took our dog to Companion Animal after he vomited a sock. After a extremely brief examination by Dr. Penny, she told us that he needed Lyme boosters. How were we supposed to know that our dog was supposed to have Lyme boosters? That is very reason why we take our to a veterinarian-because we look for guidance on how to keep our pets healthy. It seems as though our time with the Doctor is rushed and we feel scolded for not taking our animals in often enough. Sorry, but we are not neglectful pet owners! Furthermore, our dog just got out of emergency surgery due to an obstructed bowel. X-rays were taken at Companion Animal clinic, but Dr. Penney was unsure if he had unobstructed bowel or not, because not every foreign object will show up on an X-ray. I understand that. What I do not understand is why she did not feel his abdomen. All she could say was "He might have an obstruction, but if he stops vomiting over the night, has a bowel movement at home, he will fine and will not need surgery." She sent our dog home with stomach soothing pills and antibiotics. He did seem to improve that night and the next day andhad a bowel movement so my husband and I thought that the obstruction was cleared. I called Companion's office, reported his improved symptoms and was told that he should be fine.
The day AFTER that, he took a dramatic turn for the worse and started to vomit bile. I knew something wasn't right, so we took him to the Emergency Veterinarianary Clinic in Lewiston. The Doctor on site felt his stomach as was very certain of a diagnosis. Their X-ray image was like comparing a tin-type photogragrah with a digital one. It clearly showed an obstruction and surgery was done right away. Consquently, my dog almost died. I credit the Emergency Veterinarianary Clinic for saving his life and we will be taking our animals elsewhere for their regular care from now on.