Caring Hands Animal Hospital

So,, If I may,,, I want to share my day with you when I took my cat of 13 yrs to this Location----.
We have/had a beautiful Black and White Maine Coon cat that was showing some breathing problems this morning...bundled him up and hurried to the Vet ---(-been using this Vet office for over 10 yrs and no more than 5 minutes from the house)-- hoping that It wasn't to early in the day for Muffin to be seen...it was about 9ish am

Walked into a clear waiting area--- and explained my concern to the "receptionist" that my cat is having Labored Breathing and I need for him to be seen---
His response to me was--We're booked today and you might want to go to the U of I Vet School to have him check out----I told him that I need /want Muffin to seen now ---and he said "SORRY we are booked for the day ---and that the U Of I Vet School is not all that far to get to" ---and proceeded to give me directions-----
-That office would not even take 5 minutesof time to even look at Muffin to see if he could make the trip across town----to the U of I Vet School
I was dumbfounded------and left in tears with poor Muffin breathing heavier than just 5 minutes prior ----
Sooo, sadly to say -----never was able to get over to the U Of I ----Muffin passed in my car----------

So---reason for this review----

If you have a pet that needs shots,,,flea treatments or just a special diet need ,feel comfortable that this location will take care of you---But,, if you should need help when your pet is in distress---DON"T go there-----
'cause they'll not make the time for you and your pet ---and most likely send you to the U of I 's Vet School....

If I would of known I would have been dismissed with my concerns for my cat well being----I sure the heck would have gone to the U Of I first-----and not wasted my time or stressed out my cat more than needed to by going to this "Vet's Office"

R.I.P. Muffin

And this Vet is called" Caring Hands" ?

Dr. Curt Thurman is thorough in his exams and explanations. He gives the animals and clients the time it needs. He offers treatment options but does not push the expensive alternatives. He is willing to refer to the U of I for specialty problems. He is very compassionate and helpful with end of life decisions.

PROS: Great animal handling and vet care. Explanations are thorough
CONS: After hours calls are referred to an animal emergency clinic