Treating Your Pets Like Family Since 1999

“During the summer of 2008, my Golden Retriever puppy, Champ, was viciously attacked by a large dog resulting in injuries to both rear legs and upper body. Deep wounds covered Champ’s legs, neck and chest, and he was bleeding profusely. Champ was rushed to GLPE and was examined by Dr. Matt Bullock. The staff worked to stabilize Champ, administered medication to ease his pain, and offered words of encouragement, especially to me. Despite his perilous predicament, Champ wagged his tail at anyone who approached the examining table, still trying to make new friends. Champ’s X-rays revealed very bad and disheartening news. The left rear leg was so badly fractured and the bite wounds so deep that Champ would need specialized orthopedic surgery to have a chance at recovery. Dr. Bullock explained, however, that the surgery came with significant risks including the chance of serious infection after the operation, a prolonged recovery, and no guarantee the procedure would be successful. The cost of the surgery would be high, and not something I could afford. One other option remained; Champ’s leg could be amputated. Dr. Bullock explained that amputations can be done at Great Lakes, and most pets go on to lead happy, healthy lives with a much shorter recovery time. At first, I was hesitant to even think of amputating my puppy’s leg. Would he ever run and play normally? Could he ever be happy with just three legs? Was I doing the right thing for him? The staff was very helpful, sharing stories of pets treated at the clinic that had lost a limb and later made a full recovery. Their reassurance and enthusiasm helped me to make one of the toughest decisions that I have ever had to make. To this day I know it was the right one. That evening Dr. Bullock spent over two hours in surgery removing Champ’s leg and suturing his puncture wounds. Champ was released the next night and began his recovery at home. Within no time, Champ began behaving like a normal 3-month old puppy, racing around like the Champ of old; in fact it was hard to keep him quiet! Today Champ is a beautiful, adult Golden Retriever that one hardly notices has a disability. Like other dogs and their owners, he and I jog together, play fetch, and take regular walks. And Champ still can catch a Frisbee with the best of them. Most people we meet find it hard to believe that Champ is disabled, and I know he doesn’t notice either. Champ and I want to thank Great Lakes Pet Emergencies and their entire staff for the excellent medical care and kindness showed to both of us during our ordeal. Without all of you Champ would not have survived.”
- Jennifer Bender

“Well Born”
“My name is Eugene and I am a true survivor. I was abandoned as a baby kitten in a construction zone. I was suddenly lost and scared and very sick. One day, I stumbled into traffic and hid under a stopped car at a light. A couple driving by saw me and rescued me. The woman said as she carried me back to their car, “I don’t know if he can be saved, he’s very hurt.” They rushed me through town to get to Great Lakes Pet Emergencies. The veterinary technician who looked at me noted my temperature was very low and my vitals not very strong. Dr Spencer, the veterinarian who took care of me, explained to my rescuers that I was starving and also covered with matted blood and “sawdust maggots” and that a huge bump that had grown into a sore on my neck had a botfly larva inside! They would need to operate to take it out. Despite how badly I was injured, she felt that I could be saved. Dr Spencer had to put me under and operated to take out the huge larva that was taking my life away. She said it was the biggest she had ever seen! She cleaned off the maggots and removed the asphalt stuck in my paws. I was washed and dried and when I woke up, they gave me good food. It was the first time I had eaten in a very long time… Rosanne and Umberto – my rescuers - were waiting for me with a large blanket and a new carrier to take me home with them. They cared for me as I got better, keeping my wound clean, giving me antibiotics, and feeding me often. Their other two cats don’t spend a lot of time with me, but their dog Emi loves me and lets me sleep with her. My new people named me Eugene, which means “c” - It fits because I was very lucky to be found that day. I’ve been safe and happy ever since!”

“In 2002, we adopted Romeo from Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan, a volunteer organization that finds homes for homeless or displaced Goldens. We had Romeo for 6 months when he made his first trip to Great Lakes on June 21, 2003. When I brought him in his head was parallel to the ground and it was difficult for him to stand. He was diagnosed with vestibular disease. Fortunately, Dr. Jodie Spencer and the staff at Great Lakes brought him through the ordeal with no noticeable problems and a full recovery. His latest visit was Thanksgiving 2009, which was truly a giving of thanks. Romeo started vomiting and we couldn’t get it stopped. I talked to another veterinarian and was told to take him to an emergency facility immediately. Dr. JoLynne Grant at Great Lakes took x-rays that showed Romeo’s stomach was twisted, a certain death sentence without surgery. Due to the excellent care that he received Romeo is still alive, and is his usual self, which means sticking to me like Velcro. I want to thank all of you for the excellent care that Romeo received while at Great Lakes. Because of you he is still with us, and able to be the big lovable boy he has always been. If it weren’t for Great Lakes Pet Emergencies, Romeo wouldn’t be here today. Sincerely,”
- Bob McAlester

“Lu Lu, our daughter’s beagle, became sick almost one week after our Sun-Nee’s stay at Great Lakes. We were dog sitting when he began vomiting and developed pain in his groin. Like Sun-Nee, we brought Lu to Great Lakes for care. After x-rays and an ultrasound were performed, it was found that Lu had an intestinal blockage and possible hernia. Immediate surgery was required. During surgery, Dr. Matt Bullock found that part of Lu’s intestine had become trapped by a hernia and a portion of the intestine had died. Consequently, Lu had to have twelve inches of his intestine removed. Thanks to Great Lakes Lu is now on the mend and acting like a happy Beagle again. We would like to thank Great Lakes as well as a special thank you from Virginia Moore, Lu’s mom.”
- Virginia, Clarence, and Gloria Moore

“Sun-Nee was taken to Great Lakes Pet Emergencies in April 2010 due to severe vomiting that started in the early morning hours. Sun-Nee couldn’t keep any food or water down. The staff at Great Lakes took x-rays and performed bloodwork and determined that Sun-Nee had a full, distended colon. Sun-Nee was admitted at Great Lakes and put on IV fluids to prevent her from becoming dehydrated. Dr. Connie Hatchard administered several enemas while she was there to help with her discomfort. Gladly, after two days in the hospital we were able to take her home with us. Thanks to everyone at Great Lakes Pet Emergencies for taking care of our baby! Sincerely,”
- Clarence and Gloria Moore

“We would like to thank the veterinarians and staff of GLPE for saving our dog, Girlie, and her six puppies. Girlie is our Brussels Griffon who was due to give birth the week before Memorial Day 2010. As Girlie’s labor began, her breathing became more and more labored and she began to deteriorate rapidly. As time went on, it became clear that Girlie’s condition was slowly worsening and we had to act quickly to save her and her pups. If anything were to take Girlie from us, our while family would be devastated. We were all so scared. The decision was made to bring her to you immediately, and we’re so glad we did. Girlie had an emergency cesarean section performed by Dr. Grant and not only did she survive, but all six puppies came through with flying colors as well. Our family wants to thank you so much for what you did for Girlie and us. You went above and beyond both in her surgery and her care afterward. We feel very blessed. Thank you again so very much,”
- Brenda, Brett, Mike, and Emmabelle (Girlie) Moeller

“Our relationship with the doctors and the staff of Great Lakes Pet Emergency began several years ago with our first yorkie, Nikki. Thanks to emergency surgery performed at Great Lakes when Nikki was twelve he lived to have a full life until the age of sixteen.

The picture you see here is our current family of yorkies who have all had the opportunity to meet and experience the level of care provided by Great Lakes.

Our pets are family to us and because there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for them, there isn’t any place we would take them in an emergency other than Great Lakes. The care and compassion with which the entire staff at Great Lakes performs their jobs far exceeds anything we have experienced through normal veterinary channels. If at any time Great Lakes began to offer routine veterinary care, we would, without hesitation, utilize them for all of our pets needs. We truly and honestly have that much confidence in their abilities.

Please know that if you are reading this we have been where you are now and that you can take comfort in knowing that your pet is receiving the absolute best care that is available.

Sincerely and forever grateful to the staff at Great Lakes Pet Emergency,”
- Jim and Julie Gorzinski

“Life Saver”
“Teddy started out his life living in a barn on a cow farm. GLPE adopted him from a rescue in 2001. He is our most affectionate cat and will curl up in any open lap he can find. When not snuggling with our clients he can be found begging for cat treats and gold fish crackers from our staff."

“Life Saver”
“Hermione came from a rescue to GLPE in 2005. She is very independent and vocal- “talking” to everyone. Sleeping in our drawers and cabinets is her favorite thing to do. She loves to entertain clients by opening and closing the cupboard doors by herself; coming and going as she pleases. Hermione’s long hair requires lots of brushing, which she hates. Hermione has a special blood type that is rare in cats, making her an excellent donor for hard to match patients”

“Life Saver”
“Leo was 6 months old when he came to live at GLPE. He was found by one of our staff members abandoned inside an apartment after his owners were evicted. He had been living in the apartment for nearly a week with no food or water when he was rescued. As Leo has grown he has become our “wild child” and enjoys chasing his best friend Teddy around and causing general mischief anywhere he can find. His favorite hobby is chasing birds that are flying by the window. Leo has saved many lives by donating his blood to our critical feline patients.”